The basic steps to register a company under the Companies Act of 2008 at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) involves certain forms and supporting documentation that must be lodged and the accompanied fees paid.

The steps

The first step in registering a new company is optional. A CoR9.1 form must be completed and lodged with the CIPC in order to reserve a name for the company to be registered. However, the Act does make provision for a company to be registered without a name. The company registration number will then be the name of the company until such time as the company properly registers a name. A certified copy of the identity document of the applicant must be submitted as supporting documentation with this form and a filing fee is payable.

The next step is to complete and lodge the CoR14.1 Notice of Incorporation form together with the CoR15.1 Memorandum of Incorporation.

The Notice of Incorporation specifically contains information regarding the type of company to be registered, the incorporation date, financial year end, registered address, number of directors and the company name if applicable. A certified copy of the identity document of the applicant must be submitted as supporting documentation and a filing fee is payable. A CoR14.1A form contains specific information about the directors of the company who will be appointed at registration, and this form must be lodged together with the Cor14.1. Certified copies of the identity documents of all directors to be appointed must be submitted as supporting documentation. An optional form CoR14.1D may be lodged together with the CoR14.1, which indicates any company appointments to be registered with the CIPC, such as a company secretary or auditor.

The Memorandum of Incorporation is probably the most important document when registering a company, since the provisions contained herein will govern the company. It can be short and simple, or long and extremely technical, depending on what type of company is being registered. In this regard, it is best to seek professional advice. The supporting documentation and filing fees applicable will depend on what type of Memorandum of Incorporation is being registered.

If an auditor or company secretary is appointed at registration as contained in the CoR14.1D, a CoR44 form must also be completed and submitted. No filing fee is payable for this form. An original acceptance letter and certified copy of the identity document of the auditor or company secretary must be submitted as supporting documentation. 

The CoR21.1 Notice of Registered Address must be completed with the particulars of the registered address of the company. Again a certified copy of the identity document of the applicant must be submitted as supporting documentation, but no filing fee is payable.

Once all the necessary forms and supporting documentation has been submitted and applicable fees paid, the CIPC will issue a Registration Certificate form CoR14.3 if it is satisfied that all provisions in the Act has been satisfied.

Any changes to the information placed on record at the CIPC at the original registration of the company, must be registered without delay and on the proper forms and possible payment of applicable filing fees.