How do I register with CIPC?

Register as a Customer

Create a new Customer Code

To be able to transact with CIPC, you need to register as a customer on our website. Once registered, a virtual account is created in your name.

  1. Click here to create a customer code and password.
  2. Click on “Customer Registration”.
  3. Indicate if you have a South African green barcoded ID document or smart card. (Yes/No)
  4. If Yes, complete the ID number and Surname and click on Continue.  If you do not have an ID number, complete your password number.
  5. Complete the required fields and click on Register.  Please note that the Surname, Name(s0 and ID/Passport Number will be pre-populated on this screen.  All compulsory fields are indicated with an asterisk.
  6. The fields will be verified. If there is any problem or missing information, an error message will display in red, indicating what is required. Correct the fields as indicated and click on “Register” again.
  7. If the registration was successful, the following message will display: “CUSTOMER CODE REGISTERED!
    Your new CIPC customer code has been sent to your cellphone and email address. Click continue below to change your password. Customer Code: X1234.”
    Click on Continue.
  8. A message will display, indicating that your new CIPC customer code has been sent to your cell phone and email address.  Click on continue to change your password. 
  9. On the next screen, most fields are pre-populated.  Complete the security question, and type in a password.  Re-type the password for verification purposes.  Check the pre-populated fields and update if any information need to change.  Click on Update.
  10. A message will display indicating that your customer details have been updated, and that your CIPC customer login details have been sent to your email and cellphone.  Click on Continue.
  11. The landing page of the transactional website will be displayed.  Click on the relevant button to transact.

Registering as a customer is a once-off process. Keep your customer code and password secure to use for all transactions.

  • In order to transact, click on On-line transacting, and choose the relevant transaction.
  • If you wish to proceed with customer registration click here.

Registering your Company

Name Reservation

In terms of the Companies Act, 2008, a for profit company (e.g. private company) may be registered with or without a company name while a not for profit company must have a name. When a company is registered without a reserved name, its registration number automatically becomes the company name with (South Africa) as the suffix. This is the quickest way to register a company.

In terms of the Companies Act, 2008, a for profit company (e.g. private company) may be registered with or without a company name while a not for profit company must have a name. When a company is registered without a reserved name, its registration number automatically becomes the company name with (South Africa) as the suffix. This is the quickest way to register a company.

Such a company may transact with a trading (business) name, or may apply to add a reserved name at a later stage. In this case, the company will need to first reserve a name and then apply for a name change, which constitutes a change to its Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) (refer to  Maintain a Business).

If your initial name reservation application is not approved, you will need to apply for new names. You may apply for between 1 and 4 names during each application process. Each name reservation application costs R50 and since it is regarded as a filing fee and not an administrative fee, it is not refundable. It is advised that a free Trade Mark search and browser search (using your preferred browser Google or Chrome etc) to confirm the use of your proposed name before submitting such as part of your name reservation application.

Your name reservation application is only registered or reserved upon written confirmation from CIPC in the form of a CoR9.4.  The name reservation is valid for 6 months during which period you must have used it on a company or co-operative registration or a change to a company or close corporation name.

Available Platforms for name reservations:

 Click here for step by step guide for name reservation via New E-Services.

Click here for the Frequently Asked Questions.

Click here for the CIPC service standards.  Service Standard is dependent on payment for the transaction being made. 

Click here to log an enquiry (only after the indicated service standard has lapsed).

 Extension of Reserved Name

A reserved name will continue to be valid for a period of 6 months from the date of approval but it can be extended on application together with the prescribed fee of R30, by the person who submitted the name reservation for a period of 60 business days at a time.

The approved or reserved name can only be extended within the month prior to its expiry date and once the reserved name has expired, the same cannot be extended.

 Available platform:

 Transfer of Reserved Name

Only a person under which the name has been reserved can transfer the reserved name to the other person by filing a signed notice of the transfer together with the prescribed fee. Thus a transfer of the reserved name can only be transferred from Customer Code under which the name has been reserved to another Customer Code. 

A reserved name can only be transferred while still within the stated validity period and once the name has expired, the name cannot be extended.

NB:  Transfer of the reserved name does not result in the reserved name validity period being extended (the original validity period applies just assigned to another customer code) or a company name change.

Company Registrations

There are five types of companies that you can register.  If you wish to run a franchise business, you would register a private company.  If you wish to register a church, you would register a non-profit company.  A private school could be registered as a private company or non-profit company, depending on its objectives.  An association of professionals such as lawyers, doctors, civil engineers etc, may be registered as a personal liability company.  For personal liability companies, it is recommended that you consult the relevant regulatory or registration authority of such profession to confirm the type of company registration required

A company registration may vary between R125 and R475 (R125 for a private company, R475 for a non-profit company registered without members).

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: