Registering a company in South Africa is more affordable than most people think — but the total cost depends on several factors: the type of company, whether you use a registration service or go direct to CIPC, and what extras you need (like a tax number or bank account introduction).
This guide breaks down every cost you need to know so you are not hit with surprises.
What Does CIPC Charge?
CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) is the government body that registers companies in South Africa. Their direct fees are relatively low — but navigating the process yourself can be confusing and time-consuming.
| Service | CIPC Direct Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name Reservation | R50 | 1–3 days |
| Private Company (PTY Ltd) Registration | R125–R175 | 5–10 business days |
| Non-Profit Company (NPC) | R175 | 5–10 business days |
| Close Corporation (CC) | R125 | 5–10 business days |
| Annual Return Filing | R100–R450 | Immediate |
Important: The CIPC direct fees look cheap, but you also need an eFiling account and to navigate their system correctly. Most first-timers encounter delays, name rejections, or document errors that extend the process to 2–4 weeks.
Using a Registration Service: What It Costs
Most SA entrepreneurs use a registration service because it is faster, simpler, and the agent handles all CIPC communication. Here is how the market compares:
| Provider | PTY Ltd Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| CIPC Direct (DIY) | R175 | 5–10 business days |
| BizPortal (government) | R125–R175 | 5–10 business days |
| CompanyPartners | R880 | 1 day |
| SwiftReg | From R490 | 48 hours |
| GovChain | R950 | Varies |
| CompRegSA | R1,499 | 24–48 hours |
CompRegSA’s Standard PTY package at R1,499 includes CIPC filing, name reservation, MOI certificate, your SARS Income Tax number, a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate and a B-BBEE Affidavit — not just a bare registration.
Full Cost Breakdown by Company Type
| Company Type | CompRegSA Price | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| PTY (Ltd) — Starter | R799 | CIPC filing, registration certificate, SARS tax number, WhatsApp support |
| PTY (Ltd) — Standard | R1,499 | Starter + SARS Tax Clearance + B-BBEE Affidavit |
| PTY Ltd — Premium (Tender Package) | R4,999 | Standard + CSD registration + bank account intro + letterhead & stamp — tender-ready |
| Non-Profit Company (NPC) | R1,799 | CIPC NPC filing, MOI, Section 21 designation |
| SARS Tax Number Only | R499 | Income tax registration + eFiling setup |
| VAT Registration | R3,500 | Full SARS VAT vendor registration + follow-ups, VAT201 setup |
| CSD Registration | R600 | National Treasury Central Supplier Database, MAAA number — required for government tenders |
| BEE Affidavit | R350 | Commissioner-certified, valid for tenders and contracts |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When comparing registration services, check whether these are included or extra:
- Company name search / reservation fee — should always be included
- Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) — required for PTY Ltd; not all services include it
- SARS tax registration — often sold separately
- Bank account opening assistance — usually an add-on
- Annual return filing — due every year; budget R100–R450 per year
Pro tip: For most new businesses the Standard package at R1,499 is the best value — it bundles the registration, your SARS tax number, a Tax Clearance Certificate and a B-BBEE Affidavit. If you plan to bid for government or corporate tenders, the Premium Tender Package (R4,999) adds CSD registration and a business bank account introduction so you are ready to tender from day one.
PTY Ltd vs Sole Proprietor — Cost Comparison
The cheapest option is a Sole Proprietor — but it comes with full personal liability. A PTY Ltd gives you legal separation between you and your business, which is worth the extra cost.
| Sole Proprietor | PTY Ltd | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Cost (CompRegSA) | R799 | R1,499 |
| Personal Liability | Yes — full risk | No — protected |
| Business bank account | Limited | Yes |
| Credibility for tenders | Lower | Higher |
| Annual Returns Required | No | Yes (R100–R450/yr) |
Ongoing Annual Compliance Costs
Registration is once-off, but running a registered company has recurring requirements:
- Annual Return to CIPC: R100–R450 per year (based on company turnover)
- SARS tax submissions: Budget R500–R2,000/year if using an accountant
- VAT returns (if VAT registered): Monthly or bi-monthly filing
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Is it cheaper to register directly at CIPC?
The CIPC fee is lower (R175), but doing it yourself risks errors, name rejections, and delays. Most people spend 1–3 weeks on the process. A registration service costs more upfront but gets it done in 24–48 hours with no stress.
How much does a PTY Ltd cost to register in South Africa?
If you go DIY via CIPC: approximately R175 plus your time. Via CompRegSA: R799 for the Starter package (registration + SARS tax number), R1,499 for Standard (adds Tax Clearance and a B-BBEE Affidavit), or R4,999 for the Premium Tender Package (adds CSD registration and a business bank account introduction).
Does the registration cost include a tax number?
Yes. Every CompRegSA Pty Ltd package — from the R799 Starter up — includes your SARS Income Tax number. If you already have a company and only need the tax number, you can add it on its own for R499.