How Much Is CAC Registration in Nigeria?

    In Nigeria, registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is a critical step for any entrepreneur or organization seeking legal recognition and operational legitimacy. Established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 1990, the CAC oversees the registration of business names, limited liability companies, and incorporated trustees (NGOs), ensuring compliance with national regulations. As of March 31, 2025, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of CAC registration costs in Nigeria, covering various business types, associated fees, the registration process, and practical insights to help you budget effectively and navigate the system with ease.

    Current CAC Registration Costs in Nigeria

    The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration fees in Nigeria depend on the type of entity being registered—Business Name, Private or Public Limited Liability Company (LTD or PLC), or Incorporated Trustees (NGOs). Other factors, such as share capital for companies and additional administrative expenses, also affect the overall cost. Below is a breakdown of the official registration fees based on the latest CAC guidelines.

    1. Business Name Registration

    • Official Filing Fee: ₦10,000

    • Name Reservation: ₦500

    • Total Base Cost: ₦10,500

    This is the most affordable and straightforward option, ideal for sole proprietorships and partnerships.

    2. Private Limited Liability Company (LTD)

    • Name Reservation: ₦500

    • Filing Fee (for up to ₦1 million share capital): ₦10,000

    • Additional Share Capital Fees:

      • ₦1 million – ₦500 million: ₦5,000 per ₦1 million (or part thereof)

      • Above ₦500 million: ₦7,500 per ₦1 million (or part thereof)

    • Stamp Duty: 0.75% of share capital (e.g., ₦7,500 for ₦1 million share capital)

    • Total Base Cost (for ₦1 million share capital): ₦18,000 – ₦20,000

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    This structure is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need a separate legal identity.

    3. Public Limited Liability Company (PLC)

    • Name Reservation: ₦500

    • Filing Fee (for up to ₦1 million share capital): ₦20,000

    • Additional Share Capital Fees:

      • ₦1 million – ₦500 million: ₦10,000 per ₦1 million (or part thereof)

      • Above ₦500 million: ₦15,000 per ₦1 million (or part thereof)

    • Stamp Duty: 0.75% of share capital

    • Total Base Cost (for ₦1 million share capital): ₦28,000 – ₦30,000

    This structure is designed for larger businesses planning to raise capital from the public.

    4. Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, Religious Organizations, Foundations)

    • Official Filing Fee: ₦30,000 – ₦40,000

    • Name Reservation: ₦500

    • Publication Costs (for newspaper announcement): ₦15,000 – ₦25,000

    • Total Base Cost: ₦45,000 – ₦65,000

    This category applies to non-profit organizations with social, religious, or educational objectives.

    5. Additional Fees

    Apart from registration fees, there are other costs associated with CAC registration:

    • Certified True Copies (CTC): ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 per document

    • Annual Returns Filing: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 (varies by entity type)

    • Professional Service Fees (if using an agent): ₦10,000 – ₦50,000, depending on complexity

    • Bank Charges (e.g., Remita processing fees): ₦1,500 – ₦2,000

    While these are the base fees set by CAC, additional expenses such as legal documentation, consultancy fees, and logistics may increase the overall cost. It’s always best to confirm the latest fees before proceeding with your business registration.

    Several variables impact the final cost of CAC registration. We detail them below:

    • Entity Type: Business names are cheapest, while companies and NGOs incur higher fees due to share capital or compliance requirements.
    • Share Capital: For companies, higher capital increases filing and stamp duty costs incrementally.
    • Economic Conditions: With the naira at ₦1,600 – ₦1,700 per USD and 25% inflation in 2025, imported processing tools and operational costs indirectly raise fees.
    • Agent Involvement: Accredited agents or lawyers charge extra for convenience, typically ₦15,000 – ₦40,000, depending on the service scope.
    • Location: Urban centers like Lagos may see slightly higher agent fees or delivery costs compared to rural areas.
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    Steps to Register with CAC

    We outline the standard process to give context to the costs:

    1. Name Reservation:
      • Visit the CAC portal (https://www.cac.gov.ng), check name availability, and reserve it for ₦500. Takes 24-48 hours for approval.
    2. Form Completion:
      • Fill out forms (e.g., CAC-BN01 for business names, CAC 1.1 for companies) with details like business nature, address, and ownership.
    3. Payment:
      • Pay official fees online via Remita or at designated banks. Retain receipts.
    4. Document Upload:
      • Submit scanned IDs (e.g., NIN, passport), signatures, and other required documents (e.g., Memorandum of Association for companies).
    5. Certificate Issuance:
      • Upon approval (3-14 days), collect your certificate digitally or physically from a CAC office.

    For NGOs, additional steps include publishing names in newspapers and submitting minutes of meetings, inflating costs and timelines.

    Where to Register and Associated Costs

    We highlight registration options:

    • CAC Portal (DIY):
      • Cost: Official fees only (₦10,500 – ₦65,000, depending on entity)
      • Benefit: Cheapest, but requires tech savvy and time.
    • Accredited Agents:
      • Cost: ₦25,000 – ₦100,000 (including official fees)
      • Benefit: Hassle-free, ideal for complex registrations like companies or NGOs.
    • Physical CAC Offices:
      • Locations: Lagos, Abuja, Kano, etc.
      • Cost: Official fees plus travel expenses.
      • Benefit: Direct support, though slower.

    CAC Registration vs. Other Requirements

    We clarify how CAC fees fit into broader business setup costs:

    • CAC Registration: ₦10,500 – ₦65,000 (one-time, base cost)
    • Tax Identification Number (TIN): Free via FIRS or state IRS, but mandatory post-registration.
    • Business Permits: Varies by industry (e.g., ₦50,000+ for PoS operators), separate from CAC.

    Tips to Minimize CAC Registration Costs

    We offer actionable strategies:

    • DIY Online: Use the CAC portal to avoid agent fees, saving ₦10,000 – ₦40,000.
    • Early Filing: Avoid penalties (e.g., ₦5,000+ for late annual returns) by registering promptly.
    • Bulk Discounts: Some agents offer lower rates for multiple registrations.
    • Accurate Submission: Prevent rejection fees by double-checking documents.
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    Economic Context: CAC Fees in 2025

    With Nigeria’s economic challenges—naira depreciation and inflation—CAC fees have risen modestly from ₦8,000 – ₦10,000 for business names in 2023. Past initiatives, like the 2018 reduction to ₦5,000 for 90 days, are unlikely in 2025 due to fiscal pressures, though the CAC occasionally offers promotional waivers (check their site for updates).

    Conclusion: What You’ll Pay for CAC Registration

    So, how much is CAC registration in Nigeria? As of March 2025, costs range from ₦10,500 for a basic business name to ₦20,000 – ₦65,000 for companies and NGOs, excluding professional fees that can push totals to ₦100,000+. These fees grant legal status, credibility, and access to opportunities like loans and contracts. Whether you opt for the DIY route or hire an agent, understanding these costs ensures you plan effectively for your business’s launch in Nigeria’s dynamic market.

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