How to Register a Business in Nigeria: A Plain-Language Guide for 2026

You want to run a proper business in Nigeria, great. Registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is how you make it official. And while the process used to require endless trips to Abuja or an expensive lawyer, it’s now mostly online.

Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.

Why Register at All?

A registered business gives you credibility with clients, lets you open a proper business bank account, protects your business name, and is often required to work with larger companies or bid for contracts.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

For most service businesses, you have two realistic options:

Structure	Best For	Cost	Time
Business Name	Sole traders, freelancers, small businesses	~₦10,000–15,000	3–5 days
Private Limited Company (Ltd)	Teams, those seeking investment, corporate clients	~₦30,000–60,000	7–14 days

Step 2: Search for Your Business Name

Before anything else, check that your desired name is available. Go to search.cac.gov.ng and search for your proposed name. You can reserve a name for 60 days while you complete the process.

Step 3: Create an Account on the CAC Portal

Go to pre.cac.gov.ng and create an account. You’ll need a valid email address and phone number. This portal handles all registrations online.

Step 4: Complete the Registration Form

Fill in your business details, including the proposed name, nature of business, registered address, and details of proprietors (for business name) or directors and shareholders (for Ltd company).

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

You’ll typically need to upload a government-issued ID for each owner or director. For a limited company, you’ll also need a memorandum and articles of Association, the CAC portal provides standard templates.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fees

Fees are paid through the portal via Remita. Keep your payment confirmation, you’ll need it to track your application.

Step 7: Track and Receive Your Certificate

Processing typically takes 3–14 days depending on the structure. You can track your application on the portal. Once approved, you’ll receive your Certificate of Registration digitally.

After Registration

Once registered, your next steps are: opening a business bank account, applying for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the FIRS, and getting any industry-specific permits your business requires.

Tip: Keep all your registration documents in a single folder, both digital and physical copies. You will be asked for them often, especially when dealing with banks or enterprise clients.

How startbuddi Can Help

startbuddi’s Formation Tracker guides you through the entire registration process, stores your documents securely, and alerts you to renewal deadlines. No lawyer needed.