Thinking about starting a company in Nigeria? That’s exciting! But before you open your doors or launch your website, there’s one big thing you need to do — register your company properly with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Company registration might sound serious and complicated, but don’t worry. At MyDigitalHandle, we make the whole process easy, fast, and stress-free for you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel more confident and you’ll see exactly why so many smart business owners trust us to help them handle it.
Let’s dive right in!
Why Company Registration is So Important
Before we talk about the steps, it’s good to know why you really need to register your company.
Here’s why:
- Legal recognition: Your company becomes officially recognized by the Nigerian government.
- Business bank account: You can open a corporate account with your company name (very important!).
- Contracts and deals: Big clients, banks, and government agencies only work with registered companies.
- Protect your brand: Once your company is registered, no one else can legally use your name.
- More trust: Customers will take your business more seriously.
In short, registering your company puts you on a whole new level. You’re no longer just running a hustle — you’re running a real company.
7 Simple Steps to Register a Company in Nigeria
Here’s the truth: registering a company is not complicated when you have the right people guiding you.
Here are the 7 steps you need to follow;
Step 1: Choose a Unique Company Name
Everything starts with a name. Your company name is your identity, so you want it to be unique, memorable, and professional.
Here are some quick tips:
- Keep it simple and easy to spell.
- Avoid complicated or hard-to-pronounce words.
- Make sure it reflects what your business is about.
- Don’t copy popular company names—you need something original.
At MyDigitalHandle, we help you choose great name ideas if you’re stuck.
Step 2: Conduct a Name Availability Search
Once you’ve come up with some name ideas for your business, don’t rush to register it just yet. You’ll need to check if the name is truly available and this step is more technical than it looks. Even if the name looks “free” on the CAC portal, there might already be a similar or conflicting name that will cause your application to be rejected.
That’s why you shouldn’t do this part alone. The CAC has specific rules about names, and unless a professional checks it for you, you could end up wasting time or getting stuck.
At MyDigitalHandle, we handle the name search for you, guide you through safe options, and help you avoid common mistakes—so your name gets approved the first time.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
If your name is available, congratulations!
Now, it’s time to reserve it officially.
Name reservation is simply telling CAC, “Hold this name for me while I finish my registration.” The reservation usually lasts for 30-60 days, which gives you enough time to complete the full registration.
Without reserving, someone else could take the name before you finish. That’s why this step is very important.
At MyDigitalHandle, we’ll quickly reserve your name once it’s available so you don’t lose it.
Step 4: Prepare Your Company Information
Now that your business name is ready, it’s time to gather the important details CAC will need to complete your registration.
Here’s what you’ll need to put together:
- Nature of Business (What You Do):
You need to clearly describe what your company will be doing. Are you into fashion, food, real estate, tech, catering, photography, consulting, or something else? CAC requires this so they know what kind of business you’re running. - Type of Business (Structure):
This could be a Business Name (Sole Proprietorship), Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Incorporated Trustee (for NGOs, churches, etc.).
Each type has different requirements—don’t worry, we’ll help you choose the right one. - Registered Business Address:
This is where your business will operate from. It could be your house, office, or shop—just make sure it’s a real and reachable address. - Shareholders (If Applicable):
If you’re registering a Limited Liability Company, you’ll need to list at least two shareholders. These are the people who own shares in the company. One person can also act as both a shareholder and a director. - Directors:
These are the people who manage the company. Most businesses (especially LLCs) need at least one director. Again, one person can be both director and shareholder if needed. - Share Capital (If Applicable):
Only required for Limited Liability Companies. This is the total value of shares the company is registering. For example, a company can be registered with ₦1,000,000 share capital. It doesn’t mean you must have that amount in cash—it’s just the legal value of the company on paper.
If you’re registering a Business Name (Sole Proprietorship), you won’t need to provide shareholders, directors, or share capital. But if you’re going for an LLC or NGO, these details are compulsory.
Not sure which applies to your business?
That’s what we’re here for! At MyDigitalHandle, we guide you step-by-step and make sure you’re providing exactly what CAC needs—nothing missing, nothing confusing.
Step 5: Fill and Submit the Registration Forms
At this stage, you need to fill the CAC registration forms. This is where you provide all the information about your company, directors, shareholders, and address.
You’ll also need to:
- Upload valid ID cards for all directors and shareholders (National ID, Passport, Driver’s License, or Voter’s Card).
- Provide passport photographs.
- Fill application form.
Now, here’s the truth: One small mistake here can delay your registration for weeks.
That’s why it’s a smart move to let experts like MyDigitalHandle handle the filling and submission. We know exactly what CAC wants and we’ll do it right the first time!
Step 6: Pay the Required CAC Fees
Once your business details are ready, the next step is to pay the official CAC fees. The amount you’ll pay depends on the type of business you’re registering and, in some cases, the declared share capital.
Let’s break it down clearly so you know what to expect:
1. Business Name Registration – ₦25,000 (All-Inclusive)
This is perfect for small businesses, freelancers, or side hustles.
We handle everything for you:
- Name search & reservation
- CAC registration fees
- Certificate of Registration
- Expert support from start to finish
Great for: Fashion businesses, food vendors, hairstylists, online sellers, etc.
2. Company Name Registration (LLC) – ₦65,000 (All-Inclusive)
This includes registration as a Limited Liability Company with ₦1 million share capital or less.
What’s included:
- Name search & reservation
- Preparation of all CAC forms
- Drafting of Memorandum & Articles of Association
- CAC fees for standard companies
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Full support from start to finish
Great for: Entrepreneurs who want to scale, get contracts, or register officially as a “serious” business.
3. NGO / Incorporated Trustees Registration – Custom Pricing (₦35,000)
This is for churches, mosques, foundations, clubs, or organizations that are non-profit. It’s a more detailed process that includes:
- Name reservation
- Trustees documentation
- Constitution drafting
- Public notice (newspaper publication)
- CAC filing fees
- Certificate of Incorporation
Note: NGO registration involves legal and media steps that take more time and require expert help.
❗️Extra Charges for Specialized Companies
Some industries may have extra requirements or fees, especially:
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Oil & Gas companies
- Real estate
- Security firms
Don’t worry—we’ll tell you upfront if your business falls into any of these categories and walk you through the requirements.
Let Us Handle It All for You
At MyDigitalHandle, we:
- Handle all CAC payments for you
- Ensure accuracy to avoid rejections
- Track your application until you get your certificate
No stress. No confusion. Just smooth, fast CAC registration from start to finish.
Ready to register your business the right way?
Send us a message today and let’s get started!
Step 7: Get Your Certificate and Other Registration Documents
Congratulations! Once CAC confirms your payment and approves your registration, you’ll receive your official company documents.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) Certificate – Every registered business in Nigeria must have a TIN. We help you apply and get it without stress.
- Business Name Registration Certificate: This is your official CAC certificate. It shows your business name and registration number. You’ll need this for everything—from opening a bank account to applying for grants.
- Certificate of Incorporation
This is your “birth certificate” as a company. It proves your company legally exists. - Status Report
This is a document showing the full details of your company - MEMART (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
These are the official rules that guide how your company will operate.
You’ll receive soft copies (PDF format) in your email. And if you want, you can print for hard copies with the official CAC seal.
Keep these documents very safe! You’ll need them for things like opening a corporate bank account, getting loans, signing big contracts, and applying for government grants.
What You Should Do After Registration
Now that your company is fully registered, what’s next?
Here are some important things to consider:
- Open a Corporate Bank Account
Walk into your preferred bank with your CAC Certificate, Status Report, MEMART, and a valid ID card. We can guide you through this too if you need help. - Start Branding Your Business
Create a professional logo, set up your website, and start marketing your services properly. At my digital handle, we help you with all that. - Protect Your Business Further
Depending on what you do, you might also want to register trademarks, get operating licenses, or register for VAT. Guess what? MyDigitalHandle can help you with all of that too.
Common Mistakes People Make When Registering a Company (And How to Avoid Them)
You’ll be surprised — a lot of people make simple mistakes that slow down or even ruin their registration.
Here are the top mistakes we see:
1. Picking a name that’s already taken
You need to check properly before falling in love with a name.
2. Wrong spelling of names and addresses
Simple spelling errors can cause rejection.
3. Submitting wrong documents
The wrong ID, outdated utility bills, blurry photos… CAC can reject your application over these things.
4. Incorrect share capital for your type of business
For example, companies dealing with oil & gas need much higher share capital.
If you get it wrong, CAC will reject your application.
5. Trying to DIY without proper knowledge
We get it — you want to save money.
But sometimes you end up wasting more time, more money, and more energy than if you had just hired a professional from the start.
At MyDigitalHandle, we help you avoid these mistakes completely so you can focus on growing your business, not fighting paperwork.
Why Choose MyDigitalHandle for Your Company Registration?
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Speed:
We work fast to get your company registered — no unnecessary delays. - Accuracy:
Every form, every document — filled and submitted correctly. - Affordable Fees:
No hidden charges. We are upfront and honest about our prices. - Expert Advice:
You’re not just getting registration.
We also guide you on the best structure for your business to grow legally and financially. - Full Support:
From start to finish, you can call, chat, or email us anytime if you have questions.
In short — we make the whole process easy, clear, and worry-free for you.
Final Thoughts
Registering a company in Nigeria might look complicated from the outside, but now you know it’s really just 7 simple steps — especially when you have the right team helping you.
At MyDigitalHandle, we’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even big companies complete their CAC registration without stress.
And we’re ready to help you too.
Ready to start your company registration today?
Reach out to us and let’s bring your business dream to life.
Click here to get started!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: How long does it take to register a company in Nigeria?
A:
Normally between 5 to 10 working days — sometimes even faster if all documents are ready and no errors occur. With MyDigitalHandle, we work quickly to get you registered without delay.
Q2: Can one person register a company alone?
A:
Yes! You can register a one-man company (also called a Single Shareholder Company). We’ll guide you through it easily.
Q3: What’s the minimum share capital for a company?
A:
The minimum share capital is usually ₦100,000, but some industries (like oil and gas, banking, etc.) require higher share capital.
Q4: Can I register my company from anywhere in Nigeria?
A:
Absolutely! You don’t have to visit the CAC office physically. With MyDigitalHandle, you can register your company 100% online, from anywhere you are.
Q5: Do I need a lawyer to register my company?
A:
No, it’s not compulsory. But it’s wise to use experts like us who understand the legal process and can help you avoid expensive mistakes.