← Back

Start a Business

Register, open a bank account, stay compliant

🤔

Step 1: Choose Your Business Type

💡 Before you register anything, choose the right type of business. This affects your taxes, legal protection, and how you can grow.

Sole Proprietor

Best for starting small

Best for: Testing an idea, freelancing, informal trading

✓No registration needed — just trade under your name
✓Zero cost to start
✓Simplest option, least admin
✗You are personally responsible for all debts
✗Harder to get business loans

Private Company (Pty Ltd)

Best for growth

Best for: Growing a business, taking on clients, hiring staff

✓Your personal assets are protected
✓More professional to clients and banks
✓Easier to get funding
✓Register for R175 on BizPortal
✗More admin (annual returns, etc.)
✗Costs R100+/year to maintain

Non-Profit Company (NPC)

Best for community work

Best for: NGOs, community organisations, charities

✓Tax exemptions available
✓Can receive donations and grants
✓Builds community trust
✗Profits cannot be paid out to members
✗More complex to set up
🏢

Step 2: Register with CIPC

💡 CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) is where you officially register your business. It costs R175 and takes 5–10 business days. You can do it entirely online.

Total cost to register

Name reservation + company registration

R175

0 of 7 steps completed0%

  • 1Go to BizPortal.gov.za

    ⏱ 2 min

    This is the official free government portal for registering a business. Do NOT pay third-party websites — they charge R500–R2,000 for something you can do yourself for R175.

    🔗 Open BizPortal →

    ⚠️Never pay a third party to register for you — it costs R175 on BizPortal, not R500+.

  • 2Create a free BizPortal account

    ⏱ 5 min

    Click "Register" and create an account using your email address and SA ID number. Check your email for a verification link.

  • 3Reserve your company name (R50)

    ⏱ 5 min

    Choose 3 name options in order of preference. CIPC checks if your name is available. If your first choice is taken, they try the second, then third.

    ⚠️Choose names carefully — no rude words, no names that copy existing companies.

  • 4Complete your Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)

    ⏱ 10 min

    BizPortal will ask you simple questions about your business. Just answer them — the system fills in the legal document for you automatically.

  • 5Pay the registration fee (R125)

    ⏱ 5 min

    Total cost: R50 (name) + R125 (registration) = R175. Pay by credit/debit card or EFT. Keep your proof of payment.

  • 6Wait 5–10 business days

    ⏱ 5–10 days

    CIPC will send your registration certificate (CoR14.3) to your email. This is your proof that your company legally exists.

  • 7Register your company for income tax with SARS

    ⏱ 20 min

    Log into efiling.sars.gov.za and register your new company. You will use your CIPC registration number. This is required for all businesses.

    🔗 Register at efiling.sars.gov.za →
🏦

Step 3: Open a Business Bank Account

💡 You need a separate bank account for your business. Mixing personal and business money causes tax problems and makes it look like you're not running a serious business.
0 of 4 steps completed0%

  • 1Separate business and personal money

    ⏱ — (rule)

    Never mix your personal and business bank accounts. If you do, it creates tax problems and looks unprofessional to clients.

  • 2Get your documents ready

    ⏱ 10 min

    You will need: CIPC registration certificate, SA ID, proof of business address, and sometimes a minimum deposit.

  • 3Choose your bank

    ⏱ 5 min

    Capitec Business (from R0/month), Tymebank Business (free to open), FNB Business (from R69/month). Capitec and Tymebank are easiest for new businesses.

    ⚠️Compare monthly fees before choosing — they vary significantly.

  • 4Apply online or in-branch

    ⏱ 15–30 min

    Most banks allow online applications. Tymebank can be opened in 10 minutes at Pick n Pay or Boxer. Capitec and FNB allow online applications too.

✅

Step 4: Compliance Checklist

💡 After registering, complete these steps. Missing them can lead to fines or penalties later.
0 of 6 steps completed0%

  • 1Register for income tax (SARS)

    ⏱ 20 min

    Required for all companies. Register at efiling.sars.gov.za using your CIPC registration number.

    🔗 efiling.sars.gov.za →

  • 2Register as employer (if you have staff)

    ⏱ 15 min

    Register on SARS eFiling as a PAYE employer so you can deduct income tax from employee salaries.

  • 3Register with UIF (if you have staff)

    ⏱ 20 min

    Register your business at labour.gov.za. You and each employee each contribute 1% of salary to UIF.

    🔗 labour.gov.za →

  • 4File your annual CIPC return

    ⏱ Annual

    Due within 30 days after your company registration anniversary each year. Done at cipc.co.za. Costs from R100/year.

    🔗 cipc.co.za →

  • 5Register for VAT (only if required)

    ⏱ —

    Only register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds R1 million. Below R1 million, VAT registration is optional. See "Run a Business" section.

  • 6Keep records and invoices

    ⏱ Ongoing

    SARS requires you to keep financial records for 5 years. Use free software like Wave (waveapps.com) or Google Sheets.

Now that you've registered...

Head to "Run a Business" to learn about VAT, payroll, tax filing, and keeping good records.

Go to Run a Business →
⚠️

Important: This platform provides free educational guidance only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. For major financial decisions, always consult a qualified professional.