Registering a business in Nigeria

Business registration is overseen by the Corporate Affairs Commission ('CAC'). Applications may be submitted directly by visiting the CAC's Company Registration Portal ('CRP'). If you're not sure on the type of company to set up or need guidance on the process continue reading below.

Incorporation Overview

The typical process for incorporating a business in Nigeria is outlined below. Steps in the process, timelines and costs, may vary based on the specifics of the business being registered. It is recommended that companies with any share of foreign participation register using an Accredited Agent.

1

Determine Business Structure

Before you register, compare permitted business structures, their requirements, your eligibility, and any industry-related, licensing restrictions (common for financial services, oil & gas, and other regulated sectors).
2

Reserve Business Name

The information below assumes the registrant is reserving a "Standard Business Name" which is those names that does not have restricted use. Restricted Business Names are more expensive (N5,000) and may take longer to approve. Registrants must first confirm the availability of the desired business name to prevent delays in the incorporation process. Once the name is reserved the registrant will receive a Reservation Code that will be used to pay the Incorporation Fee.
3

Prepare Registration Application

To prepare your registration application for submission, you must complete CAC Form 1.1 and provide supporting materials as indicated. If submitting online, complete the relevant Form 1.1 columns as instructed by the CRP Portal and upload necessary documents. For in-person submissions, complete the PDF provided and print any supporting materials.
4

Pay Fees and Submit Application

Once you've completed the registration materials, you will pay the required fees and receive a certificate or digital stamp verifying payment. If paid for online, print all documents containing the stamp, obtain necessary signatures, and reupload the signed documents to the CRP Portal for final approval by CAC.
5

Collect Approved Incorporation Documents

After receiving approval from CAC, you may access and download your official incorporation documents directly through the CRP Portal.
JOIN WAITLIST

Be part of what’s next

Sign up to join our waitlist and receive free access to our self-service registration product

Congratulations! You're on the Idara Waitlist!
Go Back
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
"A woman in a yellow sweatshirt sitting at a desk with a laptop and holding a coffee mug, smiling while looking down, with notebooks and glasses placed nearby. Sweatshirt has an inscription "Fredi".
Built for Growth

Take Your Business Faster

Save time and money by incorporating your business online through Idara.

Reduce time to market
Streamline your business registration and bring your products or services to the market faster than ever with Idara.
Reduce risk of non-compliance penalties
Idara helps guide your business growth without facing penalties due to non-compliance.
Reduce costs
Idara offers a cost-effective solution that eliminates redundancies and provides transparent pricing.
Simplifying Success for African Businesses

Join over 300+ people waiting to use Idara