Starting a Business in South Africa: The Administrative Basics

Before you register

Most businesses in South Africa trade through a company or a close corporation, but registration is only one part of getting started. Before you submit anything, decide on the business structure, confirm who the directors or members will be, and settle on a registered address.

The registration step

Company registration is handled through the CIPC. You will typically need identity documentation for the directors and shareholders, a proposed company name, and address information. Once registered, the company receives a registration number and the documents that follow it.

What comes after registration

• Tax registration with SARS for the entity
• A business bank account application with your chosen bank
• UIF registration if you employ staff
• VAT registration if your turnover requires it
• A record-keeping system from your first transaction

Plan the administration early

Businesses that set up records and registrations properly at the start spend far less time correcting problems later. If you are unsure which registrations apply to you, ask before you trade rather than after.

This article is general information. Requirements are set by SARS, CIPC and other institutions, and differ by business. It does not replace official guidance.