If you want to register a business name with CAC, you can now complete the entire process online in a few days, without ever visiting a physical office. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) handles business name registration through its digital portal. As of 2026, the workflow is faster than before, but it still trips people up at the name-search and document stages. Here’s exactly how to do it, what it costs, and what to avoid.
Once your business name is registered, you’ll also need a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Decide whether a business name or a limited liability company is the better structure for your business’s future.
Step 1: Search and Reserve Your Business Name on CAC
Before anything else, confirm your proposed name isn’t already taken. Visit the CAC’s name availability search portal and use the name search tool. Submit two or three name options in case your first choice is rejected; generic names like “Lagos Trading” or names too similar to an existing business will be turned down. Once approved, your name is reserved for a set period (typically up to 60 days), giving you time to complete the rest of the application.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
With your name reserved, log back into the portal and start the registration process. You’ll need to provide:
1. Your proposed business name (as reserved)
2. The nature of your business
3. Your business address
4. The proposed commencement date
5. Proprietor details like full name, date of birth, gender, and occupation (these must match your National Identification Number record).
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
You’ll typically need to upload:
1. A valid means of ID (NIN slip, international passport, or driver’s license)
2. A passport photograph
3. A digital or scanned signature
Scan quality matters; blurry or black-and-white scans are common reasons applications get sent back for correction, which adds days to your timeline.
Step 4: Pay the Official Fees
You pay directly through the portal, usually via Remita. Fees have changed more than once in recent years, so treat any figure you see online as a rough guide rather than gospel; always confirm the current amount on the CAC portal before paying.
As a general range, expect a small reservation fee plus a registration filing fee that has recently sat anywhere from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000, depending on when you register and whether additional service charges apply.
If you use an accredited agent instead of doing it yourself, expect to pay significantly more; often ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 all-in exchange for someone else handling the paperwork for you.
Step 5: Submit and Wait for Approval
Once CAC confirms your documents and payment, your application enters the processing queue. Business name registrations are typically approved faster than limited company registrations — often within two to five working days, barring document issues.
Step 6: Download Your Certificate
Once approved, your registration certificate is issued digitally and available for download directly from the portal. Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is usually generated automatically at this stage, which you’ll need for opening a business bank account.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting only one name option
If it’s rejected, you lose time restarting the search.
Mismatched details
Your name, date of birth, and ID must match exactly across every document
Poor-quality scans
Low-resolution or black-and-white uploads are routinely rejected
Forgetting annual returns
A registered business name still requires filing annual returns with CAC to stay in good standing; missing this can lead to penalties later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CAC business name registration take?
Typically, it takes two to five working days once you reserve your name and submit the documents correctly, though delays can happen if anything needs correction.
Do I need a lawyer or agent to register with CAC?
No, the portal is designed for self-registration. An agent saves you time and handles errors on your behalf, at an added cost.
What’s the difference between a business name and a limited company?
A business name is a sole proprietorship or partnership with no separate legal identity from its owner. At the same time, a limited company is a distinct legal entity with its own liability protection — worth considering if you plan to raise outside investment later.
Is business name registration enough to open a business bank account?
Yes. Most Nigerian banks accept a CAC business name certificate and the automatically generated TIN to open a business account.
