BelmadengPrepare · Practice · Get admitted
Home / CAC

CAC Business Registration Guide 2026

Everything you need to register your business in Nigeria — how to register a business name or limited company on the CAC portal, the fees, requirements, name search, annual returns, TIN and verification. Clear, current and independent.

By Belmadeng Editorial · Updated 22 Sept 2026

Please note

Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the CAC. This is general information, not legal or financial advice — register and manage your business only on the official CAC portals (pre.cac.gov.ng and post.cac.gov.ng) and pay through official channels. You can register a business name or a simple company yourself; for complex structures consider a professional. Beware clone sites and agents charging inflated fees.

CAC at a glance

What it isCorporate Affairs Commission — registers businesses under CAMA
Register atpre.cac.gov.ng (post-incorporation at post.cac.gov.ng)
StructuresBusiness Name, Private Limited Company (Ltd), Incorporated Trustees
CostName reservation ~₦500 · business name ~₦10,000–20,000 · company from ~₦10,000
Self-serviceYes — no lawyer needed for a business name or simple company

How business registration works

All registration is online at pre.cac.gov.ng: you search and reserve a name, complete the form, upload documents, pay, and receive an electronic certificate. Decide first between a business name and a limited company, then get your TIN (see the full tax guide) and remember to file your annual returns.

Browse the guides

Register

Cost & compliance

More

Studying Entrepreneurship or starting out? You can register a business name yourself in a few steps. Explore our course profiles and, for your identity numbers, our NIN and BVN guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAC?
The Corporate Affairs Commission — the government body that registers businesses in Nigeria under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). It registers business names, companies and incorporated trustees (NGOs).
Can I register a business myself, without a lawyer?
Yes — you can register a business name or a simple private limited company yourself on the official CAC portal (pre.cac.gov.ng). Professional help is mainly useful for complex company structures.
How much does CAC registration cost?
Name reservation is around ₦500. A business name costs roughly ₦10,000–₦20,000 in government fees; a private company starts from about ₦10,000 and scales with share capital. Confirm current fees on the CAC portal.
Is Belmadeng affiliated with the CAC?
No — Belmadeng is an independent study platform, and this is general information, not legal advice. Register only on the official CAC portals.

Independent guide, not affiliated with the CAC, and not legal advice. Fees and processes change — always confirm on the official CAC portal.