CAC Registration in Nigeria: The Beginner’s Guide I Wish Someone Gave Me

CAC Registration in Nigeria: The Ultimate 2025 Beginner’s Guide (Step-By-Step)

Most Nigerians want to register their business, but here’s the truth:

CAC registration in Nigeria feels confusing until someone explains it clearly.

If you’ve ever tried using the CAC portal yourself, you already know the frustration—unclear instructions, payment issues, portals freezing, name rejection, and agents charging anything because you don’t understand the process.

This guide changes everything.

It’s the simple, no-stress, beginner-friendly breakdown I wish someone had given me when I first attempted CAC registration in Nigeria.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone who wants to secure their business name, this guide will show you how to register your business easily—by yourself.

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1. What Exactly Is CAC Registration in Nigeria—and Why It Matters

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the government body that registers businesses in Nigeria.

Think of it like the “birth certificate office” for businesses.

Why CAC Registration in Nigeria Is Important:

• It legally recognizes your business

• You can open a business bank account

• It builds customer and brand trust

• It prevents others from using your business name

• It qualifies you for grants, loans, and opportunities

If you’re serious about business, CAC registration isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

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2. Types of CAC Registration in Nigeria (Choose Correctly)

A. Business Name (BN)

Best for:

• Small businesses

• Sole owners

• Freelancers

• Creatives

• Home-based businesses

➡️ This is where 80% of Nigerians should start.

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B. Limited Liability Company (LTD)

Best for:

• Startups

• Partnerships

• Businesses handling big contracts

• Companies planning to raise money

Costs more but offers better protection.

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C. Incorporated Trustees (NGOs)

Best for:

• NGOs

• Foundations

• Churches/Mosques

• Associations

Requires more documents but necessary for nonprofits.

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3. Requirements for CAC Registration in Nigeria (Don’t Skip This)

For Business Name

• Two proposed business names

• Full name

• Email & phone number

• Residential address

• Business address

• NIN

• Passport photograph (digital)

• Digital signature

For Limited Liability Company

• All of the above

• Minimum of two directors

• Share distribution

• Business objectives

For NGOs

• Minimum of two trustees

• Draft constitution

• Passport photos

• Trustee NINs

 

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4. How to Complete CAC Registration in Nigeria (Step-By-Step)

This is the easiest explanation you will ever see.

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STEP 1: Visit the CAC Portal

👉 https://pre.cac.gov.ng

Create an account using your email and phone number.

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STEP 2: Reserve Your Business Name (₦500)

Go to Name Reservation.
You’ll submit:

• Two name options

• Personal details

• Business category

Approval takes 12–48 hours.

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STEP 3: Start Business Registration

After approval:

➡️ Go to “Register Business Name.”

You will fill in:

• Business details

• Address

• Activities

• Personal data

• Signature

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STEP 4: Make Payment (₦10,000–₦12,000)

CAC redirects you to Remita.
Download your receipt after payment.

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STEP 5: Upload Documents

Upload:

• Passport photo

• NIN slip

• Signature

Ensure uploads are clear.

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STEP 6: Wait for Approval (1–3 Days)

Once approved, CAC sends:

• Business Name Certificate (PDF)

• Status Report

These are what banks require.

🎉 You just completed CAC registration in Nigeria by yourself.

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5. CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria (Updated 2025)

Business Name

• Name reservation: ₦1000

• Registration: ₦10,000–₦12,000

Limited Liability Company

• ₦25,000 – ₦35,000+

NGOs / Incorporated Trustees

• ₦50,000 – ₦70,000+

Hiring an agent is optional.

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6. Why CAC Rejects Applications (Avoid These)

• Low-quality passport

• Wrong address format

• Details not matching NIN

• Using restricted names

• Poor signature scan

• Wrong date format

Fix and resubmit—no penalty.

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7. After CAC Registration: Do These 5 Things Immediately

1. Apply for TIN (Tax Identification Number)

Free in most states.

2. Open a Business Bank Account

Required:

• CAC Certificate

• Status Report

• Passport

• Utility bill

3. Protect Your Brand Identity

Get your:

• Logo

• Instagram handle

• WhatsApp Business

• Website or link page

4. Build Digital Presence

Customers trust businesses they can see online.

5. Save All Your CAC Login Details

Your portal is your business headquarters.

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8. Who This CAC Registration Guide Is For

• Freelancers

• Students

• Vendors

• Fashion designers

• Bakers

• POS operators

• Tech developers

• Entrepreneurs

Anyone tired of agents and confusion?

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9. Important CAC Links (Keep These)

🔗 CAC Portal: https://pre.cac.gov.ng
🔗 Name Reservation: https://pre.cac.gov.ng/home/name-reservation
🔗 Official Website: https://www.cac.gov.ng
🔗 Remita Payment: https://www.remita.net

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Final Words—Your Clarity Starts Here

CAC registration in Nigeria only looks difficult until someone explains it properly.
Now you have the complete, simple, human-friendly guide to register your business confidently—without stress, without agents, and without confusion.