Step 1: Choose Your Entity Type
Nigeria offers several business structures through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): Business Name (BN) for sole proprietors and partnerships, Limited Liability Company (LLC) for companies with share capital, Company Limited by Guarantee (GTE) for non-profits, and Incorporated Trustees (IT) for religious and charitable organizations.
Your choice depends on your goals — a BN is simplest and cheapest, while an LLC provides limited liability protection and is better for raising investment.
Step 2: Reserve Your Business Name
Submit at least two proposed names to the CAC. Names are checked for uniqueness against existing registrations. Avoid generic terms, restricted words, or names too similar to existing businesses.
Name reservation takes 1–2 business days and is valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
For all entity types you will need: government-issued ID (NIN, passport, or driver's license), passport photographs, proof of address (utility bill within 3 months), and BVN for each proprietor or director.
For LLCs, you additionally need share capital structure details and a registered office address.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted through the CAC Company Registration Portal. Processing times vary: BN takes 3–5 days, LLC (1M) takes 7–10 days, LLC (2M+) takes 7–14 days, GTE takes 10–15 days.
The CAC may raise queries during processing — respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
Once approved, the CAC issues your certificate and incorporation documents digitally. For BN you receive a BN Certificate and Status Report. For LLC you receive a Certificate of Incorporation, MEMART, and CAC Status Report.
With your certificate, you can obtain a TIN, open a corporate bank account, and begin operating legally.