CAC Registration Fee For Limited Company In Nigeria: Complete Guide For 2026
If you’re planning to start a business in Nigeria, one of the first things you must do is register your company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). But before you start, most people ask, “How much does it cost to register a limited company with CAC?” In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CAC registration fees for limited companies in Nigeria.
What Is A Limited Company?
A limited company, also known as a limited liability company (LLC), is a type of business structure where the company is recognized as a separate legal entity from its owners. This means:
- Owners’ personal assets are protected if the company faces debt or legal issues.
- The company can enter contracts, open bank accounts, and own property in its own name.
- The company can continue to exist even if one of the owners leaves.
Unlike registering a simple business name, a limited company offers better credibility, makes it easier to raise funds, and provides tax advantages.
Why You Need To Register Your Company With CAC
In Nigeria, registering your business with the CAC is mandatory for legal recognition. Registration comes with several benefits:
- Legal Protection: Your company is recognized by law.
- Business Credibility: Clients and investors are more likely to trust a registered company.
- Limited Liability: Owners are protected from business debts.
- Access To Loans: Banks and financial institutions require CAC registration to grant business loans.
- Business Expansion: Registered companies can easily expand operations and enter contracts.
Steps To Register A Limited Company In Nigeria
Before we talk about fees, let’s quickly go through the step-by-step process of registering a limited company with CAC:
Choose Your Company Name:
Use the CAC online portal to check if your desired name is available. You’ll pay a small name reservation fee.
Prepare Required Documents:
Typical documents include:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART)
- Statement of Shareholders
- Identification of directors and shareholders (usually valid IDs)
- Company address
Complete CAC Forms:
Forms like CAC Form CAC1.1 must be filled. These can now be done online on the official CAC portal.
Pay CAC Registration Fees:
Fees vary depending on share capital and company type (private limited vs public limited).
Submit Your Application:
Upload your forms and documents online. If everything is correct, CAC will process your registration.
Receive Your Certificate Of Incorporation:
Once approved, CAC issues a Certificate of Incorporation, which officially recognizes your company.
CAC Registration Fee For Limited Companies
The cost of registering a limited company in Nigeria depends on several factors:
Name Reservation Fee
Before registering a company, you need to reserve your company name.
- Cost: ₦500 – ₦1,000 (online reservation is cheaper than physical).
Registration Fee Based On Share Capital
CAC calculates fees based on your authorized share capital. Here’s a simplified breakdown for a private limited company:
| Share Capital | CAC Fee |
|---|---|
| ₦1,000 – ₦100,000 | ₦10,000 |
| ₦100,001 – ₦500,000 | ₦20,000 |
| ₦500,001 – ₦1,000,000 | ₦50,000 |
| ₦1,000,001 – ₦10,000,000 | ₦110,000 |
| ₦10,000,001 – ₦50,000,000 | ₦150,000 |
Note: These fees are official CAC charges and may change slightly over time.
Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is required for legal documents.
- Cost: Usually ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 depending on share capital.
Professional Fees (Optional)
If you hire a lawyer or corporate secretary, they may charge extra for preparing your documents.
- Cost: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 on average.
Total Estimated Cost To Register A Limited Company
If you add name reservation, registration fee, stamp duty, and optional professional fees, here’s an example:
| Item | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 1,000 |
| CAC Registration | 20,000 |
| Stamp Duty | 10,000 |
| Lawyer/Agent Fee | 30,000 |
| Total | 61,000 |
So, you can expect to pay between ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 to register a standard private limited company in Nigeria. Costs are higher if your company has a large share capital.
Tips To Reduce CAC Registration Cost
Register Yourself Online: Avoid using agents if you are confident. Online registration is cheaper.
Limit Share Capital: Start with a smaller authorized share capital to reduce CAC fees.
Use Standard Templates: CAC provides standard MEMART templates to avoid hiring lawyers.
Avoid Multiple Revisions: Double-check documents before submission to avoid additional fees.
Common Questions About CAC Registration Fees
Can I Register A Company Without Paying The Full Share Capital Fee?
Yes. CAC fees are based on authorized share capital, not the actual capital you invest.
Is CAC Registration Fee Refundable If My Application Is Rejected?
No. Once payment is made, the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
How Long Does CAC Registration Take?
Online registration usually takes 1–3 business days if all documents are correct.
Can I Pay CAC Fees In Installments?
No. Fees must be paid in full before the application is processed.
Benefits Of Knowing CAC Fees In Advance
Understanding the fees upfront helps you:
- Plan your budget
- Avoid surprises during registration
- Decide whether to hire a lawyer or do it yourself
- Compare costs of registering multiple companies
CAC Registration Portal
The official portal for registration is the CAC online registration platform. Here, you can:
- Check company name availability
- Reserve your company name
- Fill and submit forms
- Make payments securely online
Always ensure you use the official CAC portal to avoid scams or fake agents.
Mistakes To Avoid When Registering Your Company
Incorrect Information: Wrong names or addresses can lead to rejection.
Ignoring Share Capital Rules: CAC fees depend on share capital; misreporting can cause delays.
Using Unverified Agents: Only use reputable service providers.
Late Payments: Ensure payment before submission.
Skipping Stamp Duty: Required for legal recognition.
