CAC Registration Fee For Limited Company In Nigeria (Complete Cost Breakdown For 2026)

Starting a business in Nigeria is an exciting step, but one of the first questions most entrepreneurs ask is:

“How much does it cost to register a limited company in Nigeria?”

If you are planning to register your business with the
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), understanding the registration fees and related costs will help you prepare your budget properly.

In this guide, you will learn:

• The CAC registration fee for a limited company
• The share capital filing fees
• Government charges like stamp duty
• Other possible costs involved
• The estimated total cost of registering a company in Nigeria

What Is A Limited Company In Nigeria?

A limited liability company is a type of business structure that is legally separate from its owners.

When you register a company with the
Corporate Affairs Commission, the business becomes a legal entity. This means:

• The company can own property
• It can enter contracts
• It can sue or be sued
• The owners’ personal assets are protected

Because of these advantages, many Nigerian entrepreneurs prefer registering a limited company instead of operating an informal business.

Why You Must Register Your Company With CAC

Registering your business with the
Corporate Affairs Commission provides several important benefits.

Legal Recognition

• Your business becomes officially recognized by the Nigerian government.

Access To Business Opportunities

• Many companies and government agencies only work with registered businesses.

Ability To Open A Corporate Bank Account

• Banks usually require CAC documents before opening a business account.

Protection Of Your Business Name

• Once your company name is registered, other businesses cannot legally use the same name.

Investor Confidence

• Investors and partners feel more comfortable working with registered companies.

CAC Registration Fee For Limited Company

The cost of registering a limited company in Nigeria mainly depends on the share capital of the company.

Below is a simplified breakdown of the CAC filing fees.

CAC Share Capital Filing Fees

These are official filing fees payable to the
Corporate Affairs Commission.

For most small businesses in Nigeria, the minimum share capital is ₦1,000,000, which usually attracts a CAC filing fee of around ₦10,000.

Other Fees Required For Company Registration

Besides the CAC filing fee, there are several other charges involved in the registration process.

Name Reservation Fee

Before registering a company, you must first reserve your desired business name.

Typical cost:

₦1,000

This ensures that no other company registers the same name while you complete your application.

Stamp Duty Fee

Company registration documents must be stamped by the
Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Typical cost:

Around ₦10,000

Stamp duty validates your registration documents legally.

Professional Or Agent Fees

Many business owners prefer hiring professionals to handle their company registration.

This may include:

• Lawyers
• Company registration consultants
• Business service providers

Typical service charges range between:

₦20,000 – ₦50,000

These fees cover document preparation and submission.

Estimated Total Cost Of CAC Registration

Here is an example of the estimated cost breakdown for registering a limited company in Nigeria.

Depending on who handles the process, the total cost usually ranges between ₦40,000 and ₦70,000.

Steps To Register A Limited Company In Nigeria

Below is a simplified overview of how to register your company.

Step 1: Choose A Company Name

Pick two possible business names in case the first one is not available.

Step 2: Reserve The Name

Submit your preferred name through the
CAC Company Registration Portal.

If the name is approved, it will be reserved for you.

Step 3: Prepare Company Details

You will need information such as:

• Company address
• Business objectives
• Director information
• Shareholders

Step 4: Submit Registration Documents

Complete the required forms and upload them on the CAC portal.

Step 5: Pay The Required Fees

Pay all government charges including:

• CAC filing fee
• Stamp duty

Step 6: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, the CAC will issue your:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Company registration number

Your business is now officially registered.

How Long CAC Registration Takes

In most cases, company registration takes:

3 – 10 working days

However, the timeline may vary depending on:

• Accuracy of submitted documents
• Name approval delays
• Government processing time

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Registering A Company

Many first-time entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes during company registration.

Here are some examples.

Choosing A Name That Is Already Taken

• Always provide two or three alternative names.

Incorrect Director Information

• Ensure that all personal details are accurate before submission.

Using An Unclear Business Objective

• Clearly describe what your company does.

Not Budgeting For Additional Fees

• Besides CAC charges, include professional service costs in your budget.

Should You Register Your Company Yourself Or Use An Agent?

You have two options.

Registering Yourself

Pros:

• Cheaper
• Full control of the process

Cons:

• Can be confusing for beginners
• Requires understanding the CAC portal

Using A Professional

Pros:

• Saves time
• Reduces errors
• Faster processing

Cons:

• Additional service fee

Most entrepreneurs choose professionals because the process becomes easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Minimum Share Capital For A Limited Company?

The common minimum share capital in Nigeria is ₦1,000,000 for most businesses.

Can One Person Register A Limited Company?

Yes. A single person can register a company as a one-person company under Nigerian law.

Do I Need A Lawyer To Register My Company?

No. You can register your company yourself through the
Corporate Affairs Commission portal.

However, professionals can help simplify the process.

Is CAC Registration Mandatory?

Yes. Any business operating as a company in Nigeria must register with the CAC.