How to Register Business Name with CAC Online (2026 Guide)

Learn how to register business name with CAC online in Nigeria. Step-by-step 2026 DIY guide, portal fees, requirements, and tips to get approved fast.

Published August 2026 · Business · by Skillnaija Team

Starting a new venture in Lagos, Aba, Kano, or anywhere across Nigeria is an exciting step. However, if you want corporate clients to take you seriously, open a dedicated corporate bank account, or avoid having your brand name taken, learning how to register business name with cac online is one of your most critical first milestones.

Years ago, registering a business meant traveling to a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) office, queuing for hours, and paying hefty legal fees to accredited agents. In 2026, the entire process is 100% digital via the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP). You can complete the whole process from your smartphone or laptop in your living room.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact steps, required documents, official fees, and common mistakes to avoid so your registration gets approved without unnecessary queries.

Why You Should Register Your Business Name in Nigeria

Operating an unregistered business comes with significant limitations. Once your business name is officially registered under Part B of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), you unlock key operational advantages:

• Corporate Bank Account: Nigerian commercial banks and fintech platforms require a CAC certificate and Status Report before opening a business current account.
• Brand Protection: Once registered, no other individual or company in Nigeria can legally operate using your registered business name.
• Customer Trust: Clients, partners, and vendors trust a registered enterprise far more than an individual sending personal account details.
• Access to Grants and Loans: Government intervention funds, MSME grants, and commercial bank credit facilities require official CAC documentation.

If you are planning to start a small business in Nigeria, getting your CAC certificate is the legal foundation your brand needs to scale sustainably.

Prerequisites and Requirements Before You Begin

Before you log in to the CAC portal, make sure you have the following ready on your phone or computer:

1. Two Proposed Business Names: One primary choice and an alternative option in case your first choice is already taken or restricted.
2. Valid Government-Issued ID: National Identification Number (NIN) slip, International Passport, Voter's Card, or Driver's License.
3. Clear Passport Photograph: A clean digital photo with a plain white or light background.
4. Scanned Signature: Sign neatly on clean white paper with a black pen, snap a clear photo, and crop it.
5. Business Details: Official business address, valid email address, phone number, and a brief description of your business activities (nature of business).
6. Payment Means: An active Nigerian debit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Verve) enabled for online web payments via Remita.

Step-by-Step: How to Register Business Name with CAC Online

Follow these six practical steps on the official CAC portal to complete your registration without paying middleman markups.

Step 1: Create an Account on the CAC Portal

Visit the official Corporate Affairs Commission portal (pre.cac.gov.ng). Click on Register to create your personal user account. Enter your full legal name, phone number, email address, and National Identification Number (NIN). Ensure your name matches your NIN records exactly to avoid identity verification issues. Once submitted, verify your profile via the confirmation email sent to your inbox.

Step 2: Submit a Name Availability Search

Once logged in, click on New Name Availability / Reservation. Select Business Name as your classification.

You will be prompted to enter two name options:

• Option 1: Your primary business name (e.g., Kemi Bakes & Confectionery).
• Option 2: Your alternative business name (e.g., Kemi Delicious Treats).

Select your business sector and submit the reservation request. The official CAC name reservation fee is ₦500 (plus Remita service charges). Approval usually takes between 4 to 24 hours. If approved, you will receive an Availability Code valid for 60 days.

Step 3: Begin the Business Name Registration

Log back into your dashboard and navigate to Reserved Names. Locate your approved business name and click Start Registration.

The system will guide you through several interactive forms:

• General Details: Enter the official start date of the business and your primary business address (residential addresses are accepted for home-based enterprises).
• Nature of Business: Select the relevant category and specific trade classification code for your products or services.
• Particulars of Proprietor: Enter your full personal details, residential address, occupation, and phone number. If you have business partners, add them as co-proprietors.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

You must upload clear, legible attachments. Avoid uploading blurry photos taken in low light. The required documents include:

• Your clear scanned signature.
• Your valid identification document (e.g., NIN slip).
• A recent passport-sized photograph.

Ensure file sizes are under the platform's upload limit (usually below 2MB per file in JPEG or PDF format).

Step 5: Pay the Official Registration Fee

Review the summary preview carefully to confirm that names, addresses, and phone numbers are spelled correctly. Once verified, click Proceed to Payment. You will be redirected to the Remita payment gateway.

The statutory registration fee for a Business Name is ₦10,000 (excluding nominal Remita gateway processing fees). Pay using your debit card or generated RRR code via internet banking. Once payment clears, your application automatically moves into CAC processing status.

Step 6: Download Your Certificate and Status Report

CAC officers will review your submission. If your documents are clean and there are no queries, your application will be approved within 2 to 5 working days. Once approved, log in to your dashboard to download your official:

• Electronic Certificate of Registration: Contains your unique Business Name (BN) number and a scannable QR code.
• CAC Status Report: Outlines the registered business activities, proprietor details, and operational address.

Note: The Corporate Affairs Commission no longer prints hard-copy paper certificates. Your downloaded digital PDF with the embedded QR code is the official legal document recognized by all Nigerian financial institutions and government agencies.

Common Mistakes That Cause CAC Application Queries

To prevent delays and rejected applications, be mindful of these frequent errors:

• Restricted Words in Business Names: Avoid terms like "Federal", "National", "State", "Group", "Holding", or "Chartered" unless you hold special statutory permission or professional charter licensing.
• Mismatched Names: Ensure the name on your CAC registration form matches the name on your NIN record and payment bank account exactly.
• Illegible Uploads: Applications with blurred signatures or dark ID scans are immediately queried, adding days to your approval timeline.
• Vague Business Descriptions: Do not simply write "General Business". Choose clear categories such as "Catering Services", "Graphic Design & Digital Printing", or "Software Development".

What to Do After Getting Your CAC Certificate

Securing your certificate is a major milestone, but your operational journey is just getting started. Here are immediate next steps to establish your venture:

1. Open a Dedicated Corporate Bank Account: Take your CAC Certificate, Status Report, NIN, and Tax Identification Number (TIN) to your preferred bank to set up an enterprise account. This separates your personal finances from company funds.

2. Build Marketable and High-Value Skills: Having a registered entity gives you the credibility to land high-ticket projects. Whether you provide technical services or operate a retail agency, learning the highest-paying skills in Nigeria ensures your business stays competitive.

3. Market Your Services Online: Modern businesses grow through digital visibility. You can learn digital marketing in Nigeria to master local SEO, social media ads, and customer acquisition strategies that bring steady sales to your registered brand.

4. Explore Contract and Work Opportunities: With a registered enterprise, you are eligible to bid for SME supply contracts, partner with corporate agencies, or check the Skillnaija jobs board for contract and freelance listings that require registered vendors.

Level Up Your Business Skills for Free

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a business name online with CAC?

The official statutory cost to register a business name yourself on the CAC portal is ₦10,500 in total. This includes ₦500 for the Name Availability search and ₦10,000 for the Business Name registration fee, plus nominal Remita electronic gateway processing charges.

How long does CAC business name registration take online?

Name reservation typically takes between 4 to 24 hours for approval. Once you submit the main registration form and make payment, final processing and certificate issuance generally take between 2 to 5 business days, provided there are no queries on your application.

Can I register my CAC business name using my smartphone?

Yes, the CAC portal (pre.cac.gov.ng) is fully mobile-responsive. You can create an account, check name availability, upload scanned documents, pay via Remita, and download your digital certificate directly from an internet-connected smartphone.

What is the difference between a Business Name and a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

A Business Name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) is suitable for small businesses, retail shops, and solo entrepreneurs. It has lower registration costs and simpler reporting requirements. A Limited Liability Company (Ltd) is a distinct legal entity that separates personal assets from business liabilities and is ideal for larger corporate ventures.

Do I need a lawyer or accredited agent to register a business name?

No, individual business owners can register a Business Name directly on the CAC portal as a self-service proprietor without hiring a lawyer, chartered secretary, or accredited agent.