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Aspiring Nigerian entrepreneurs often ask, “How much is CAC registration in 2025?” In the past year, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has updated its fee schedule, while social media rumours and agent fees have muddied the waters. 

This guide cuts through the noise by referencing the official May 29, 2025, gazette and credible reporting to reveal what you’ll really pay to register a business name or limited company in 2025. 

You’ll also learn about hidden costs, free registration programmes, and how to navigate the CAC registration fees in 2025.

Why You Need to Register Your Business

Registering a business name or company with the CAC is a legal formality that gives your enterprise a separate legal personality, protects your brand, and unlocks financing opportunities. 

A registered entity can open a corporate bank account, apply for grants, bid on contracts, and gain customer trust. Even sole proprietorships benefit, and staying compliant with CAC requirements helps you avoid penalties or dissolution.

Overview: Official CAC Schedule vs. Portal Charges

Before diving into numbers, here’s what CAC registration fees generally cover:

1. Name Reservation: The first step, checking and reserving your preferred business or company name.
   
2. Registration (Incorporation): The main payment that officially registers your entity with the CAC.
   
3. Post-Incorporation Filings: Fees for changes, updates, or annual returns after registration.
   
4. Document Requests: Charges for extracts, certified copies, or certificates of good standing.
   

All payments are made through the CAC registration portal, and you’ll receive digital certificates once your registration is complete.

Business Name Registration Fees (2025)

For many small entrepreneurs and freelancers, Business Name registration is the easiest and most affordable way to formalize a business in Nigeria.

According to the official CAC schedule (May 2025), here’s the current cost breakdown for Business Names:

Service	Fee (₦)
Name Reservation	₦1,000
Name Reservation for Restricted Words	₦5,000
Registration and CTC of Registration Documents	₦10,000
Change of Name	₦10,000
Annual Returns & other Post Registration Filings	₦5,000 each
Status Report	₦5,000
Letter of Good Standing	₦10,000
Voluntary Striking-Off	₦20,000
Same-Day Post Incorporation Filing (extra fee)	₦25,000
Relisting	₦20,000
Restriction of Proprietor’s/Partner’s Residential Address	₦25,000
Certified True Copy of Documents/Extract	₦5,000 each
Application for Cessation	₦10,000

The minimum cost for a new CAC Registration is ₦11,000. That includes ₦1,000 for name reservation and ₦10,000 for registration.

This makes business name registration one of the most affordable options for startups, artisans, small traders, and freelancers.

Why Register a Business Name?

A business name is ideal for entrepreneurs who want a simple, affordable, and flexible start to their journey. Unlike a limited liability company (LLC), it has fewer compliance requirements and is easier to maintain. It’s the most common form of registration among small business owners, freelancers, and traders in Nigeria.

A business name is best suited for:

• Sole proprietors or partners who want to operate legally without the complexity of incorporation.
  
• Entrepreneurs testing a business idea before deciding to expand or formalize it into a limited company.
  
• Individuals seeking fast registration, minimal documentation, and lower annual fees.
  
• Small business owners who don’t require multiple shareholders, share capital, or formal company structures.
  
• Service providers like fashion designers, caterers, consultants, or artisans who need to issue invoices or open a business account under a registered name.

While a Business Name doesn’t separate your personal and business liabilities like a limited company does, it’s an excellent first step toward business legitimacy and growth. You can always upgrade to a limited company later when you’re ready to scale.

Tip: Before paying any fee, review the CAC registration requirements to ensure your documents are ready, like your ID, passport photo, and business address.

Limited Liability Company Registration Fees (2025)

If you’re setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC), also known as a Private Limited Company (LTD), your CAC registration fees are slightly higher, reflecting its more formal structure.

Here’s the 2025 breakdown from new schedule of CAC registration fees:

Service	Small Company (₦)	Private Company (₦)	Public Company (₦)
Name Reservation	₦1,000	₦1,000	₦1,000
Name Reservation for Restricted Words	₦5,000	₦5,000	₦5,000
Incorporation with Share Capital	₦10,000 for every ₦1,000,000 of share capital or part thereof	₦10,000 for every ₦1,000,000	₦20,000 for every ₦1,000,000
Change of Name	₦10,000	₦20,000	₦20,000
Registration of Charges	₦25,000 or 0.35% of the amount secured (whichever is higher)	Same	₦35,000 or 0.35%
Annual Returns	₦5,000	₦10,000	₦20,000
Status Report	₦5,000	₦5,000	₦10,000
Letter of Good Standing	₦10,000	₦10,000	₦20,000
Voluntary Striking-Off	₦25,000	₦50,000	₦100,000
Certified True Copy (CTC) of Documents	₦5,000	₦5,000	₦10,000

Minimum Incorporation Cost for Small Company: ₦11,000 (₦1,000 name reservation + ₦10,000 registration per ₦1M share capital).

For example:

• A company with ₦1,000,000 share capital → ₦10,000
  
• A company with ₦5,000,000 share capital → ₦50,000
  
• A public company pays ₦20,000 per ₦1,000,000 share capital.

What Makes Limited Liability Registration Worth It?

Registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC), also known as a Limited Company, gives your business a stronger legal foundation and long-term growth potential. While the initial cost is higher than registering a Business Name, the benefits far outweigh the expense. 

Understanding CAC registration fees in this category helps you plan accurately and see the value of formal incorporation.

A Limited Company offers several key advantages:

• Separate legal identity: The company exists as its own legal entity. This protects your personal assets, such as your home or savings, from business debts or legal claims.
  
• Limited liability: Each shareholder’s financial risk is limited to the amount they invested in share capital. This protects personal finances even if the business faces losses.
  
• Investor readiness: Investors, banks, and funding partners prefer to work with structured companies because ownership, profit sharing, and accountability are clearly defined.
  
• Professional credibility: Corporate clients, government agencies, and large organizations often require dealing only with registered companies. Being incorporated adds prestige and builds customer trust.
  
• Business continuity: A Limited Company can continue operating even if its founder leaves or passes away, ensuring smooth succession and long-term stability.
  
• Tax and structure flexibility: Companies can access tax incentives, declare dividends, and manage shares in ways not available to unregistered businesses.

For these reasons, many growing SMEs and startups begin as Business Names but later upgrade to a Limited Company as they expand operations or seek investors. When you compare CAC registration fees between both options, the Limited Company may cost more upfront, but it provides stronger protection and credibility in the long run.

Additional CAC Fees (Applies to All Entity Types)

From your uploaded CAC document, here are other fees that may apply depending on what service you need:

Service	Fee (₦)
Certified True Copy of Documents	₦5,000
Status Report	₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Historical Search Report	₦10,000 – ₦20,000
Letter of Good Standing	₦10,000
Change of Directors/Particulars	₦5,000
Voluntary Striking-Off	₦25,000 – ₦100,000 depending on company type
Annual Return (depending on entity type)	₦5,000 – ₦20,000

You can process most of these filings through the CAC online registration portal, where payments, document uploads, and certificate downloads are done electronically.

Step‑by‑Step CAC Registration Process

Knowing the CAC registration requirements helps you avoid costly mistakes. Whether registering a business name or company, the process generally involves:

1. Search & Reserve a Name – Use the CAC registration portal to check name availability and pay the reservation fee.
   
2. Fill the CAC registration form – Enter details of the proprietors or shareholders, business address, share capital, and nature of business.
   
3. Upload required documents – Valid ID (NIN, driver’s licence or passport), passport photograph, and signed forms. For companies, you’ll also need the memorandum and articles of association.
   
4. Pay the registration fee – Use Remita or an accredited payment channel. Ensure you save the payment evidence.
   
5. Submit and download certificate – The CAC issues digital certificates within 24–72 hours for business names; company incorporation may take 2–5 working days.

For more details on the process, see our guide on how to register a business name in Nigeria.

Free CAC Registration: SMEDAN Partnership

In September 2025, CAC partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to register 250,000 micro and small enterprises for free. 

The registrar‑general announced that CAC would waive all statutory fees while SMEDAN would profile eligible businesses and help them receive certificates. 

According to the Guardian, this initiative will see CAC forgo about ₦3 billion in fees and offer participating businesses after‑care support. To benefit, entrepreneurs must sign up on the SMEDAN portal and be selected; the free slots are limited. Outside this scheme, CAC registration is not free.

Other Hidden Costs and Tips

• Multiple name searches – each rejected name incurs another reservation fee. Prepare several unique names.
  
• Agent scams – avoid agents offering unbelievably cheap prices; ensure they are accredited. A verified platform provides peace of mind.
  
• Schedule your registration – the CAC portal tends to be slow during weekends and holidays; applying mid‑week can speed up processing
  
• Budget for incidental expenses – plan for courier, printing, or notarisation costs when preparing documents.

Making the Most of CAC Registration Fees: Plan, Budget, and Register Right

Understanding CAC registration fees is crucial when budgeting for your new business. The official schedule shows modest fees for name reservation, registration, and annual returns, but portal price changes and hidden costs can double your expenses. 

Always verify current charges on the CAC registration portal, prepare multiple names, and budget for incidental expenses. If you’re unsure about document preparation or timelines, consider speaking with professionals like FBA. 

Finally, explore the free CAC registration programme via SMEDAN if you qualify. With proper preparation, registering your business in Nigeria is straightforward and opens the door to growth and credibility.

FBA Nabena & Co. is a full-service law firm with 26 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and business corporations complete their registrations accurately. We have created this guide to outline each step required for CAC registration clearly, so you can register your business with confidence.

Contact FBA Nabena & Co. today for a consultation or reach us via a call at +234 807-201-3078. We’re here to help business owners like you succeed, starting with getting your company properly registered and compliant with all legal requirements.

FAQs

How Much Is CAC Registration In Nigeria (2025)

CAC registration fees in Nigeria depend on your business type and where you register. A DIY business name registration through the official CAC online portal costs between ₦10,500 and ₦12,000, which covers ₦1,000 for name reservation and ₦10,000 for registration.

With recent portal service adjustments, total costs can reach about ₦21,000. For a limited liability company with up to ₦1 million share capital, the statutory incorporation fee is ₦10,000, but portal and processing fees may bring the total to ₦40,000 or more.

Agent fees, stamp duties, and document uploads are not included in CAC’s official pricing.

How Long Does CAC Registration Take

The processing time for CAC registration depends on the business type and accuracy of your documents. A business name registration typically takes 24 to 72 hours after payment confirmation.

A limited company registration takes about 2 to 5 working days once all details are correct.

Delays often happen if there are errors in your CAC registration form, incorrect uploads, or incomplete shareholder information.

Can I Register My Business Myself

Yes, you can register your business yourself directly through the CAC online registration portal at pre.cac.gov.ng.

To do this, you need to:

1. Reserve two proposed business names.
   
2. Fill out the CAC registration form with details of the proprietor or directors.
   
3. Upload a valid identification (NIN, driver’s licence, or international passport).
   
4. Pay the required CAC registration fees online.
   

Using an accredited CAC agent is optional, but it can speed up the process if you prefer assistance.

How Much Is The Annual Payment To CAC

Registered businesses in Nigeria must pay annual returns to remain active on the CAC register.

• Business names pay ₦5,000 per year.
  
• Companies pay between ₦5,000 and ₦200,000, depending on share capital.
  

Late submissions attract additional penalties, so it’s important to renew promptly each year through the CAC registration portal.

Is There Free CAC Registration In 2025

Yes, but only under government-sponsored programs.

The CAC–SMEDAN free business registration initiative occasionally offers fee waivers for MSMEs across Nigeria.

The most recent phase provided free CAC certificates to 250,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. To qualify, applicants must register through the SMEDAN portal and meet specific eligibility requirements.

Outside such initiatives, CAC registration is not free, and the regular statutory fees apply.