How to check if a company is registered in South Africa 2024
The ordinary South African deals with a company at some point for one reason or another. Many have been victims of dealing with illegal companies. Before you work with a particular firm, you should ascertain its credibility to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. Here, you will learn how to check if a company is registered in South Africa.
Source: UGC
There are many reasons for conducting a background search on a company. You may want to buy shares, become their supplier, or become a creditor. Ascertaining that an organisation is genuine shields you from unscrupulous businesspeople. Discover how to check if a company is registered in South Africa today.
How to check if a company is registered in South Africa
All legal companies in South Africa must be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). CIPC was established by the Companies Act of 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008).
The agency is mandated with the registration of companies, cooperatives, and intellectual property rights, among other functions.
How to check if a company is registered in South Africa online (CIPC)
If you have ever wondered how to check if a company is legally registered in SA, now is your chance to do so. Follow the steps below to ascertain the legality of the company.
- Visit the CIPC website on an internet-enabled device.
- Click on the CIPC Entity Search link. Note that you will be required to log in before conducting any search. This is in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information regulations.
- Search for a specific company by entering its name or registration number.
- The information you need will be displayed on your screen.
NB: Note that CIPC offers a free company search in South Africa. You can use third parties that will charge you for the service.
Remember you need the company's full name or registration number to complete the steps above. You can find the registration number on the company's website, business cards, or other official documents.
How to check if a company is registered through CIPROZA
CIPROZA is a Durban-based company that allows the public to retrieve registered company and director information as housed at the CIPC. Note that conducting a search on the platform attracts charges.
The company only allows a free "Does the Company Exist/" search. It is worth noting that you should not include CC, LTD, or PTY in any of your searches because the CIPROZA system does not recognise them. Below is a table of the CIPROZA charges.
| Type of search | Cost in Rand | Information you get |
| Search by registration number | 119 | Company registration detailsRegistered nameDirector detailsAuditor details |
| Do they exist | 0 | If a company exists or not |
| Company lookup and status | 49 | Verify full registered nameRegistration numberTrading status |
| Director search | 119 | All companies a person is a directorTheir registered addressCurrent director search at each companyBasic overview of the director |
NB: You must create an account with CIPROZA to access the services above. Account registration is free. You can pay for a search using PayFast, Mastercard, VISA, EFT, or Bitcoin.
How to check if a company is registered in South Africa for free (CIPROZA)
The free CIPROZA search only allows you to confirm if a company exists or not. You will not get details of the firm. Follow the steps below to do a free search.
- Log into your account.
- Click on the Company Status Search.
- Enter a few characters of the firm's name. Note that the more characters, the more accurate the results.
- The system will give you a list of companies on the CIPC database.
How to do a company search on CIPROZA
Follow the steps below to complete a company search on CIPROZA.
- Log into your account.
- Click on Company Search.
- Enter the company registration number and click the Search button.
- The results will be displayed on your screen.
Source: UGC
How to check the directors of a company in South Africa
Follow the steps below to check the directors of a firm in SA.
- Log into your CIPROZA account.
- Click on the Director Search.
- Enter either the ID number or the person's first initial and surname.
- Choose the person whose director search you want to do. The results will be displayed on your screen.
How to do a company status search
A status search allows you to know if the firm is in business. Here are the steps you should follow to ascertain the status of a company.
- Log into your CIPROZA account.
- Click on the Company Status Search button.
- Enter the company's name and select it on the list that pops up. Select the company whose status you wish to check.
- The firm's registration number and registration status will be displayed on your screen.
How to check if a company name is available in South Africa
Searching and securing a company name is done on the CIPC website. Here are the steps you should follow to check if a company name is available in South Africa.
- Visit the CIPC website on an internet-enabled device.
- Click Customer Registration to register an account. Follow the prompts, and complete the required fields. Submit to create an account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the payment because this service is not free. Deposits may either be made at the CIPC walk-in centre in Pretoria, bank deposit or EFT payment.
- You will be redirected to the login page. Log into your account.
- On the E-services page, click Name Reservation.
- Next, select the Proposed Name and provide a maximum of four possible names in order of preference. Note that only one name will be registered.
- The system will do a preliminary search on the names provided.
- After the preliminary search, a screen displaying successful names will pop up. You can select Lodge Name Reservation if you are okay with the name.
- Follow the prompts to navigate to the next screen, which will confirm the name has been lodged. You will get a tracking number.
- Once your proposed name has been approved, you will receive an SMS and email confirmation of the name reservation. You will also receive a tracking number for the name reservation.
Source: UGC
What is the CIPC in South Africa?
CIPC stands for the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. It is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in South Africa. It is in charge of company and cooperative registration, and the registration of intellectual property rights.
How do you verify if a company is legit?
You can verify the legitimacy of a company on the CIPC or CIPROZA websites. Check the steps involved above.
How do you check if a business is registered in South Africa?
You can check if a business is registered on the CIPC website. You can also call CIPC on the toll-free number 012 394 1600.
Where can I check if a company is legit in South Africa?
If you have the registration number, head over to the CIPC website. Use the online search tool to verify the company's name and registration status.
Learning how to check if a company is registered in South Africa is crucial. It helps you ascertain a firm's legitimacy before getting involved in business or other dealings.
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Some people lie about their marital status, while others use others' details in marital contracts without consent. Knowing how to conduct a marital status check could save you from potentially damaging situations.
Source: Briefly News
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
