The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration fees in Nigeria for 2026 range from ₦1,000 for name reservation to ₦40,000 for full incorporation and document certification. Costs depend on company type, share capital, and whether you use an accredited agent or file independently. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of all fees, including the SMEDAN free registration scheme.
Key Takeaways
- CAC registration fees start at ₦1,000 for name reservation and can go up to ₦5,000.
- Reserving restricted words or special suffixes like Ltd. or Gte. costs from ₦5,000.
- The official 2025 gazette increased business name registration to ₦20,000.
- Filing fees for partnership registration and initial Certified True Copies (CTC) range between ₦20,000 and ₦40,000.
- Accredited agents and law firms charge between ₦5,000 and ₦220,000 for their services.
Full Breakdown of CAC Registration Fees in Nigeria in 2026
Registering your business with the CAC grants full legal recognition under Nigerian law, enabling you to open corporate bank accounts, sign contracts, and access government services. Below are the detailed costs based on the latest gazetted CAC fee schedule.
Business Name Registration Fees
For sole proprietorship or partnership, the process starts with a public search and name reservation. Costs include:
- Public business name search: Free
- Name reservation: ₦1,000–₦5,000
- Name reservation for restricted words: ₦5,000–₦35,000
- Registration and CTC of documents: ₦20,000
- Remita transaction gateway fee: ₦161.25 per transaction
- Accredited agent professional fees: ₦20,000–₦40,000
Private or Public Company Limited by Shares
Fees depend on issued share capital. Most startups register with ₦100,000 share capital (under ₦1 million bracket). Professional fees range from ₦30,000 to ₦65,000 for agents, and ₦80,000 to ₦220,000 for law firms. The fee schedule by share capital:
- Small companies (₦1 million or less): ₦10,000; increase per ₦1 million: ₦10,000
- Private companies (₦1 million up to ₦500 million): ₦20,000 per ₦1 million; increase: ₦20,000 per ₦1 million
- Public limited companies (above ₦500 million): ₦10,000 per ₦1 million; increase: ₦10,000 per ₦1 million
Stamp duty is charged by FIRS, not CAC. For the first ₦1 million share capital, pay ₦8,500; for each subsequent million, 0.75% of share capital.
Registration Fees for Incorporated Trustees
For NGOs, religious bodies, and associations:
- Name reservation: ₦5,000
- Registration and CTC: ₦40,000
- Newspaper publication for proposed name: ₦15,000–₦30,000
What is the SMEDAN Free Registration Scheme?
SMEDAN offers a free online platform for Nigerian entrepreneurs to register their businesses, providing access to loans, grants, market linkages, training, and support. To register, visit the SMEDAN portal, enter your business name, phone number, email, and password, then follow the steps to provide business and owner information. Upon submission, you receive a SMEDAN number and a link to download your certificate.
How to Reserve a Name on CAC
Use the CAC Intelligent Name Search tool to check availability. Enter your proposed name and line of business, receive a similarity and compliance rate, and modify if needed. Secure the name by submitting on the iCRP portal: sign up, click 'Name Reservation', select business classification and type, enter the name, choose nature of business, check availability, and proceed to payment. Upon successful payment, you receive an AV Code.
What is the CAC Fee?
These are charges imposed by the Corporate Affairs Commission for business registration in Nigeria.
What is CAC Registration?
It is the legal process of recording a business or organisation with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission.
Who Needs to Register with the CAC?
Anyone operating a business, company, partnership, NGO, church, foundation, club, or association in Nigeria must register with the CAC. Without registration, you cannot open a bank account, bid for contracts, or protect your business name.
CAC registration fees in Nigeria for 2026 vary by business structure. Costs include name reservation, incorporation charges, stamp duty, and agent fees. The final amount depends on the business category and filing method.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Actions taken based on this information are at your own risk.
