Many South Africans dream of starting their own company. But when they sit down to register online, they feel stressed, confused, and ready to give up.

You open the BizPortal website thinking it will take 10 minutes. Suddenly, you realize you need:

• Your ID

• A CIPC password (you forgot it!)

• OTP codes that never come

• Director details for people who don’t even answer calls

• Name reservations that keep getting rejected

You sit there thinking, “Why is this so hard? I just want to start my business and make money for my family.”

If this is you, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs feel the same way. That’s why we wrote this simple guide – to help you register your company step by step, without stress.

What is BizPortal?

BizPortal is the official online platform run by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). It helps you:

• Register private companies (PTY Ltd)

• Reserve company names

• Download registration certificates

• Get free B-BBEE certificates

• Register for UIF and Compensation Fund

Visit: www.bizportal.gov.za

How to Login to BizPortal

1. Go to www.bizportal.gov.za

2. Enter your South African ID number and CIPC password

Did you forget your CIPC password?

➔ Reset it by:

• Entering your ID number on the login screen

• Receiving an OTP via your registered cellphone or email

• If your contact details changed, update them on cipc.co.za

BizPortal vs CIPC: What’s the Difference?

• CIPC is the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the government body regulating businesses in South Africa.

• BizPortal is their online portal for easy company registration, name reservation, and business services.

What You Need to Register a Company on BizPortal

✔️ Your South African ID number

✔️ Working CIPC password

✔️ Valid mobile number, email, and address for each director

✔️ Optional: company name ideas✔️ Bank card for payment

Step-by-Step: Registering a Company on BizPortal

1️⃣ Log In

Use your ID number and CIPC password to log in.

2️⃣ Reset Password (If Needed)

Follow OTP reset steps if you forgot it.

3️⃣ View Profile

Your user profile loads after login.

4️⃣ Start Company Registration

Click “Company Registration” on the dashboard.

5️⃣ Choose With or Without Name

• Without name: Registration number becomes company name (R125)

• With name: Reserve up to 4 names (R50). Approved name gets linked. If none are approved, you get a number name and can reserve again (R50) with a free name change.

  
  

6️⃣ Select Company Type

Choose PTY Ltd or other available types.

7️⃣ Add Directors

Enter each director’s ID number and click the plus (+) icon.

8️⃣ Home Affairs Verification

Directors answer ID issue date, marriage date, or spouse’s ID (if married).

9️⃣ Enter Contact Details

Each director needs:

• Unique mobile number

• Unique email address

• Physical address

  
  

🔟 Company Details

Add:

• Business address

• Company description

• Sector

  
  

1️⃣1️⃣ Company Name Options

Check name availability, submit up to 4 suggestions, and reserve one.

1️⃣2️⃣ Register for UIF & Compensation Fund

Only register if you already have employees. Processing is via the Department of Employment and Labour.

1️⃣3️⃣ Apply for B-BBEE Certificate

Get a free Level 1 certificate for most new businesses directly via BizPortal.

1️⃣4️⃣ Open Business Bank Account

BizPortal offers direct links to partner banks for instant business account setup.

• Learn also how to File Your ITR12 Tax Return in South Africa: Simple Guide for 2025

1️⃣5️⃣ Make Payment

Use your bank card for payment if you don’t have CIPC credit.

⚠️ Important:

• Pay within 24 hours

• Use the correct payment reference

• Don’t submit multiple applications and pay only for one

• Weekend payments process on Mondays

• EFT payments from other banks can cause delays

BizPortal Payment Process

✔️ Card payments are fastest

✔️ Avoid EFT from other banks to prevent delays

✔️ Always use the exact payment reference shown on your invoice

✔️ Late or incorrect payments will delay company registration

Downloading Your Company Registration Certificate

1. Log in to BizPortal after payment approval

2. Go to your Company Profile

3. Click “Download Certificate” as PDF

4. Save it for your records and compliance

   
   

Updating Banking Details on BizPortal

• Go to My Profile

• Update banking details when required for tax or business account purposes

• Ensure details match your registered business name to avoid rejection

BizPortal Company Registration FAQs

1. What is BizPortal?

An online platform by CIPC to register companies file annual returns, and access business services easily.

2. How do I login to BizPortal?

Use your ID number + CIPC password. Reset via OTP if forgotten.

3. What is CIPC?

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission regulates company registration in South Africa.

4. How much does it cost to register a company?

• R125 without a name

• R50 extra to reserve a name

5. How do I download my registration certificate?

Log in after payment approval and download from your Company Profile.

6. How do I update banking details?

Go to My Profile and edit your banking details section.

7. What causes payment delays?

• Incorrect payment reference

• Late payment

• Weekend submissions

• EFT from another bank

8. Can directors share contact details?

No. Each director needs a unique cellphone number and email address.

9. Where do I find BizPortal registration forms?

All forms are online via www.bizportal.gov.za under your user dashboard.

10. How do I register on CIPC online?

You first create a CIPC account, then log in via BizPortal for company registration.

• You can also learn how to register for DDD Webinars Online in South Africa simple 2025 guide here