Frequently Asked Questions

To register a business name in Nigeria, conduct a name availability search with CAC, complete the required forms, submit documents, and pay the registration fees.

Yes, business registration in Nigeria can be done online through the official CAC portal or third-party services like cacbusinessregistration.ng.

Yes, you can register multiple business names, as long as each name is unique and available for registration.

If your chosen name is already taken, you’ll need to propose an alternative name or variation and submit a new name availability check.

Business name registration takes 3-5 working days, while company registration may take 5-10 working days, depending on document complexity.

For business name registration, you need the business name, address, identification, and proprietor details. For a company, you’ll need identification, shareholding details, directors’ information, and Memorandum and Articles of Association.

A business name is a simpler structure for sole proprietors or partnerships, while a LLC is a separate legal entity offering liability protection to its shareholders.

Yes, foreigners can register businesses in Nigeria, but they must obtain a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Registering a business in Nigeria costs between ₦25,000 to ₦40,000 for business names and ₦50,000+ for company registration, depending on share capital. You might need to add other logistics and miscellenous

At TCorporate Legal Advisory, We help Businesses, startups, Agency get registered with the right agencies. We also help businesses obtain essential licenses to operate legally in Nigeria. We assist with CAC registration for company formation, NITDA registration for data protection, and NDPR compliance for privacy regulations. Additionally, we help with FCCPC registration for consumer protection, NERC licensing for energy businesses, and CBN licensing for financial institutions. We also offer support for SEC, NCAA, NCC, NCDMB, NIPEX, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NIMASA registrations, ensuring full compliance with industry-specific requirements. We are the CAC Accredited Agent in Nigeria

A Ltd company cannot offer shares to the public, while a PLC can raise capital by selling shares to the public.

No, you don’t need a lawyer, but working with cacbusinessregistration.ng ensures compliance with all regulations and speeds up the process.

An Incorporated Trustee is a legal entity for non-profit organizations, such as NGOs, religious bodies, and social clubs, managed by trustees.

RC (Registered Company) is for limited liability companies, while BN (Business Name) is for sole proprietorships and partnerships.

Yes, you can transition from a business name to an LLC by re-registering your business under the company structure and obtaining a new CAC certificate.

Yes, under CAMA 2020, a single individual can now register a limited liability company as a sole shareholder and director.

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is necessary for business transactions, opening a corporate bank account, filing taxes, and accessing government services.

Yes, a residential address can be used for registration, but you must update it if you relocate to a commercial space later.

How Do I Amend or Update My Business Details with CAC?

A company secretary ensures corporate governance compliance. Larger companies are required to appoint one, while smaller companies may not.

Yes, you can request a business name change with the CAC by submitting the appropriate form and paying the required fees.

No, the CAC certificate does not expire. However, businesses must file annual returns and maintain compliance to remain active.

Failure to file annual returns results in fines, potential deregistration, and inability to access government incentives or contracts.

Yes, businesses engaged in taxable goods or services must register for VAT with FIRS and file returns, with small companies exempt from VAT filing.

Yes, under CAMA 2020, you can now register a limited liability company with just one director.

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by an individual, while an LLC is a separate legal entity offering limited liability to shareholders.

Yes, freelancers should register their business, either as a business name or LLC, to access opportunities and build credibility.

Yes, franchise businesses can be registered in Nigeria under the business name or LLC structure, depending on the business model.

The minimum age for business registration is 18 years, though minors can register with the assistance of someone over 18.

The minimum age for business registration is 18 years, though minors can register with the assistance of someone over 18.

Yes, a registered business can operate across multiple locations in Nigeria, but you must update the CAC with additional branches or locations.

Shares represent ownership in a company. Shareholders own a portion of the business based on the number of shares they hold.

To register a subsidiary, follow the same process as registering a new company. The parent company owns a portion or all of the subsidiary's shares.

While CAC prefers a physical address, a P.O. Box can be used for correspondence. However, a physical address is required for the primary business address.

Directors manage the day-to-day operations and make strategic decisions for the company, acting as its legal representatives.

To dissolve a business, apply to the CAC, submit a board resolution, clear any outstanding liabilities, and the business will be removed from the register.

Yes, e-commerce businesses can be registered like any other business entity, either as a business name or LLC, depending on your structure.

Registering a business name with CAC does not provide trademark protection. You must register your trademark with the Trademarks, Patents, and Designs Registry.

Shareholders are the owners of a company. They invest in exchange for shares, giving them voting rights on key decisions and a share of the company’s profits.

Shareholders are the owners of a company. They invest in exchange for shares, giving them voting rights on key decisions and a share of the company’s profits.

Certain industries like banking, telecommunications, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals require additional permits or licenses and are regulated by special laws.

Yes, partnerships can be registered under the business name structure if two or more individuals are involved. Partners share profits, liabilities, and responsibilities.

Yes, you can register a holding company in Nigeria. A holding company owns shares in other companies but does not engage in operational business activities itself.

Foreign companies must provide documentation from their home country and meet local content laws, with a minimum share capital requirement of ₦100 million.

An NGO is a non-profit organization aimed at social, charitable, or educational purposes. Register as an Incorporated Trustee with CAC, submit a constitution, and publish notices in national newspapers.

An annual return provides details about the company’s financial status, shareholders, and directors, ensuring continued compliance with regulatory requirements.

You do not need a Nigerian bank account to register a business, but you’ll need one to operate effectively for financial transactions.

No, a CAC certificate is required to open a business account in Nigeria.

No, schools must be registered as a limited liability company for proper structuring and liability protection, not under a business name.