CAC Nigeria: Registration Cost and Timeline for a Web Business (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registers a company or business name largely online, with a business name being the fastest and cheapest route to formalization. Registering gives you a valid entity and tax identification, essential for signing clean contracts and invoicing your referral commissions. The first deal you sign more than repays the setup, because a Kolonell showcase commission is worth 37,500 to 180,000 FCFA equivalent.

How much CAC registration costs and how long it takes

The CAC portal centralizes company formation: name reservation, incorporation, and tax registration in one flow. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude by legal form.

For a web referral partner starting alone, a business name is enough. A private limited company adds credibility with larger clients but costs and takes a little more.

Documents required and the steps

The CAC dossier is deliberately light to encourage formalization. Prepare these items in advance to hit the fastest timeline.

With your certificate and TIN, you can issue compliant invoices, which reassures the SMEs and large accounts you prospect.

The Kolonell referral partner program

Once registered, you become a Kolonell referral partner: you bring a client, we design and deliver the site, and you earn a commission on the sale. The 2026 rates are clear and can stack with recurring revenue.

With a valid entity, you invoice these amounts cleanly and build a reputation as a serious partner with our teams.

Mini case study

Fatou, a young graduate, registers a business name via CAC for a modest fee. In her first month she brings a restaurant client who signs a Growth showcase site at 500,000 FCFA. Her 15% commission comes to 75,000 FCFA, several times her registration cost. From the second deal on, she is in clear profit.

FAQ

How much does CAC registration really cost in 2026? A business name costs only the portal fee, while a private limited company costs moderately more, all of it recovered by your first commission of 37,500 to 180,000 FCFA equivalent.

How quickly do you get registered? A business name can be issued in 1 to 3 days through the CAC portal, and a limited company within 3 to 7 days with a complete dossier.

Do you need capital to start? A business name needs no minimum capital; a limited company declares a modest share capital that you keep and use for early costs.

Does one referral deal repay the setup? Yes: a showcase commission of 37,500 to 180,000 FCFA equivalent covers your entire registration cost on the very first signed client.

Can I invoice before registering? Occasionally, yes, but a registered entity and tax ID protect you legally and let you issue compliant invoices, which large clients require.

Let's talk about your project. Register, become a Kolonell partner, and turn your network into income from the first deal. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.