The verdict in three sentences
Nigeria's CAC online portal has sharply shortened company registration: expect a few days in 2026 for a clean registration. The real cost of a limited company (Ltd) stays modest, in the order of official fees plus a small share capital. For a referral partner or web freelancer, the real choice is between a business name (sole proprietorship) — simple and fast — and a limited company — credibility and liability protection.
Indicative costs and timelines 2026
The amounts below are 2026 orders of magnitude, excluding optional advisory fees. FCFA equivalents are approximate for regional comparison.
| Item | Business name | Limited company (Ltd) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration delay | 1-3 days | 3-7 days |
| Minimum share capital | Not required | Nominal, freely set |
| Official registration fees | Low | Moderate |
| Notary/attestation | No | Sometimes |
| Tax ID (TIN) | Included | Included |
| Liability protection | Weak | Strong |
The TIN and registration certificate are issued through the online process, avoiding trips between agencies.
Steps and documents on the portal
The journey is linear and largely paperless on the CAC platform.
| Step | Content | Typical 2026 delay |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | Proposed company name check | 1 day |
| Online filing | Form, particulars, ID | 1 day |
| Payment of fees | Card or transfer | Same day |
| Registration issued | Certificate + registration number | 1-3 days |
| Tax ID (TIN) | Fiscal identifier | Included |
| Tax regime | Small-business or standard | To declare |
A freelancer starting out often stays under a small-business tax regime, suited to low turnover, before moving to the standard regime as they grow.
Mini case study
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Awa, a web developer in Lagos, wants to invoice her referral clients cleanly. In 2026 she opts for a business name: online filing on Monday, registration by mid-week, low official cost. She obtains her TIN and can issue invoices from the first week. A year later, with rising turnover, she plans to move to a limited company to protect her assets and strengthen credibility with larger accounts.
The link with the Kolonell partner program
Being registered is not mandatory to refer a project, but it eases payouts and deductibility. A registered partner issues an invoice and collects Kolonell commissions (15 % showcase + 5 % recurring, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace, 8 % institutional) via Wave, Orange Money or bank transfer, with a clean statement. Many partners start as individuals, then formalize once recurring income justifies a structure.
FAQ
How long to register in Nigeria in 2026? Expect 1-3 days for a business name and 3-7 days for a limited company via the CAC portal, with a complete file.
What minimum capital for a limited company? The nominal share capital is freely set; there is no high mandatory floor, which lightens the start.
Business name or limited company for a web freelancer? A business name is faster and cheaper; a limited company protects assets and reassures larger clients. The choice depends on volume and target client type.
Is the TIN provided automatically? Yes, the portal issues the TIN (tax identifier) alongside the registration certificate, with no separate step.
Do I need a notary? Not always for a simple company; attestation costs, when they exist, depend on the complexity of the constitution documents.
Let's talk about your project. We'll guide you on the right structure and, if you refer web projects, on the Kolonell partner program and its commissions. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
