The verdict in three sentences
In Nigeria, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registers a Business Name in 1 to 3 days online for roughly ₦10,000 to ₦30,000. For a freelancer or referral partner, a Business Name registration is enough to start, before upgrading to a Limited company as revenue grows. The real value of registration is the RC number + TIN that unlocks a business account, legal invoicing and access to contracts.
Legal forms and registration costs
The form you pick drives cost, taxation and liability. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude for online CAC registration.
| Legal form | Registration fee (2026 order) | Timeline | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name | ₦10,000 - 20,000 | 1 - 2 days | Unlimited |
| Enterprise | ₦15,000 - 30,000 | 1 - 3 days | Unlimited |
| Ltd (1 director) | ₦30,000 - 60,000 | 2 - 4 days | Limited to shares |
| Ltd (multiple) | ₦50,000 - 90,000 | 3 - 5 days | Limited to shares |
| PLC | ₦100,000+ | 5 - 10 days | Limited to shares |
The minimum share capital for a private Ltd is no longer a blocker: it can start at ₦100,000 and be partly paid. A Business Name stays fastest and cheapest to test an activity.
Required documents and steps
The file is now mostly digital on the CAC portal. Budget these items and side costs.
| Step | Document / action | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Valid ID or passport | ₦0 |
| Address | Proof of address / lease | ₦0 - 20,000 |
| Name search | Availability check | included |
| RC number | Registration certificate | included in fee |
| TIN | Tax ID (FIRS) | ₦0 |
| Articles (Ltd) | Drafting + filing | ₦20,000 - 60,000 |
Once the RC number and TIN are issued, you open a business account (bank or Paystack/Flutterwave merchant) and invoice legally from the first job.
Mini case study
Fatou, a digital consultant in Lagos, wants to start as a referral partner for a web agency. She picks a Business Name: registration fee ₦15,000, timeline 48 h. She opens a merchant payment account (KYC in 72 h). On her first showcase-site contract referred to Kolonell (a site at ₦900,000), she earns 15 %, i.e. ₦135,000, plus 5 % recurring on annual maintenance. Her ₦15,000 setup is recouped nine times on the first deal alone. Staying under the threshold, her bookkeeping is a simple revenue log.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Once registered, you can join the Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program and turn your network into recurring income. The 2026 commission rates are clear and stackable:
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| Referred project type | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
On an institutional project at ₦14,000,000, an 8 % commission is ₦1,120,000 for a single qualified introduction.
FAQ
How much does CAC registration really cost in 2026?
Between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000 for common forms (Business Name, Enterprise), plus drafting and filing fees for companies. A Business Name can be as low as ₦10,000 - 20,000.
How long to get my RC number and TIN?
The CAC portal targets 1 to 3 days for complete files. An incomplete file (missing address proof) can stretch to a week.
Is a minimum capital required for a Ltd?
No, capital can start at ₦100,000 and be partly paid. It is no longer a barrier.
Can I invoice before my RC number?
No, legal invoicing requires the TIN. That is why a Business Name is preferred: fast registration and immediate invoicing.
Which status to start as a referral partner?
A Business Name is ideal: minimal cost, light bookkeeping, and enough to collect commissions legally through a business account.
Let's talk about your project. Register, then join our referral network to monetize your contacts. 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.
