The verdict in three sentences
In Nigeria, the CAC online portal lets you register a limited company in 1 to 3 days for 20,000 to 35,000 NGN depending on structure and share capital. You come out with a certificate of incorporation and a TIN (tax ID), the two documents that unlock a corporate account and tenders. Knowing the steps saves you the back-and-forth and the touts who charge 100,000 NGN for a process that costs under 35,000.
Legal structures and their costs
The structure you choose sets the minimum capital, taxation and liability. Here are the 2026 ballpark figures for registration via the CAC.
| Legal structure | Minimum capital | Registration fee (estimate) | CAC delay | Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business name | None | 20,000 - 25,000 NGN | 1-2 days | 1 |
| Private limited (LTD) | 100,000 NGN | 25,000 - 35,000 NGN | 2-3 days | 1+ |
| LLP | None | 30,000 - 50,000 NGN | 2-3 days | 2+ |
| Incorporated trustees | None | 30,000 - 60,000 NGN | 5-10 days | 3+ |
| Public company (PLC) | 2,000,000 NGN | 300,000+ NGN | 5-10 days | 2+ |
The private limited (LTD) remains the best compromise for a solo entrepreneur: liability limited to capital and clear taxation.
Documents and steps of the online portal
The CAC path gathers in one place formalities that once took weeks. Here is what you get and the thresholds to know.
| Item | 2026 detail | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| TIN | Unique tax identifier | Invoicing, taxes, corporate account |
| Certificate | Certificate of incorporation | Proof of legal existence |
| MEMART | Articles (CAC template) | Company governance |
| VAT registration | Threshold ~25 M NGN turnover | Charge VAT (7.5 %) |
| Business mobile account | OPay, Moniepoint Business | Collect in the company name |
| Pension/PAYE filing | On hiring 1st employee | Social protection |
Once you hold the TIN, open a business mobile account (OPay, Moniepoint): you collect in the company name and separate personal and business flows, essential for accounting.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Awa, who runs a cosmetics shop in Lagos, has sold informally for 2 years. She registers an LTD via the CAC: 30,000 NGN in fees, 100,000 NGN capital, 3-day delay. Result: she opens a Moniepoint Business account, lands a supply contract with a hotel (which requires a TIN) worth 900,000 NGN/month, and becomes eligible for grants. The return on the 30,000 NGN invested is immediate from the first invoice.
FAQ
How much does CAC registration really cost? Budget 20,000 to 35,000 NGN depending on structure and capital. An LTD averages 25,000-35,000 NGN, all in via the online portal.
How long does registration take? 1 to 3 days for common structures (business name, LTD, LLP). Incorporated trustees, being more complex, take 5 to 10 days.
Do I need a middleman? No. The CAC portal is designed to be done directly. Touts often charge 80,000 to 100,000 NGN for a process you can complete yourself for under 35,000.
When must I charge VAT? Above a turnover threshold of roughly 25 million NGN, VAT registration (7.5 %) becomes mandatory. Below that, you can stay on the simplified regime.
Is the TIN enough for a corporate account? The certificate and TIN together let you open a corporate bank account and a business mobile account (OPay, Moniepoint) in the company name.
Let's talk about your project. Once registered, a professional website with mobile-money payment turns your credibility into sales. 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.
