If you’re planning to register a business in Nigeria, the honest answer is: it depends on what kind of business you’re registering, and whether you file it yourself or use an agent. Here’s the real cost breakdown for 2026, not just the headline CAC fee.
Business Name Registration Cost
| Item | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Name availability search | Free – 500 |
| Name reservation | 1,000 |
| Business name registration fee | 10,000 – 21,000 |
| Certified true copy (optional, recommended for banking) | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| DIY total (self-filing) | ₦10,500 – ₦25,000 |
| With a CAC accredited agent | ₦20,000 – ₦35,000 |
Government filing fees have been reviewed upward in recent gazettes, so exact figures shift periodically — always confirm the current rate before paying.
Limited Company (LTD) Registration Cost
Company registration is priced differently — it’s based on your authorised share capital, not a flat fee.
| Item | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1,000 |
| Registration fee (up to ₦1,000,000 share capital) | 10,000 – 40,000 |
| Stamp duty (0.75% of share capital) | 7,500 (on ₦1M) |
| Typical total for a standard ₦1M LTD | ₦30,000 – ₦48,500+ |
Above ₦1 million in share capital, the registration fee is charged per additional ₦1 million, so a company with higher share capital will cost proportionally more.
Incorporated Trustees (NGO, Church, Association)
Registering an NGO, church, or association carries extra costs beyond CAC’s own fees — mainly the mandatory newspaper publication of your intent to register, which typically adds ₦40,000–₦60,000 on top of the ₦30,000 CAC registration fee, bringing a realistic total to ₦70,000–₦90,000 or more.
DIY vs. Using an Agent: What You’re Actually Paying For
Filing yourself on the CAC portal is cheaper, but the extra cost of an agent typically covers: correct document preparation (rejected filings cost you time, not just money), handling of name conflicts and objections, and faster turnaround since agents know the system’s common failure points. For a first-time registration, the time saved usually outweighs the fee difference.
What You Need Before You Register
For a business name
- Two or three proposed names, in order of preference
- The owner’s full details, signature and passport photograph
- A valid ID: NIN slip, voter’s card, driver’s licence or international passport
- A short description of what the business does, and its address
For a limited company (LTD)
- At least one director and shareholder (one person can be both)
- Valid ID, signature and contact details for each director and shareholder
- A registered office address in Nigeria
- Share capital and how the shares are divided
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (the CAC portal provides a standard version)
How the CAC Registration Process Works
- Name search and reservation. Check that your name is available and reserve it. See how to check CAC name availability.
- Complete the registration form on the CAC portal with the business, owner or director details.
- Upload documents: IDs, signatures and, for companies, the incorporation documents.
- Pay the filing fee, which depends on the structure and, for companies, the share capital.
- CAC review. If anything is wrong, CAC sends a query for correction. Most delays come from avoidable errors; see common CAC registration mistakes.
- Download your certificate. Companies also receive a status report showing directors and shareholders.
How long does it take?
The whole process is online and you do not need to visit a CAC office. A correctly filed business name is often approved within a few working days, while a limited company usually takes longer. Queries add time, which is why getting the application right the first time matters more than anything else.
Not sure which structure to choose? Read business name vs limited liability company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAC registration a one-time cost?
The registration fee itself is one-time, but businesses (especially limited companies) have ongoing obligations like annual returns, which carry their own smaller recurring fees.
Why do CAC fees vary so much between sources?
Government filing fees are periodically reviewed and increased, and different platforms quote either the bare government fee or an all-in price that includes agent service charges — always clarify which one you’re being quoted.
Is it cheaper to register a business name or a limited company?
Business name registration is consistently cheaper up front, but a limited company gives you separate legal identity and liability protection that a business name does not — the right choice depends on your risk exposure and growth plans, not just the registration fee.
Do I need a lawyer to register with CAC?
No, a lawyer isn’t required — CAC registration can be done by the business owner directly or through a CAC-accredited agent, which is a more common and often more practical route.
Can I register a business without visiting a CAC office?
Yes. CAC registration is done entirely online, either by the owner directly or through an accredited agent.
Can foreigners register a company in Nigeria?
Yes, with additional steps such as NIPC registration for foreign-owned companies. See can a foreigner own 100% of a business in Nigeria.
Ready to register your business without the guesswork?
Lifehampers Global Consults handles CAC registration end-to-end — get a free consultation or see our full compliance services.