All legitimate companies in South Africa are required to undergo registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), as mandated by the Companies Act of 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008). This regulatory agency oversees the registration processes for companies, cooperatives, and intellectual property rights, among other responsibilities.
To check the registration status of a company in South Africa online through CIPC, follow these steps:
- Visit the CIPC website using an internet-enabled device.
- Click on the CIPC Entity Search link.
- Log in to your account before initiating any search, adhering to Protection of Personal Information regulations.
- Search for the specific company by entering its name or registration number.
- The pertinent information will be displayed on your screen.
Additionally, you can verify a company’s registration through CIPROZA, a Durban-based company facilitating public access to registered company and director information stored at the CIPC. Be aware that charges apply for searches conducted on this platform. CIPROZA permits a free “Does the Company Exist?” search. It is essential to note that searches should not include CC, LTD, or PTY, as the CIPROZA system does not recognize these abbreviations.