CIPC
Quick Answer
What is CIPC?
CIPC is the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission – the registrar of companies, close corporations and trademarks in South Africa.
CIPC explained
Company registration, annual returns, beneficial ownership, director changes and deregistration all happen at CIPC, mostly online via eServices or BizPortal.
Who it applies to: Every company and close corporation.
Cost: Registration from R125 – R175; many filings free.
Related terms and guides
Official source: CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission)
Always verify this information with official South African government sources. Rules, fees and thresholds change. Check SARS, CIPC, the Department of Employment and Labour or gov.za before you act.
About BizAnswers: BizAnswers is a privately owned South African company – not a government department. Our guides are free to read and show you how to do things yourself through official channels. If you would rather have the paperwork handled for you, we assist individuals and businesses with filing their South African tax returns and staying compliant, which is a paid service, not a free government service. Contact us for help.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the BizAnswers editorial team. How we write and check our guides.