How Much Does CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria? (Full 2026 Price List)
How Much Does CAC Registration Cost in Nigeria? The Ultimate 2026 Transparency Guide
When you decide to legalize your business, the first question on your mind is inevitably: "How much is this going to cost me?" In Nigeria, information about government fees can sometimes be confusing or outdated, leading entrepreneurs to pay far more than necessary.
In this industrial-grade guide, we peel back the curtain on CAC registration costs in Nigeria for 2026. We break down official portal fees, hidden stamp duties, and what you should expect to pay if you use an accredited agent.
💰 The 2026 CAC Registration Price List
Here is the quick-glance breakdown of what it costs to get your certificate in Nigeria today.
| Service Type | Official Portal Fee | Stamp Duty (FIRS) | Estimated Total Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Name Reservation | ₦500 | None | ₦500 | | Business Name (BN) | ₦10,000 | None | ₦45,000 | | Company (1M Shares) | ₦20,000 | ₦7,500 - ₦10,000 | ₦45,000 - ₦55,000 | | NGO / Church / Club | ₦35,000 | ₦10,000+ | ₦120,000 - ₦150,000 | | Annual Returns (BN) | ₦3,000 | None | ₦5,000 - ₦8,000 | | Annual Returns (LTD) | ₦5,000 | None | ₦10,000 - ₦15,000 |
Note: Total costs include professional handling fees for accredited agents.
Technical Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?
To understand how much CAC registration costs, you need to know the three main "destinations" for your money:
1. Official CAC Filing Fees
This is the amount the Corporate Affairs Commission charges to process your paperwork. It is a one-time fee paid via Remita on the portal. For a standard private company with 1 million share capital, this is ₦20,000.
2. FIRS Stamp Duty (LTD and NGO Only)
When you register a company, your "Memorandum and Articles of Association" must be stamped by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This is not a CAC fee, but you cannot complete registration without it. For 1,000,000 shares, the stamp duty is typically calculated at 0.75% of the share capital plus administrative charges.
3. Professional Handling/Agent Fees
Unless you are a trained professional, navigating the CAC portal can be tricky. Accredited agents (Lawyers, Accountants, Secretaries) charge a fee to handle the technicalities, fix queries, and ensure your certificate is delivered without errors. This typically ranges from ₦5,000 to ₦50,000 depending on the entity type.
⚡ The "Hidden" Costs of Registration
Avoid these common traps to stay within your budget:
- Name Rejection Fee: If your name is rejected, you lose that ₦500 and must pay another ₦500 for a new search.
- Penalty for Late Returns: If you don't file your Annual Returns on time, the CAC charges a daily penalty which can quickly exceed the actual registration cost.
- Correction of Errors: Changing a wrongly spelled name or wrong address after the certificate is issued can cost between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000 in secondary filing fees.
Why Cheap Isn't Always Better
You might see people offering "CAC Registration for ₦5,000." Be extremely careful.
- Portal Ghosting: Many "cheap" agents start the process, wait for the first payment, and then disappear when they hit a technical query.
- Invalid Certificates: There is a rise in fake certificates. Always verify your certificate on the CAC Public Search portal before making final payments.
- Wrong Classifications: An amateur might register your "LTD" without a proper Constitution, leading to massive legal bills in the future when you want to raise investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the 45k Business Name registration include TIN?
Yes! Since 2020, every new CAC registration automatically includes a Tax Identification Number (TIN) printed on the certificate at no extra cost.
2. Can I pay the CAC fees in installments?
The official portal requires full payment before the registrar can see your file. However, most agencies (like ours) allow for a 2-part payment structure where you pay a deposit for the search and filing, and the balance upon approval.
3. Is the cost different for "Special Business Names"?
Yes. Certain professional services (Engineering, Law, Consulting) may require additional administrative documents that can slightly increase the handling fee.
4. How much does it cost to upgrade from a Business Name to a Company?
This is a more complex process called "Conversion." It typically costs between ₦40,000 and ₦70,000 as it involves deregistering the old name and incorporating a new entity.
5. Are there any discounts for youth or start-ups?
Occasionally, the Federal Government launches MSME Survival Fund interventions where registration is free or 50% off. Keep an eye on the CAC Twitter/X handle for such announcements.
Conclusion: Value Over Price
Understanding how much is CAC registration in Nigeria is about more than just finding the lowest number. It's about securing your business's future legally and professionally.
Ready for a transparent, no-hidden-fee registration experience? Our accredited agents can provide you with a fixed quote and start your journey today.
Need Help with Your Registration?
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