Get an official company extract

    How to get a company extract in South Africa

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

    Search Company Records in South Africa

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    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: CIPC

    How do I get an official company extract in South Africa?

    Start with CIPC at https://www.cipc.co.za to identify the entity and available company extract. An ordinary extract, historical filing and certified copy are different documents. Check the recipient's requirements and official access conditions before ordering. A LemReveal PDF is not a government-certified extract.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Confirm the entity first

      Search by name or registration number and confirm you have the right legal entity before paying for anything.

    2. 2

      Choose the evidence required

      Ask the recipient whether it needs an ordinary extract, historical filing, certified copy, translation or legalisation. A free summary is not automatically sufficient.

    3. 3

      Follow the official document route

      Use https://www.cipc.co.za to find the issuing authority or authorised service and its current fees. Check what the document actually certifies.

      https://www.cipc.co.za
    4. 4

      Check the issue date

      Ask what issue date the recipient accepts; there is no universal three-month validity period. Retain the issue date, retrieval date and source.

    Open CIPCAll South Africa records

    South Africa: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Use CIPC for company registration information. Identify the official company record before interpreting a trading name, and follow the portal's current access or document-request process where further particulars are required.
    Confirm the entity
    Keep the full company registration number, including its separators and suffix, with the legal name. A company number and a tax reference are different identifiers.

    Check current access and document options on the official CIPC site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the South Africa registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need a paid extract to verify a South Africa company?

    Compare available public information with official document options and the recipient's requirements. Free lookup does not guarantee complete or certified evidence.

    What does a South Africa company extract contain?

    Contents vary by document. Check whether it covers current identity, officers, representation or historical filings. A registration certificate does not necessarily describe today's appointments.

    Is a LemReveal PDF an official extract?

    No. It is a third-party research record. Obtain an official or certified document through the relevant authority or authorised service when required.

    What is a (Pty) Ltd?

    Pty Ltd (Proprietary Limited) is South Africa's private company, equivalent to a Ltd. It restricts the transfer of shares and limits the number of shareholders to 50. There's no minimum capital requirement. It's the most common company type in South Africa.

    People also ask about get an official company extract in South Africa

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the South Africa company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the CIPC are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official South Africa business registry?

    The CIPC is the official public register of companies incorporated in South Africa. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.cipc.co.za.

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