Verify company registration

    How to check if a company is registered in South Africa

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in South Africa

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    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: CIPC

    How do I check if a company is registered in South Africa?

    To check if a company is registered in South Africa, search its name or registration number on CIPC (https://www.cipc.co.za). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Open the official CIPC

      Go to https://www.cipc.co.za. This is the primary government-operated source.

      https://www.cipc.co.za
    2. 2

      Search by name or number

      Enter the trading name or the registration number. CIPC returns exact and near matches.

    3. 3

      Check status and legal name

      A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.

    4. 4

      Cross-check the registered address

      Compare the registered office address on CIPC with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.

    5. 5

      Download the official extract (optional)

      Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.

    Open CIPCAll South Africa records

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I check if a company is registered in South Africa?

    Search the company's name or registration number on CIPC at https://www.cipc.co.za. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.

    How can I check if a South Africa company is still active?

    Read the status field on the company's CIPC record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.

    Is a South Africa company with a website automatically registered?

    No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in CIPC with a matching legal name and registration number.

    What proves a South Africa company is legally registered?

    An entry in CIPC with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by CIPC is the authoritative identifier.

    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 check if a company is registered 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.

    How can I check if a South Africa company is legitimate?

    Look the company up on the CIPC. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.

    What information can I get about a South Africa company for free?

    Free public data from the CIPC typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.

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