Do I need a company name to register with CIPC?

No. You can register a company without a reserved name. In that case, the company is registered under its automatically assigned registration number (e.g., 2025/123456/07).

Can I add a company name after registration?

Yes. First reserve a name (up to four options per application), then submit a name change with CIPC. Once approved, your official records and certificate will reflect the new name.

How much does it cost to register with or without a name?

Registering without a name is typically R125. Reserving a name costs R50. Registering with a reserved name is usually R175 in total (R125 + R50).

Do banks require a company name to open a business account?

Requirements vary by bank. Some accept number-only companies, but many prefer or require a registered company name. Confirm with your chosen bank before applying.

What happens if my proposed company name is rejected?

You must submit a new reservation with different name options and pay the R50 fee again. Names are rejected if they are too similar, misleading, offensive, or use restricted terms.

Can foreigners reserve a company name with CIPC?

Yes. Foreign directors can reserve a name using a certified passport copy and valid contact details. A South African ID is not required for name reservation.

How many names can I include in one reservation?

Up to four names can be submitted in order of preference in a single R50 application.

How long is a reserved company name valid?

Six months from the date of approval. If you do not register or change your company name within that period, the reservation expires and you must reapply.

Do You Need a Company Name to Register with CIPC?

Q: Can I trade under a name if I don’t reserve one?

You may trade using a trading-as (T/A) name for branding, but legally the entity remains the registration number until a formal company name is approved by CIPC.

Johan De Wet
Sep 28
3 min read

Quick Answer: No, you don’t need a company name to register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). You can register using just the automatically assigned company number (e.g., 2025/123456/07). However, reserving a name is recommended if you want to trade under a professional brand.

Can You Register a Company Without a Name?

Yes. CIPC allows you to register a Private Company (Pty Ltd) without a reserved name. In this case, your business is legally registered and recognized under its registration number.

For example, your company may be registered as:

2025/123456/07 (South Africa)
Later, you can trade as ABC Consulting (Pty) Ltd once you add a reserved name.

When Should You Reserve a Company Name?

While optional, name reservation is often recommended. You should reserve a name if:

You need a branded identity from day one.
You want to open a bank account (some banks require a company name).
You plan to apply for tenders, contracts, or funding.
You want your company name to appear on invoices, signage, or websites.

How Much Does a Company Name Reservation Cost?

R50 → Reserve up to 4 names in one application.
R125 → Register a company without a name reservation.
R175 → Register a company with a name reservation (R125 + R50).

💡 Tip: If you’re short on time, register quickly without a name and add one later.

Do You Need a Company Name to Register with CIPC?

How to Add a Name After Registration

If you first register without a name, you can later apply to add one. The process:

Step 1: Reserve a Company Name

Submit up to 4 name choices via the CIPC eServices portal for R50.

Step 2: Apply to Change Company Details

Submit a company name change request through CIPC.

Step 3: Pay the Fee and Wait for Approval

Once approved, your official records and certificate will reflect the new company name.

Pros and Cons of Registering Without a Company Name

Pros:

Faster registration (no name approval delays).
Cheaper upfront (R125 only).

Cons:

Company listed only by number.
Banks, clients, and tenders may require a proper name.
You’ll have to do a name change later (extra step).

FAQs About CIPC Company Name Requirements

1. Do I need a company name to open a bank account?

Some banks allow number-only companies, but most prefer a proper company name.

2. Can I trade under a name if I don’t reserve one?

Yes, you can trade using a trading-as (T/A) name, but your official legal entity remains the registration number until you reserve a formal name.

3. What if my company name is rejected?

You must submit new name options and pay R50 again until one is approved.

4. Can foreigners reserve a company name?

Yes. Foreign directors can reserve names using a certified passport copy.

5. Is it cheaper to register without a name?

Yes. Without a name: R125. With a name: R175.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a company name to register with CIPC, but having one gives your business credibility and makes banking and contracts much easier. The fastest route is registering without a name, but for long-term professionalism, securing a name is highly recommended.

If you want to avoid the hassle of reapplying or name rejections, service providers like Smartbook can reserve and register your company name in one seamless process.