How do I reinstate a deregistered company with CIPC?

To reinstate a deregistered company, file all outstanding annual returns, pay penalties, and submit the required documents to reinstatements@cipc.co.za or via the CIPC Reinstatement Portal.

How long does CIPC reinstatement take?

CIPC reinstatement typically takes between 15 and 25 business days if all filings and documents are correct.

What documents are needed to reinstate a company?

You’ll need certified ID of a director, company registration documents, proof of address, a SARS letter of good standing, and an affidavit confirming the company is still active.

Can Smartbook help me reinstate my company?

Yes. Smartbook can file outstanding annual returns, pay penalties, prepare documents, and manage the entire CIPC reinstatement process for you.

How to Reinstate a Deregistered Company with CIPC

Q: Can a deregistered company trade?

No. A deregistered company loses its legal status and cannot trade, sign contracts, or operate bank accounts until reinstated.

Johan De Wet
Oct 13
3 min read

Has your company been deregistered by the CIPC? Don’t worry — it’s possible to reinstate it and get back to legal compliance. When a company doesn’t file its annual returns for an extended period, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) assumes it’s inactive and removes it from the register.This process is called deregistration.

In this guide, we’ll explain why companies get deregistered, what reinstatement means, and how to restore your company step-by-step — with or without Smartbook’s help.

What Does “Deregistered” Mean?

If your company is deregistered, it no longer legally exists as a juristic person.That means:

You can’t operate or trade under the company name.
Your business bank accounts may be frozen.
You can’t apply for loans, tenders, or funding.
SARS may mark the company as inactive.
Ownership of company assets may legally revert to the state.

The only way to fix this is through CIPC reinstatement.

Why Companies Get Deregistered

The most common reasons include:

Failure to file annual returns for two or more consecutive years.
Outstanding penalties not paid on time.
Invalid or outdated contact details, so CIPC notices are ignored.

Tip: Even if your company isn’t trading, you must still file annual returns every year to stay active.

How to Reinstate a Deregistered Company (Step-by-Step)

You can reinstate your company in two main ways, depending on how long it’s been deregistered and whether it was deregistered voluntarily or by CIPC.

Option 1: Apply for Administrative Reinstatement

This is the most common process for companies deregistered due to missed annual returns.

Step 1: Prepare the required documents

You’ll need:

Certified ID copy of a director or member
Recent Company Registration Certificate (COR14.3 or CK1/CK2)
Proof of business address (e.g., lease or utility bill)
A Letter of Good Standing from SARS (or proof of active tax registration)
Supporting affidavit stating the company is still trading or has assets

Step 2: File all outstanding annual returns

Log into CIPC eServices or ask Smartbook to file all missing annual returns and pay any penalties.

Step 3: Email your reinstatement request to CIPC

Send your completed documents to reinstatements@cipc.co.za or via the Online Reinstatement Portal on the CIPC website.

Step 4: Wait for CIPC approval

Processing time is typically 15–25 business days, depending on backlog.Once approved, your company will show as “In Business” again on the CIPC register.

What Happens After Reinstatement

Once your company is reinstated:

You regain your company registration number and legal status

Your bank accounts can be reactivated.
You can trade, invoice, and tender again.
SARS will mark your company as active once more.

You should immediately file your next annual return to stay compliant.

Smartbook Can Reinstate Your Company for You

Reinstatement can be frustrating and slow if you do it alone.

Smartbook handles everything for you — including:

Checking your deregistration reason
Filing outstanding returns
Paying CIPC penalties
Preparing and submitting reinstatement documents
Monitoring your application until approval

Just send us your company name or registration number, and we’ll confirm your reinstatement eligibility within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to reinstate a company with CIPC?

Usually between 2–4 weeks if all documents and filings are in order.

2. Can a deregistered company trade?

No. Once deregistered, your company loses its legal capacity to trade or enter into contracts.

3. What happens to my company’s assets after deregistration?

They may legally become property of the state until reinstatement is approved.

4. Do I have to pay penalties before reinstatement?

Yes. All outstanding annual return fees and penalties must be paid before CIPC restores your company.

5. Can Smartbook reinstate my company for me?

Yes. Smartbook can file all missing annual returns, pay penalties, and handle your reinstatement from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Reinstating a deregistered company can sound complicated — but with the right help, it’s simple. If your company was deregistered for missed filings or penalties, Smartbook can bring it back to life fast.