Do I have to reserve a company name with CIPC?

No. Name reservation is optional. You can register a company using the allocated registration number and add a name later. Reservation is recommended if you want a brand name for banking, contracts, or tenders.

How much does it cost to reserve a company name?

R50 per application. You may submit up to four name options in a single application for the same fee.

How long does CIPC name reservation take?

Typically 1–3 working days. During busy periods, it can take longer.

What are common reasons CIPC rejects names?

Names that are too similar to existing entities or trademarks, misleading (e.g., using terms like “Bank” or “Government”), offensive, or containing disallowed characters.

What happens if all my name options are rejected?

You must submit a new application with different names and pay the R50 fee again.

Can foreigners reserve a company name with CIPC?

Yes. Foreign nationals can reserve a name using a certified passport copy and a valid email address. A South African ID is not required.

Can I reserve multiple names at once?

Yes. You can include up to four names in order of preference within one application for the same R50 fee.

What should I do before applying to increase approval chances?

Search the CIPC register and general web results for conflicts, avoid restricted terms, and prepare multiple variations of your desired name.

What can I do with a reserved name?

Use it to register your company, open a business bank account, and start branding and contracts once the company is registered.

How to Reserve a Company Name with CIPC

Q: How long is a reserved name valid?

Six months from the approval date. If you do not register your company within this period, the reservation expires.

Johan De Wet
Sep 28
3 min read

Quick Answer: To reserve a company name with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), you need to log into the CIPC eServices portal, submit up to four name choices, and pay R50. If approved, your reserved name is valid for 6 months, and you can use it when registering your company.

What Does Reserving a Company Name Mean?

Reserving a company name means securing the exclusive right to use that name for your business during the registration process. CIPC checks that the name is not already in use or too similar to an existing company or trademark.

This prevents duplication and protects your brand identity from day one.

Do You Have to Reserve a Company Name?

No, it’s optional. You can register a company without reserving a name. In this case, the company will be registered under a number (e.g., 2023/123456/07).

However, a name reservation is recommended if:

You want your business to appear professional with a brand name.
You need a company name for banking, contracts, or tenders.
You want to avoid the hassle of adding a name later.

How to reserve a company name in South Africa

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Company Name with CIPC

Here’s the full process in simple steps:

Step 1: Create a CIPC Account

Go to the CIPC eServices portal (https://eservices.cipc.co.za).
Register for an account with your ID/passport and email.

Step 2: Log In and Select “Name Reservation”

After logging in, click Transact → Name Reservation.
The system will guide you to enter your preferred names.

Step 3: Submit Up to Four Names

Enter between 1 and 4 name choices (in order of preference).
CIPC will check them against its database.

Step 4: Pay the Reservation Fee

Cost: R50 (flat fee, even if you submit 4 names).
Payment methods: bank deposit, EFT, or online card payment.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

If the first name is approved → you’ll receive a confirmation email.
If all names are rejected → you must reapply with new names.

How Long Does Name Reservation Take?

Standard time: 1–3 working days.
Busy periods: Can take longer, especially if many applications are pending.

Once approved, the name is reserved for 6 months. If you don’t register the company within that time, the name will expire.

Common Reasons CIPC Rejects Names

CIPC may reject your application if the name is:

Too similar to an existing company or trademark.
Misleading (e.g., using “Bank,” “University,” or “Government”).
Offensive or prohibited by law.
Includes symbols or characters not allowed.

Tip: Before applying, search for your name on the CIPC database or even Google to check availability.

What Happens After a Name is Reserved?

Once approved, you can:

Use the name to register your company with CIPC.
Open a business bank account in that name.
Use the name for contracts, branding, and marketing.

If the name expires after 6 months, you’ll need to reapply and pay again.

FAQs About Reserving a Company Name with CIPC

1. How much does it cost to reserve a name?

R50 per reservation (up to 4 names).

2. How long is a reserved name valid?

6 months. You must register your company before it expires

3. Can I reserve more than one name at a time?

Yes, you can submit 4 names in one application for the same R50 fee.

4. What if all my names are rejected?

You must submit a new application with new name choices and pay again.

5. Can foreigners reserve a company name?

Yes. Foreign nationals can reserve names using their passport instead of a South African ID.

Final Thoughts

Reserving a company name with CIPC is simple, affordable, and protects your brand identity. For just R50, you can secure up to four possible names, giving your business a professional start.

If you’d like a hassle-free process, service providers like Smartbook can handle the reservation, registration, and compliance in one step, so you can focus on building your business.