CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL · COMPANY REGISTRATION
Start your business on solid legal ground.
Ren Attorneys registers businesses, companies and non-profits with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), for Nigerian founders and foreign investors alike. We choose the right structure, draft the documents and keep you compliant long after your certificate is issued.
KEY FACTS· CAMA 2020
One person is enough
A private company can be formed with a single shareholder and a single director.
₦100,000
Minimum issued share capital for a private company.
₦100 million
Minimum share capital where a company has foreign shareholding.
CHOOSE YOUR STRUCTURE
The right vehicle for what you are building
Most popular
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
A separate legal entity whose owners’ liability is limited to their shares. The right choice for most growing businesses, joint ventures and foreign subsidiaries.
Non-profit
Company Limited by Guarantee
For charitable, educational, professional or social objectives. Members guarantee a fixed sum instead of holding shares. Requires the Attorney-General’s consent.
Your choice affects liability, tax, fundraising and compliance. We recommend the structure that fits your plans, not the one that is quickest to file.
Sole traders & partners
Business Name
The quickest and simplest way to trade under a name. It is not a separate legal entity, so the owners remain personally liable for its debts.
NGOs, churches & Associations
Incorporated Trustees
Gives a body of trustees legal personality to own property and act for an association, foundation or religious body. Includes a public notice period.
Raising capital publicly
Public Limited Company (Plc)
For businesses that intend to offer shares to the public or list on an exchange. Requires at least two directors and a higher share capital.
Upgrading
Business Name to Company
Converting an existing business name into a limited company to protect your personal assets, win larger contracts and open the door to investors.
FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS
Setting up in Nigeria from abroad
Foreign-owned companies face additional approvals before they can trade and bring in staff. Because we also practise immigration law, we handle the company, the permits and your team’s residence in one place.
CAC incorporation
With the minimum share capital required for foreign participation.
NIPC registration
Registration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.
Capital importation
Certificate of Capital Importation from your bank, so profits and capital can later be repatriated.
Business permit & expatriate quota
From the Ministry of Interior, allowing the company to operate and employ foreign staff.
Work visas & CERPACS
ubject to Regularisation visas and residence permits for your expatriate team.
HOW IT WORKS
From idea to certificate
01
Consultation & structure
We discuss your plans, ownership and funding, and recommend the right structure and share capital.
04
Filing & fees
We file on the CAC portal and pay the filing fees and stamp duty on your share capital.
02
Name search & reservation
We check availability and reserve your proposed name with the CAC, suggesting alternatives if it is refused.
05
CAC review
The Commission reviews the application. We respond to any query quickly so approval is not delayed.
03
Drafting the documents
We prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association, statement of compliance and details of persons with significant control.
06
Certificate & handover
You receive your certificate of incorporation, certified documents and a checklist of your next obligations.
AFTER INCORPORATION
Staying compliant, year after year
Registration is the beginning. Missed filings lead to penalties, and persistent default can see a company struck off the register. We keep you in good standing.
Annual returns
Filing with the CAC every year, on time.
Tax registratIon
Tax identification and registration for the taxes that apply to you.
SCUML & licenses
SCUML registration where required, and sector licences from regulators
Post-incorporation changes
SCUML registration where required, and sector licences from regulators
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you register
How long does company registration take?
A business name is often approved within a few days, and a private company typically within one to two weeks of filing. Companies limited by guarantee and incorporated trustees take longer because of consent and publication requirements
Should I register a business name or a company?
A business name suits a small, low-risk trade. If you want to protect your personal assets, bring in partners or investors, or bid for larger contracts, a limited company is usually the better choice.
Can a foreigner own a company in Nigeria?
Yes. Foreigners can own up to 100% of a Nigerian company in most sectors, subject to the higher minimum share capital, NIPC registration and a business permit.
Do I need to be in Nigeria to register?
No. Registration is online, and we can complete the process for you with scanned documents, notarised where required.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the structure and your share capital, which determines the filing fees and stamp duty. We give you a fixed, all-inclusive quote before we start.
GET STARTED
Tell us about your business
A member of our corporate team will reply within one business day with advice on structure and a fixed-fee quote.