Company Registration Number

A Company Registration Number is the unique number that CIPC gives your business when it’s officially registered.

It proves that your business exists as a legal entity in South Africa.

It typically looks something like this: 2024/123456/07

"What does the Company Registration Number mean?"

This number is made up of three parts:

  • The year your company was registered (e.g. 2024)
  • A unique 6-digit number assigned by CIPC
  • A suffix that shows the type of company (e.g. /07 for Private Companies)

So when someone sees your registration number, they can immediately tell:

  • When your business was formed
  • That it’s officially listed with CIPC
  • What kind of company it is

"Why is the Company Registration Number important?"

You’ll need to use your registration number on almost every official form or application related to your business.

So, for example:

  1. Opening a business bank account
  2. Registering for tax with SARS
  3. Applying for tenders or government funding
  4. Completing supplier or customer onboarding forms
  5. Submitting annual returns to CIPC

If you don’t have one, your company is not officially registered and you won’t be able to operate as a formal business.

"Is my Company Registration Number the same as my Tax Number?"

No.

  • Your registration number comes from CIPC when your company is incorporated
  • Your tax reference number comes from SARS when your company is registered for tax

Both are essential, but they’re issued by different departments and serve different purposes.

"Can I choose or change my Company Registration Number?"

No.

The number is generated automatically by CIPC and cannot be customised, changed, or reused, even if the company is later deregistered.

"Do sole proprietors get a Company Registration Number?"

No.

Only registered companies (like (Pty) Ltds, NPCs, and CCs) get a Company Registration Number.

Sole proprietors trade under their personal ID number and don’t register with CIPC unless they form a formal company.

"Where can I find my Company Registration Number?"

It’s listed on your CoR14.3 Company Registration Certificate.

If you registered through Govchain, we’ll send you a digital copy and keep it on file for you.

"How do I get a Company Registration Number?"

You’ll receive it automatically when your business is successfully registered with CIPC.

Govchain can handle the full registration process for you, and deliver your Company Registration Certificate, registration number, and all other documents straight to your inbox.


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