CIPC Name Reservation Guide

Reserving a company name with CIPC is the first step in registering a company in South Africa. Understanding the name reservation process, requirements, and procedures helps you secure your desired company name. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about CIPC name reservation.

What Is Name Reservation?

Understanding Name Reservation

Name Reservation:

• Secures company name before registration
• Prevents others from using the name
• Valid for 6 months
• Required before company registration
• Can be extended if needed

Purpose:

• Secure desired name
• Check name availability
• Prepare for registration
• Protect company name
• Ensure name compliance

Name Requirements

Naming Rules

Name Must:

• Be unique and distinctive
• Not be identical to existing name
• Include company type suffix (Pty Ltd, Ltd, Inc, NPC)
• Not be offensive or misleading
• Comply with naming regulations
• Not infringe on trademarks

Prohibited Names:

• Names identical to existing companies
• Names suggesting government affiliation
• Offensive or misleading names
• Names requiring special permission
• Protected names

Reservation Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check Name Availability

• Visit CIPC website
• Use name search function
• Check if name is available
• Verify name meets requirements

Step 2: Reserve Name Online

• Log in to CIPC portal
• Navigate to name reservation
• Enter proposed name
• Select company type
• Submit reservation application

Step 3: Pay Reservation Fee

• Pay reservation fee (R50-R75)
• Use online payment
• Keep payment receipt
• Wait for processing

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

• Name reservation certificate
• Confirmation of reservation
• Name reserved for 6 months
• Use for company registration

Reservation Fees

Current Fees (2026)

Reservation Fees:

• Standard Reservation: R50-R75
• Express Reservation: R100-R150 (if available)
• Extension: R50-R75 (if needed)

Payment Methods:

• Online payment (recommended)
• Credit/debit cards
• EFT
• Bank deposit

Validity Period

Reservation Duration

Standard Validity:

• Reserved For: 6 months from reservation date
• Can Extend: Yes, before expiry
• Extension Fee: R50-R75
• Maximum Extension: Additional 6 months

Using Reserved Name:

• Must register company within validity period
• Use reserved name in registration
• Name automatically assigned if registered
• Expires if not used

Name Search

Checking Availability

How to Search:

• Visit CIPC website
• Use name search function
• Enter proposed name
• Check search results
• Verify availability

Search Results:

• Shows similar names
• Indicates if name available
• Shows existing companies
• Helps choose unique name

Tips for Name Reservation

Best Practices

1. Search First: Check availability before reserving
2. Reserve Early: Reserve name before registration
3. Choose Unique Name: Select distinctive name
4. Include Suffix: Remember company type suffix
5. Keep Valid: Register within validity period

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve a company name with CIPC?

Check name availability on CIPC website, log in to CIPC portal, navigate to name reservation, enter proposed name, select company type, pay reservation fee (R50-R75), and receive reservation certificate.

How long is a name reservation valid?

Name reservation is valid for 6 months from reservation date. You can extend for additional 6 months by paying extension fee (R50-R75) before expiry.

How much does name reservation cost?

Name reservation costs R50-R75 for standard reservation, or R100-R150 for express reservation (if available). Extension costs R50-R75.

Can I change my reserved name?

Yes, you can reserve a different name if needed. The original reservation will expire, and you'll need to pay for a new reservation.

What happens if I don't use the reserved name?

If you don't register a company using the reserved name within the validity period, the reservation expires and the name becomes available for others to use.

Conclusion

Reserving a company name with CIPC requires checking name availability, submitting reservation application through CIPC portal, paying reservation fee (R50-R75), and receiving reservation certificate valid for 6 months. Reserve name early, choose unique name, include company type suffix, and register company within validity period. Understanding name reservation helps you secure your desired company name and prepare for company registration.