When I decided to register my business in Nigeria, I was nervous. Everyone told me it was stressful and that I’d need to pay an agent, but I wanted to try doing it myself. Turns out, registering with CAC online is straightforward if you know the steps. Here’s how I did it.

Step 1: Go to the official CAC portal

I made sure to use the official site: https://pre.cac.gov.ng. Anything else is likely a scam.

Step 2: Create an account

I signed up with my email and phone number. CAC sends a verification code, so make sure you can access both.

Step 3: Reserve a business name

I searched for my preferred business name to check availability. Once it was free, I paid ₦500 to reserve it. Approval usually comes within a few hours to a couple of days.

Step 4: Fill in business details

After my name was approved, I filled in the business information:

• Business address

• Nature of the business

• Owner’s details

If you’re registering a sole proprietorship, you don’t need partners or lawyers.

Step 5: Upload documents

I uploaded a valid ID (like NIN slip or international passport) and a passport photo. Make sure your files are clear—blurry documents can delay approval.

Step 6: Pay the registration fee

For a business name, the fee is around ₦10,000 (excluding bank charges). Once payment is confirmed, your application moves to review.

Step 7: Download your certificate

After a few working days, my registration was approved. I logged in, downloaded my CAC Certificate, and my business was officially registered.

Tips from my experience:

• Work during weekdays; CAC reviews don’t happen on weekends

• Double-check all information before submitting

• Keep track of your email for updates

Registering with CAC online saved me time and money. If you’re a freelancer, online seller, or planning a small business, this is the way to go.

How I Registered My Business with CAC Online (Without Paying an Agent)

How I Registered My Business with CAC Online (Without Paying an Agent)