Is that company name taken?
What this search can and can't tell you
It searches names already on the CIPC register. That answers the most common reason a name is refused — somebody got there first — and it's the fastest way to rule out a name before you spend anything.
A clear result is not approval. CIPC also refuses a name for being confusingly similar to an existing one, for containing reserved words (like “bank”, “insurance” or anything implying state backing), for being offensive, or for conflicting with a registered trade mark. None of those are visible in a register search. Treat a clear result as “worth applying for”, not “yours”.
That's why the actual reservation form takes up to four names in order of preference — and why we ask for a second choice when you order. Have a backup even when this page looks encouraging.
What it costs to reserve one
A name reservation at CIPC is R50 and holds your name for six months. You can do it yourself at bizportal.gov.za, and our free step-by-step guide walks through it. Registering a company outright costs R125 without a name, or R175 with one.
If you'd rather not deal with rejections and resubmissions, we'll handle the whole registration — but you never need us to use this page.
