The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is the government agency that registers and regulates businesses in South Africa. All funders require CIPC documentation to verify your business is legally registered and in good standing. This guide covers every CIPC document you need and exactly how to get them.
Why CIPC Matters for Funding
Funders use CIPC documentation to verify:
- Legal existence: Your business is a registered legal entity
- Good standing: Annual returns are filed and up to date
- Ownership: Who owns and controls the business (for B-BBEE and targeting)
- Authority: Who can sign contracts and receive funds
Without proper CIPC documentation, your funding application will be rejected immediately, no matter how strong your business case.
Required CIPC Documents
1. COR14.3 (Company Registration Certificate)
What It Is
Official certificate of incorporation showing your company registration number, date of incorporation, and registered office address.
What Funders Check
- Company name matches application
- Registration number is valid
- Date of incorporation (to verify trading history)
- Certificate is recent (issued within last 3 months)
Entity Types Covered
- Private Company (Pty) Ltd
- Close Corporation (CC)
- Non-Profit Company (NPC)
- Co-operative
2. Annual Return (COR15.1A)
What It Is
Annual submission to CIPC confirming your company details are current. Includes registered address, directors/members, and shareholding.
Filing Deadline
Must be filed within 30 business days of your anniversary date (date of incorporation).
Why Funders Care
- Good standing indicator: Shows you manage your regulatory obligations
- Current information: Confirms directors and shareholders are up to date
- Active business: Late or missing returns suggest inactive business
What Happens If Not Filed
- Company is considered "not in good standing"
- CIPC may deregister the company after 2+ years of non-filing
- Automatic rejection of funding applications until filed and processed
Cost
R75 (online filing)
3. Beneficial Ownership Register (CoR39)
What It Is
Disclosure of all individuals who ultimately own or control 5% or more of your company. Part of South Africa's anti-money laundering regulations.
When Required
- All applications over R500,000
- Some funders require it for any amount
- Public sector tenders (mandatory)
Who Must Be Disclosed
- Individuals owning 5%+ shares
- Individuals with voting rights or veto power
- Individuals entitled to 5%+ of profits/distributions
- Individuals with right to appoint/remove directors
How to File
- Log in to CIPC website or SARS eFiling
- Complete Form CoR39 with beneficial owner details
- Upload supporting ID documents
- Submit (no fee)
Processing Time
Immediate acceptance, but allow 5-10 working days for CIPC to process and reflect on system.
4. Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI)
What It Is
The founding document of your company, setting out its powers, share structure, and governance rules (equivalent to old Memorandum and Articles of Association).
When Required
- Large funding amounts (R1 million+)
- Equity investment
- When funder wants to verify shareholding structure
What Funders Review
- Authorized share capital
- Classes of shares and rights attached
- Director appointment/removal rules
- Any restrictions on business activities
How to Get It
Your MOI was filed when the company was registered. Download from CIPC or request from your accountant/attorney.
5. Director/Member Details
What Funders Need
- Full list of directors/members: Names, ID numbers, shareholding percentages
- Certified ID copies: All directors/members (certified within last 3 months)
- Proof of address: Utility bill or bank statement for each director
- Resolution authorizing application: Board resolution authorizing funding application and signatories
Where to Find Director Details
- COR15.1A (Annual Return) - most recent filing
- COR39.1 (Director Appointment/Change forms)
- CIPC online company search (free)
How to Obtain CIPC Documents
Online Method (Fastest)
Step-by-Step
- Visit CIPC website: eservices.cipc.co.za
- Create account: Register with email and create password (if you don't have one)
- Navigate to "Company Documents": Select "Request Documents"
- Enter company details: Company name or registration number
- Select documents: Choose which documents you need (COR14.3, COR15.1A, MOI, etc.)
- Pay online: EFT, credit card, or debit card
- Download: Documents available for download within 5-10 working days
What You'll Receive
PDF documents with official CIPC watermark and stamp. These are accepted by all funders.
In-Person Method (Same-Day Service)
CIPC Head Office
Address: The dti Campus, 77 Meintjes Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Processing: Same-day service (while you wait)
What to Bring
- Company registration number
- ID document
- Cash or card for payment
Provincial Offices
CIPC also has offices in Cape Town, Durban, and Bloemfontein. Check their website for addresses and operating hours.
Costs and Timeline
| Document | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| COR14.3 | R15 | 5-10 working days (online), same-day (in-person) |
| COR15.1A Filing | R75 | Immediate acceptance, 5-10 days to process |
| CoR39 Filing | Free | Immediate acceptance, 5-10 days to process |
| MOI | R50 | 5-10 working days (online), same-day (in-person) |
| Company Search | Free (basic) | Immediate (online) |
Maintaining Good Standing
To ensure your CIPC status never blocks funding applications:
- File annual returns early: Don't wait for the deadline
- Update changes immediately: New directors, address changes, share transfers
- Keep beneficial ownership current: Update CoR39 within 30 days of any ownership change
- Maintain registered office: Ensure address is valid and mail is collected
- Set calendar reminders: Annual return due 60 days before anniversary
Common CIPC Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Annual return overdue | File immediately online. Processing takes 5-10 days. Pay R200 late filing penalty if over 6 months late. |
| Company deregistered | Apply for reinstatement (Form CoR40.3). Costs R200-R500, takes 4-8 weeks. |
| Wrong registered address | File notice of change of address (CoR21.1). Takes 5-10 working days, R50 fee. |
| Director information incorrect | File CoR39.1 (appointment) or CoR39.2 (resignation/change). Takes 5-10 days, R50 fee. |
| Can't access CIPC online portal | Reset password or contact CIPC call centre: 086 100 2472. Alternatively, visit in person. |
Tips for Success
- Get documents before you need them: Request CIPC documents as soon as you decide to apply for funding, not the day before deadline
- Use expedited service: If urgent, visit CIPC office in person for same-day service
- Keep digital copies: Save all CIPC documents in a secure cloud folder for future applications
- Check expiry dates: Some documents (like COR14.3) must be recent
- Verify details match: Ensure company name, reg number, and directors are consistent across all documents
Next Steps
- Register on CIPC website
- Request your COR14.3 (must be under 3 months old)
- Check your annual return status and file if overdue
- Complete beneficial ownership register (CoR39) if applying for R500k+
- Move on to SARS tax clearance requirements →
- Review the Master Compliance Checklist
Need Help With CIPC Registration and Compliance?
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