CIPC: Automation of registration of external company

CIPC: Automation of registration of external company

• 02 October 2025
• CIPC
• South African Accounting Academy

Summary:
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has announced the automation of the Registration of External Company (Form CoR20.1) on the CIPC e-Services platform, effective from 29 September 2025.

Article:

From 29 September 2025, all applications to register an external company must be submitted electronically via the e-Services platform. 

The dedicated email address previously used for such submissions ([email protected]) will no longer accept such documents from the indicated date.

The new automated service enables users to electronically capture the required form information, upload supporting documentation, and receive a reference number upon submission. This reference number, formerly known as a tracking number, will be used to monitor the progress of the application. It is important to note that submission alone does not constitute filing. An application will only be considered officially filed once the CIPC back office has reviewed and approved the submitted information and supporting documents, and payment has been successfully made via the CIPC card payment facility.

As part of the electronic service, the following documents must be uploaded:

• A mandate authorising the filer to act on behalf of the foreign company;
• A resolution from the directors approving the registration in South Africa;
• A certified copy of the certificate of incorporation;
• A certified copy of the company’s governance or constitutional documents;
• A certified translation certificate, if any documents are in a foreign language;
• A securities register (if a for profit external company).

Proof of address will not be required, as CIPC will validate addresses electronically. 

The registration fee of R400 is payable only after the application has been approved by the back office, and payment must be made using the CIPC card payment system. The declining balance method is being phased out.

CIPC remains committed to delivering efficient, customer-focused services and streamlining the submission and filing of company-related applications.

Click here to download Notice 45 of 2025:

https://www.cipc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Notice-Auto-External-Company-Release_v1.0-1.pdf 

Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:

• The Companies Act is yet another piece of legislation that your clients must comply with, and which you must assess compliance with.  If they don’t comply with the relevant laws and regulations, you have certain reporting obligations in terms of NOCLAR (NOn-Compliance with Laws And Regulations) – this could include reporting to management, qualifying your audit opinion, reporting a Reportable Irregularity, etc.
• As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant, you also need to monitor your client’s compliance with the Companies Act and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.
• Where you perform these compliance tasks on behalf of your client, you need to ensure that you comply with all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.
• As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant you need to consider the impact of the Companies Act Regulations on your service offerings, as well as on your client’s registration of external company processes.

Relevance to Your clients:

• An entity (company or close corporation) has a duty to comply with the Companies Act, and all relevant notices/enforcements/practice notes/customer letters issued by CIPC as the regulator.
   

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