CIPC

Pretoria – The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has made it easier for foreign firms to set up shop in South Africa with a new automated online system. Launched on 29 September 2025, the process now handles registrations for external companies through the e-Services platform, cutting out old email methods. A practice note issued on 3 October 2025 spells out extra details needed to keep records spot on and useful. This step aims to boost efficiency, slash paperwork, and ensure better data for everyone involved. As more overseas businesses eye opportunities here, these changes could smooth the way while upholding strong governance.

The update ties into CIPC’s push for digital services, making things quicker for users. With the system now live, firms can submit forms, upload files, and track progress online. But it is key to get everything right first time to avoid hold-ups or double registrations. This comes amid wider efforts to modernise business admin in the country, helping South Africa stay competitive on the global stage.

Launch of the Automated System and Key Dates

The automation for registering external companies kicked in on 29 September 2025, as per a customer notice from CIPC. From that day, all applications must go through the e-Services platform – no more sending docs to the old email address companydocs@cipc.co.za. If you put in an application before then, it will still get handled the old way, so no need to resubmit and risk ending up with two setups by mistake.
The practice note, numbered 6706 and dated 3 October 2025, builds on this by laying out what extra info is needed. It falls under Section 24 of the Companies Act, 2008, and Regulation 20 of the Companies Regulations, 2011. CIPC says this ensures they have solid, up-to-date details on these companies, which helps with oversight and service.
For those new to it, an external company is a foreign outfit that does business in South Africa without forming a local entity. Registering gives them legal standing here, but they must follow local rules like filing annual returns.

Withdrawal of Old Practice Notes

This new notice pulls back earlier ones to keep things current with the automated setup. It replaces the revised Practice Note 6 of 2022 and the bit on external company registrations in Practice Note 1 of 2024. The switch happened as per the date on CIPC’s website for the automation rollout.
By ditching the old guides, CIPC clears up any confusion and points everyone to the fresh rules. This is part of their ongoing tweaks to make processes smoother as tech takes over more tasks.
Extra Details Required for Registration
To make sure info is spot on, CIPC now asks for more when you register. Here is the breakdown:

• Give both the physical and postal addresses for the main office, inside and outside South Africa. No need to upload proof for the local address anymore – the system checks it online.
• Pick the industry your company will work in here, like mining, tech, or retail. This helps CIPC track trends and plan better.
• The person okayed to get legal papers (service of process) has to be a real person, not a firm. They need a South African ID number, plus local postal and physical addresses, email, and cell number.
• If a juristic person (like a company) is a director, share its name, registration number, email, and cell number.
  These bits ensure quick contact and clear accountability. For example, having local details for the service person means faster handling of any issues without chasing overseas.
  Documents You Must Upload
  As part of going electronic, upload these files with your application:
• A mandate that lets the filer act for the foreign company.
• A directors’ resolution saying yes to registering in South Africa.
• A certified copy of the incorporation certificate.
• A certified copy of the governance or constitutional docs.
• A certified translation if any papers are not in English or another official language.
• A securities register, but only if it is a for-profit external company.
  Check the latest notice on how to certify docs – it has to be done right to avoid knock-backs. These uploads get reviewed by CIPC’s back office before anything moves forward.
  How the Application Works and Payment Info
  The process is straightforward now:

1. Log into e-Services, fill in Form CoR20.1 details online.
2. Upload the docs listed above.
3. Hit submit to get a reference number for tracking.
4. Wait for back office to check and approve.
5. Once okayed, pay the R400 fee using CIPC’s card system – the old declining balance way is on its way out.
6. After payment, your registration is done, and you are good to go.
   No name reservation needed; the system picks one for you. Just remember, submitting does not mean it is filed – that happens after approval and payment. If something is missing, you will hear back to fix it.
   CIPC has a step-by-step guide and FAQs on their site to help. For queries, head to the enquiries section or call their centre.

🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal

Download Here:

Direct PDF File Here:

https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate