The Ultimate Checklist: Requirements for Registering Your LLC with the CAC in Nigeria

Taking the step to formalize your business is one of the most important milestones for any entrepreneur. Registering your company as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) not only protects your brand name but also builds trust with clients and allows you to open a corporate bank account.

However, the registration process can be delayed if you don’t have the right information handy. To help you prepare, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to gather before starting your application.

1. Proposed Business Names

You cannot register a company without a name. You must provide two options to ensure availability in case your first choice is already taken by another entity.

• Choice 1: Your preferred business name.

• Choice 2: An alternative name.

2. Applicant/Proprietor Personal Details

You will need to provide full personal details for the primary applicant. Ensure these details match your official ID documents exactly to avoid queries.

• Full Name: Surname, First Name, and Other Names.

• Vital Statistics: Date of Birth and Gender.

• Contact Info: Active Phone Number and Email Address.

• Identification: National Identity Number (NIN).

3. Address Information

The CAC requires distinct addresses for both the owner and the business itself.

• Residential Address: State, LGA, City/Town/Village, House Number, and Street Name.

• Business Address: This is where the company will be located (State, LGA, City, House Number, and Street Name).

4. Digital Documents (Uploads)

You will need clear, digital copies of the following. You can snap a clear picture or scan them:

• Valid ID Card: (NIN is preferred).

• Passport Photograph: A clear headshot.

• Signature: Sign on a plain piece of white paper, snap a photo, and upload it.

5. Witness Information

Every registration requires a witness. You must provide their full details:

• Full Name: Surname, First Name, Other Name.

• Contact: Phone Number.

• Address: Full residential address including State, LGA, and House Number.

• Identification: Date of Birth and NIN Number.

6. Director & Shareholder Details

For an LLC, you need to list your Directors (those running the company) and Shareholders (the owners). Note that a person can be both a Director and a Shareholder.

For each Director and Shareholder, you need:

• Personal Bio: Surname, First Name, Other Name, DOB, Gender, and Nationality.

• Contact: Phone Number and Email Address.

• Address: Full residential address.

• Identification: ID Type and Identification Number.

Shareholding Structure: You must specify the distribution of the company ownership:

• Number of Shareholders: How many people own the company?

• Percentage of Sharing: How is the equity split? (e.g., 60% / 40% or 100% for a sole owner).

7. Nature of Business & Memorandum

Finally, you must define what your business actually does.

• Nature of Business: The specific category/industry.

• Object of Memorandum: A concise summary of the business objectives and services you intend to provide.

Ready to Register?

Gathering these documents is 90% of the work. Once you have this list checked off, the actual filing process becomes much faster and smoother.

For more information on regulations and compliance, you can visit the official Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) website.