CIPC: New Requirements for Online Registration of External Companies

Posted 10 October 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category CIPC

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: Practice Note 4 of 2025, issued in terms of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, mandates additional documentation and information for the automated registration of external companies via online platforms.

In terms of Section 24 of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, read with Companies Regulation 20, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has issued Practice Note 4 of 2025. This notice provides clarity on the information required for the electronic registration of external companies, coinciding with the automation of Form CoR20.1 as per Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Companies Regulations, 2011. This automated process became effective on 29 September 2025, as per the timeline established in Notice 45 of 2025.

Practice Note 4 of 2025 formally withdraws and replaces the following regulatory instruments:

  • The revised Practice Note 6 of 2022; and
  • The section relating to the Registration of External Companies (Form CoR20.1 and supporting documents) previously contained in Practice Note 1 of 2024.

Under the new electronic service framework, applicants are required to upload specific supporting documents as part of the digital submission process. The CIPC emphasizes that all uploaded documentation must comply with the latest notices regarding the certification of documents. This measure is intended to ensure the Commission maintains relevant and usable data for all external companies operating within South Africa.

Click here to download Practice Note 4 of 2025.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: You must utilize the updated Form CoR20.1 on the CIPC online platform for all new external company registrations and ensure you are familiar with the automated upload interface.
  • For your business: Update internal compliance manuals to reflect the repeal of Practice Note 6 of 2022 and ensure that company secretarial staff are aware of the mandatory electronic document requirements effective from 29 September 2025.
  • For your clients: Advise foreign entities establishing a presence in South Africa that they must provide specific, certified documentation for digital upload to satisfy the requirements of Regulation 20.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/cipc-additional-information-required-for-registration-of-external-companies-via-online-platforms

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