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How to Look Up a Company at CIPC (Free Company Search, 2026)

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OurPower - Last verified 2026-05-03

Where to search

CIPC's eServices company search at eservices.cipc.co.za/Search.aspx now requires login (POPI compliance, since 2024). For a quick free public search, use BizPortal's BizProfile.

BizPortal BizProfile: https://www.bizportal.gov.za/bizprofile.aspx (login required) OR search via the home-page search icon
CIPC eServices Search: https://eservices.cipc.co.za/Search.aspx (login required)
Govchain free wrapper: https://www.govchain.co.za/name-search
Third-party paid: WinDeed, OpenCorporates, Datanamix Company Search Plus, Standard Bank SearchWorks

What you can search by

Company name (full or partial)
Registration number (format: YYYY/NNNNNN/NN)
Director ID number
Director passport number

What the result tells you

Status: In Business / In Liquidation / In Business Rescue / AR Deregistration Process / Final AR Deregistration / Final Deregistration
Registration date
Type of company: Pty / Ltd / NPC / CC / external
Registered office address
Directors and their roles
Share capital (sometimes)
Most recent AR filing date

Reading the status

In Business: company is active and compliant.
AR Deregistration Process: company missed AR(s); recoverable cheaply via reinstatement (R200 + catch-up). See our reinstatement wizard.
Final AR Deregistration: still recoverable but window is closing.
Final Deregistration: requires court order or CIPC discretion to revive.
In Liquidation: insolvency proceedings - separate process under the Companies Act.
In Business Rescue: Chapter 6 process - protected from creditors while restructuring.

Common reasons to look up a company

Vetting a new supplier or customer (especially before signing big contracts).
Background check on a job candidate's claimed business.
Confirming directors' details for KYC (banks ask).
Finding the registration number for tender applications.
Checking your own company's status before filing (especially after the Jan 2025 mass deregistration).
Verifying a Pty's address before payment.

What you can NOT search publicly

Beneficial Ownership (BO) records - filed but not public.
Annual Financial Statements - filed but not public unless company is listed.
Tax compliance status - separate at SARS.
Bank account numbers / financial details.

Frequently asked questions

Is CIPC company search free?

Basic name + status search via BizPortal: free (login required). Paid third-party services give you a richer report (PDF profile, history, directors' other companies).

Can I search by director name (not ID)?

Not on the public CIPC search. Third-party paid services can.

How do I get a printable company report?

Through eServices: log in -> Enterprise Enquiry -> request a Disclosure Certificate. R30-R100 per certificate.

Tools to help

Reinstatement WizardAnnual Return + Penalty Calculator

BizPortal and CIPC eServices both register companies.

How to Deregister a Company in South Africa

Closing a Pty Ltd in South Africa is brutal: CIPC takes 4-12 months, SARS keeps billing penalties for years.

CIPC Deregistration Explained: Why It Happens and How to Get Your Company Back

In January 2025 CIPC began deregistering 800,000+ companies for missed Annual Returns and Beneficial Ownership filings.

General guidance for South African company registration. Not legal or tax advice. CIPC fees and SARS rules change - figures verified 2026-05-03. Sources: CIPC, SARS, BizPortal.