How to Register a Cleaning Company in South Africa
Cleaning is one of the easier stacks to set up: no sector regulator like PSIRA or CIDB, but the BEE and tender side matters because cleaning contracts are heavily B2B and government.
The full stack
- 1
Register your Pty Ltd at CIPC
Cost: R175 + R50 nameTime: 1-3 working daysShort-form MOI is enough.
- 2
SARS company tax registration
Cost: FreeTime: Same day - 3
UIF + PAYE
Cost: FreeTime: 1-7 daysCleaning businesses are labour-heavy and trip the PAYE/UIF threshold quickly.
- 4
COIDA
Cost: Annual ROETime: 1-4 weeksLower risk class than construction or security but still mandatory.
- 5
BBBEE affidavit (most cleaning Ptys are EME)
Cost: FreeTime: Same dayCritical for B2B contracts. /tools/bbbee-affidavit" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color:#0f766e;text-decoration:underline;">https://www.ourpower.co.za/tools/bbbee-affidavit
- 6
CSD registration (for gov contracts)
Cost: FreeTime: 1-2 weeks - 7
Open a business bank account
Cost: R50-R250/monthTime: 1-3 weeks - 8
Public liability insurance (recommended, not legally required)
Cost: Quote-basedTime: Same dayMost B2B clients won't sign without R5-10m cover. Budget R300-R800/month.
Common mistake
Tools to help
Other industries
How to register a security company
A registered security company in South Africa needs more than a CIPC certificate.
How to register a construction company
Construction is one of the most paperwork-heavy stacks in South Africa.
How to register a transport / trucking company
Transport companies need a Pty plus an operating licence regulated by the National Land Transport Act (NLTA).
How to register a catering company
Catering combines a standard Pty with municipal Certificate of Acceptability for any premises that handles food.
How to register a restaurant
A restaurant is essentially a catering company with fixed premises and (usually) a liquor licence.
How to register a it / software company
IT and software companies have one of the lightest regulatory stacks in South Africa - there's no sector regulator like PSIRA or CIDB.
Sources: CIPC fee schedule, sector regulators (PSIRA, CIDB, NHBRC, Liquor Boards). General guidance for cleaning company setup, not legal or tax advice. Verified 2026-05-03. Talk to an accountant or attorney for your specific situation.