How to Register a IT / Software Company in South Africa
IT and software companies have one of the lightest regulatory stacks in South Africa - there's no sector regulator like PSIRA or CIDB. Most of the work is around tax, BEE for B2B sales, and (if you employ people) the standard payroll chain.
The full stack
- 1
Register your Pty Ltd at CIPC
Cost: R175 + R50 nameTime: 1-3 working daysShort-form MOI is fine. If you'll take on investors, replace it with a long-form MOI when shareholding gets complex.
- 2
SARS company tax registration
Cost: FreeTime: Same day - 3
VAT registration (only if turnover crosses R1m)
Cost: FreeTime: 21-30 daysVoluntary above R50k. SARS verifies the business is real before issuing a VAT number.
- 4
UIF + PAYE (when you hire)
Cost: FreeTime: 1-7 days - 5
BBBEE affidavit (most IT Ptys are EME under R10m)
Cost: FreeTime: Same dayCrucial if you're selling to enterprise or government. /tools/bbbee-affidavit" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color:#0f766e;text-decoration:underline;">https://www.ourpower.co.za/tools/bbbee-affidavit
- 6
ICASA registration (only if you provide telecoms / ISP services)
Cost: VariableTime: 8-12 weeksMost software shops do not need this.
- 7
Section 12J / venture-capital structure (if raising)
Cost: Legal feesTime: VariableOptional. Only relevant if you're raising VC and want SARS-incentivised investors.
- 8
Open a business bank account
Cost: R50-R250/monthTime: 1-3 weeksStripe Atlas-style global banking is harder; most SA software founders use FNB / Capitec / Mercury (US) for cross-border revenue.
- 9
CSD registration (only if you sell to government)
Cost: FreeTime: 1-2 weeks
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 cleaning company
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.
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.
Sources: CIPC fee schedule, sector regulators (PSIRA, CIDB, NHBRC, Liquor Boards). General guidance for it / software company setup, not legal or tax advice. Verified 2026-05-03. Talk to an accountant or attorney for your specific situation.