Cost of Registering a Business Name with CAC in 2025: Avoid These Costly Mistakes Before You Waste Money

Registering

So, you’ve finally made the bold move; no more hiding your hustle in the shadows. You’re stepping into the spotlight and taking charge by registering your business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria in 2025. That’s not just smart; it’s powerful.

But here’s where many first-timers get blindsided: thinking the CAC registration fee is the only cost. Spoiler alert: it’s not. There’s a web of hidden charges, digital hurdles, agent markups, and potential scams waiting to trip you up if you’re not prepared.

In this no-fluff guide, we’ll expose the real cost of registering a business name with CAC in 2025. Not just the official fees, but the sneaky extras nobody tells you about, plus smart strategies to dodge overcharges and protect your money.

Whether you’re a freelancer going legit, a side-hustler ready to scale, or a first-time founder chasing a big dream, this guide was written for you. Let’s slash confusion, skip mistakes, and save your cash before you even hit “submit.”

Why Register Your Business Name with CAC in 2025?

Registering your business isn’t just for flex, it’s your ticket to:

  • Opening a corporate bank account
  • Getting contracts and grants
  • Running legit ads on Meta and Google
  • Building customer trust
  • Protecting your brand name

And now in 2025, CAC has made the process way faster – but that doesn’t mean it’s cheaper.

Actual CAC Business Name Registration Cost Breakdown (2025)

Here’s the official fee list from CAC as of 2025:

Item

CAC Official Fee

Hidden/Extra Charges

Name Reservation

₦500

May take multiple tries (₦1,000 -₦1,500 total)

Business Name Registration

₦10,000

Does not include service or courier fees

Bank Account Setup

Free (from the bank)

₦0 – ₦5,000 (for utility docs or address verification)

Professional Agent/Lawyer Fee

N/A

₦5,000 – ₦25,000

Courier (if certificate delivery is required)

N/A

₦2,000–₦4,000

 

How Much Is Business Name Registration in Nigeria 2025?

If you do it yourself: ₦10,500 – ₦12,000.
If you use an agent or lawyer: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000.
If you go via an all-in-one platform like All-In-One Nigeria: ₦12,000 – ₦18,000 (flat fee, no stress).


CAC Registration Process Step-by-Step (Updated 2025)

  1. Name Search/Reservation
  • Visit cac.gov.ng
  • Search for your desired business name
  • Pay ₦500 for a reservation
  1. Fill Out Business Details: Business name, nature of business, address, and ownership details.
  2. Upload ID and Passport: Valid ID (NIN, Driver’s License, International Passport).
  3. Make Payment: Pay the ₦10,000 registration fee online.
  4. Download Your Certificate: CAC now issues digital certificates in 24 – 72 hours.

What’s New in 2025?

  • Faster processing (digital certificates equal no wait)
  • Tighter security (BVN/ID verification)
  • AI-powered name search tool (fewer rejections)
  • Price hike in registration fees (went from ₦5k to ₦10k in 2022, now stable)


Red Flags When Using CAC Agents (Don’t Fall for These!)

  • “₦5,000 Only!”:  Too good to be true usually means fake receipt or no certificate.
  • No verifiable business name: Always check agent’s RC number.
  • Delayed response: If they take more than 72 hours to show progress, run!
  • Requesting your NIN or BVN too early:  Only share this on CAC portal, not via WhatsApp chats.

Tip: Go with a verified platform like All-In-One Nigeria, you’ll get CAC registration and hand-holding through the process.

 

Here’s How Much You Shouldn’t Be Paying in 2025

If you’re coughing up more than ₦30,000 for just CAC registration (no trademark, no tax ID, no extras), you’re being played.

Stick to the average:

  • Solo: ₦10k–₦12k
  • With support: ₦15k–₦18k
  • Premium (with extras): ₦20k–₦25k max

Final Checklist for Smart Registration (2025 Edition)

Before you register, ask yourself:

  • Do I have 2 unique name options ready?
  • Have I scanned my valid ID and passport photo?
  • Am I using a trusted platform or verified CAC agent?
  • Do I know my nature of business (e.g., fashion, tech, food)?
  • Have I set aside at least ₦12k to ₦15k total?

Bonus Cost-Saving Tips for First-Time Business Owners

  • Use a digital address if you don’t have an office yet. Many banks accept this for account setup.
  • Register early in the week. CAC systems get jammed on weekends.
  • Avoid fake “promo” pages on Instagram. Verify platforms like All-In-One Nigeria before paying.

Want to avoid trial-and-error?
Visit: www.allinonenigeria.com
Email: projects@allinonenigeria.com
We’ll walk you through registration, branding, and bank setup, all legit.

Final Thoughts

CAC business name registration in 2025 isn’t rocket science, but it’s easy to mess up or overpay if you don’t know the streets.

If you remember just one thing, let it be this:
Doing it yourself saves money, but using the right platform saves your sanity.

Register smart, avoid shady agents, and build your business like a boss.

Ready to go legit the right way?

Start now at www.allinonenigeria.com.

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