A registered business name lets you trade under a brand, open a business bank account and issue invoices in that name. It suits freelancers, small shops and partnerships. It is not a company: the owners and the business are legally the same.
What you receive
- Certificate of registration (BN number)
- Status report showing the proprietors
- Guidance on opening a business bank account
What we need from you
- Two proposed names
- Each owner’s full name, address, phone and email
- A valid ID and passport photo for each owner
- The business address
What happens after you apply
- 1 We review your details A lawyer checks everything and asks if anything is missing.
- 2 You approve a quote Our fee and the agency fees, shown separately. Work starts once you approve.
- 3 We file with CAC We prepare the documents and submit them, then follow up.
- 4 You receive the documents Everything is added to your account, and we email you when it is ready.
What usually slows things down
Most delays are avoidable. Getting these right first saves weeks.
- Proposed names that are too close to an existing business, so CAC rejects them
- IDs that are expired, unclear or show a different name from the application
- Signed forms sent back late after we ask for them
- Slow CAC approval queues, which we follow up for you
Questions people ask
Can I turn my business name into a company later?
Yes. You register a new company and move the business into it, then the business name can be closed. Many businesses start this way and incorporate when they grow.
Can I register a company on my own?
Yes. Since CAMA 2020, a private company can have a single director who is also its only shareholder. You still need a valid ID and an address in Nigeria for the registered office.
What happens if CAC rejects my proposed name?
That is why we ask for two names. CAC rejects names that are too close to an existing business or that use restricted words without approval. If both are rejected, we suggest alternatives and agree one with you before filing again.
Do I need a physical office?
You need an address in Nigeria where official letters can reach the business. It can be a shared office and, for many small businesses, a home address. Tell us in the application and we will confirm it works.