What is a Non-Profit Company (NPC), and Why Register with CIPC?

Q: What documents are needed to register a non-profit with CIPC?

You need certified ID copies of all directors, a signed MOI, a name reservation confirmation, and completed CoR 15.1A form to register with CIPC.

Q: Do NPCs need to submit annual financial statements?

Yes. All NPCs must file annual returns and may need to submit financials depending on income level. Larger NPCs often need to be audited.

Q: Can I convert my existing informal group into an NPC?

Yes, you can formalize an existing group into an NPC by registering with CIPC, provided you meet all director and document requirements.

Q: How do I register both an NPC and an NPO?

First register your NPC with CIPC. Then apply to the Department of Social Development to register as an NPO for broader funding access.

EasyCIPCRegister
Jul 21
5 min read

Updated: Aug 4

A non-profit company (NPC) is a registered entity that operates for public benefit or a specific community cause. Registering with CIPC gives it legal standing and access to funding opportunities.

Author: written by the EasyCIPCRegister team, experts in South African company registration and compliance. Trusted by hundreds of readers, EasyCIPCRegister delivers up-to-date, practical advice on how to start and manage a successful business.

How to Register a Non-Profit Company (NPC) with CIPC

Key Takeaways

You must register an NPC through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
An NPC is different from an NPO; NPC is a company structure, while NPO is broader.
You need at least three incorporators and directors to register.
Registration allows access to donor funding, tax benefits, and credibility.
CIPC NPO registration is done online through the BizPortal or CIPC e-Services platform.

Registering a non-profit company (NPC) with the CIPC is an essential first step for any organization looking to operate legally and with credibility in South Africa. Whether you’re running a charity, church, or community upliftment initiative, registering your NPC allows you to access funding, protect your directors, and stay compliant with the law.

According to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), registering a non-profit company (NPC) is essential for legal compliance and public benefit operations in South Africa.

What is a Non-Profit Company (NPC)?

A non-profit company (NPC) is a type of legal entity registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) for public benefit purposes. NPCs are not designed to generate profit for shareholders; in fact, they have none. Instead, all income is used to advance the organization’s social, cultural, religious, or charitable objectives.

Unlike informal associations, NPCs operate with a formal Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI). They must have at least three directors and are held to governance standards outlined by the Companies Act. This structure provides greater transparency and trust, especially when applying for grants or donations.

Who Should Register a Non-Profit Company?

Organizations that serve the public good should consider registering an NPC. Common examples include:

Charities providing food, shelter, or health services
Religious organizations such as churches and ministries
Community upliftment projects and youth programs
Sports development clubs
Arts, heritage, and cultural groups
Advocacy or awareness campaigns

If your work is mission-driven and you plan to collect funding, work with government entities, or partner with donors, formal NPC registration helps you operate with legitimacy and access broader opportunities. If you’re starting fresh, explore our company registration services to get your business set up quickly and correctly.

A diagram titled "Who Should Register a Non-Profit Company?" featuring a circular chart with six segments, each representing a different group. The segments are color-coded: pink for "Advocacy Campaigns" with a megaphone icon, green for "Charities" with a hand holding a bowl icon, light green for "Religious Organizations" with a church icon, blue for "Community Projects" with a group of people icon, purple for "Cultural Groups" with musical notes and people icon, and light blue for "Sports Clubs" with a trophy icon. The center of the chart contains a document and heart icon, symbolizing non-profit registration, set against a black background.

Benefits of Registering with CIPC as an NPC

Registering an NPC through CIPC has several long-term benefits:

Credibility: A registered NPC carries legal recognition, building trust with funders and beneficiaries.
Funding Eligibility: Most donors and grant-makers only fund registered entities.
Tax Advantages: You can apply to SARS for Public Benefit Organization (PBO) status and Section 18A certificates.
Limited Liability: Directors are protected against personal liability, provided they act in good faith.
Structure and Governance: With clear reporting and compliance rules, your organization is more likely to succeed over the long term.

How to Register an NPC with the CIPC

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to register your NPC through the CIPC:

Step 1: Reserve a Company Name

Use the CIPC website to submit up to four name options.
Wait for confirmation and approval, usually within 48 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Incorporation Documents

Draft a Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) tailored for NPCs.
State your objectives clearly, showing public benefit.
Gather certified copies of all directors’ IDs.

Step 3: Appoint at Least Three Directors

All NPCs must have a minimum of three unrelated directors.
Directors must be natural persons (not companies).

Step 4: Submit Application via CIPC eServices

Log into the CIPC portal.
Complete the online registration form and upload all required documents.
Pay the prescribed fee (currently around R175).

Step 5: Receive Registration Certificate

If approved, CIPC issues a CoR 14.3 certificate.
This confirms that your NPC is now officially registered.

This process can be completed online. However, many founders prefer working with experts to avoid delays and ensure their documents meet legal requirements. Protect your brand identity by learning how to register a trademark with CIPC the right way.

A diagram titled "How to Register an NPC with the CIPC" depicting a winding road with five stages of the registration process. The first stage, "Reserve Company Name," is marked with a blue circle and text about submitting name options and waiting for approval. The second stage, "Appoint Directors," is marked with a green circle and notes ensuring at least three unrelated directors. The third stage, "Prepare Incorporation Documents," is marked with a green circle and mentions drafting MOI and gathering director IDs. The fourth stage, "Submit Application," is marked with a cyan circle and describes completing an online form and paying a fee. The final stage, "Receive Registration Certificate," is marked with a purple circle and includes obtaining the CoR 14.3 certificate. The road is set against a black background with the label "NPC Registration Process with CIPC" at the top.

Common Mistakes When Registering a Non-Profit Company

Avoid these frequent errors when completing your NPC registration:

Insufficient Number of Directors: You need at least three.
Vague or Incomplete Objectives: Your purpose must align with public benefit.
Missing or Uncertified ID Documents: All ID copies must be clearly certified.
Incorrect Company Type: Selecting the wrong entity can delay your application.
Ignoring SARS Requirements: Registration with CIPC doesn’t automatically give you tax exemption; you must still apply separately with SARS.

Being thorough and accurate from the start prevents delays and resubmissions. A solid foundation begins with a clear strategy; see our guide on what a business plan is to plan your success.

What Happens After CIPC Registers Your NPC?

Once your NPC is registered, you’ll receive a registration certificate (CoR 14.3) along with your company number. From there:

Open a Business Bank Account: Most banks require proof of registration and a signed resolution by the directors.
Apply for Tax Exemption: Submit a PBO application to SARS using the EI1 form.
Start Operating Legally: You’re now recognized as a registered legal entity.
Comply with Annual Returns: All companies, including NPCs, must file annual returns with CIPC.

These next steps are critical to ensuring compliance and unlocking long-term sustainability.

A diagram titled "What Happens After CIPC Registers Your NPC?" featuring a vertical sequence of five steps on a black background. The first step, "Open Bank Account," is in blue with an icon of two people and a credit card, describing the establishment of a financial foundation for the NPC. The second step, "Apply for Tax Exemption," is in teal with an icon of a hand holding money, noting the seek of tax benefits to support the NPC's mission. The third step, "Operate Legally," is in green with a gavel icon, indicating the beginning of NPC activities with legal recognition. The fourth step, "Comply with Annual Returns," is in yellow with a calendar and checkmark icon, emphasizing ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. Each step is represented by a colored block arranged in a staggered, upward pattern.

Start Your Non-Profit Company the Right Way

Registering an NPC through CIPC gives your organization the legal status it needs to grow, operate professionally, and attract support. It also protects your directors, opens doors to tax benefits, and signals credibility to potential partners and funders.

Whether you’re starting a community project or scaling a national cause, taking the time to register properly is the foundation of long-term impact. EasyCIPCRegister can handle the full process so you can stay focused on your mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a foreign national register a non-profit in South Africa?

Yes, a foreign national can be a director of an NPC in South Africa. However, they must have a valid passport, and in some cases, a South African residential address. All documents submitted to CIPC must be translated to English if in another language, and ID documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths or embassy.

2. What documents are needed to register a non-profit with CIPC?

To register an NPC, you need certified ID copies of all directors, a completed Memorandum of Incorporation, a name reservation confirmation, and a completed CoR 15.1A form. The CIPC may also request proof of address or director resolutions. Having these documents ready ensures faster processing and reduces the risk of rejection.

3. Do NPCs need to submit annual financial statements?

Yes, registered NPCs must submit annual returns to the CIPC and may be required to submit financial statements, depending on their income threshold. This ensures compliance with the Companies Act. Larger NPCs often need to be audited, while smaller ones can submit independent reviews.

4. Can I convert my existing informal group into an NPC?

Yes, you can register your existing community group, club, or association as an NPC by following the CIPC registration steps. This gives your group legal standing, access to funding, and improved governance. You’ll need to restructure your operations to meet legal and compliance requirements.

5. How do I register both an NPC and an NPO?

First, register the NPC with CIPC. Once you have your registration documents and company number, apply to the Department of Social Development (DSD) to register as an NPO. This dual registration strengthens your compliance profile and can improve access to grants and donor funding.