Call us now:
Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Company Registration & Compliance – Built Right From Incorporation
Registering a company takes days; fixing a badly structured one takes years. We incorporate companies with MOIs that actually fit the shareholders’ deal, keep you compliant with CIPC’s annual returns and the beneficial ownership regime, and advise directors on the duties the Companies Act enforces personally. From startup to shareholder exit, the paper must match the deal.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need company registration attorneys
Registering a new private company (Pty Ltd)
Custom MOI provisions beyond the CIPC default
Shareholders’ agreements aligned with the MOI
CIPC annual returns and beneficial ownership filings
Director appointments, resignations and removals under Section 71
Share transfers and share buy-backs
Business rescue and financially distressed companies
Deregistration, reinstatement and name disputes
How we handle your matter
Structure advice
Company vs trust vs sole prop, shareholding split, share classes and control mechanics designed before incorporation, not after the first fight.
Incorporation
CIPC registration, registered MOI (standard or bespoke), share certificates, registers and first resolutions done as a complete pack.
Shareholders’ agreement
The private constitution: pre-emptives, tag/drag, deadlock resolution, exits and valuation formulas — the clauses that decide the fights the MOI can’t.
Compliance calendar
Annual returns, beneficial ownership declarations, register maintenance and resolution hygiene handled on schedule.
Corporate changes
Director changes, share transfers, name changes and MOI amendments executed and filed correctly — with the paper trail future buyers will audit.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
Incorporation packs are fixed-fee including MOI and statutory registers. Shareholders’ agreements are quoted on complexity. Annual compliance runs on a light retainer that costs less than one CIPC deregistration rescue.
Key legislation:
- Companies Act 71 of 2008
- CIPC regulations
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration take?
With names reserved, CIPC incorporation completes within days. The complete job — MOI, share certificates, registers, bank and SARS readiness — is typically a week.
What is an MOI and why customise it?
The Memorandum of Incorporation is the company’s constitution. The CIPC standard form gives default rules that rarely match a real shareholder deal — board control, share transfers and reserved matters usually need tailoring.
What is the beneficial ownership filing?
Companies must file their beneficial owners (natural persons ultimately owning/controlling 5%+) with CIPC and keep it updated. Non-compliance now blocks annual returns and invites penalties.
Can a director be personally liable?
Yes — Section 77 imposes liability for breaches of fiduciary duty, reckless trading (Section 22) and unauthorised acts. Directors of distressed companies especially need advice before trading on.
Do I need a shareholders’ agreement if I have an MOI?
If you have co-shareholders, yes. The MOI is public and blunt; the shareholders’ agreement is private and precise — exits, valuations, deadlock, restraints, funding obligations.
My company was deregistered by CIPC — what now?
Deregistration for unfiled annual returns voids contracts and freezes bank accounts. We apply for reinstatement and bring filings current — faster than incorporating fresh and losing the name and history.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about company registration attorneys from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
Call 011 042 8039 Request a Callback