Company and CC Re-instatement Process Updates

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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has announced major improvements in how it handles re-instatement applications for companies and close corporations (CCs). These changes are aimed at clearing backlogs and making the process faster and smoother.

📚Key Highlights:

• Faster turnaround times as CIPC has added more staff to speed things up.

• Automatic processing: Once your application is indexed, it’s automatically processed, and a confirmation letter is sent to your email.

• 30-day rule: After re-instatement, you have 30 days to submit all overdue Annual Returns and financials (AFS/FAS). If you don’t, the entity will go back into deregistration.

• BO Declaration flexibility: The Beneficial Ownership (BO) Declaration is no longer needed to complete re-instatement—but it still has to be submitted afterward.

• Avoid duplicates: Don’t send the same application multiple times—it delays processing.

💡NOTE: Common mistakes to avoid:

• Only email applications to re-instatements@cipc.co.za.

• Ensure the R200 fee is in your customer code (as per CoR40.5 form).

• All documents must be in PDF format, in one email, and clearly scanned.

• If someone else is applying on your behalf, attach a valid mandate.

Read more in the CIPC Notice 18 of 2025.