External company registration is how a foreign company legally conducts business in South Africa. If your overseas company wants to operate here — open a branch, sign contracts or run a project — it must register with the CIPC as an external company. We handle the entire process for you, remotely.

What is an external company?

An external company is a foreign company that conducts business in South Africa. Instead of incorporating a brand-new South African company, the existing foreign company registers a branch presence with the CIPC. It remains the same legal entity as the overseas parent — it is not a separate South African company.

When must you register?

A foreign company must register as an external company within 20 business days after it first begins to conduct business in South Africa. Registering promptly keeps you compliant and avoids penalties.

What we need from you

• Registration documents of the foreign company (certificate of incorporation and its constitution/MOI)
• A South African registered office address (we can assist)
• A person resident in South Africa authorised to accept legal documents on the company’s behalf
• Director and contact details

What you get

• Your foreign company registered with CIPC as an external company
• An external company registration number and confirmation documents
• Guidance on tax registration and next steps to trade in South Africa

How long does it take?

External company registration typically takes around 5–10 working days, depending on how quickly the foreign documents are provided and verified.

Why register through us

• We deal with the CIPC every day — no rejections or confusing forms
• We handle foreign documents and verification correctly
• Everything done for you, remotely, from anywhere in the world
• Friendly support on WhatsApp and email

Prefer to set up a brand-new South African company instead of a branch? See our company registration service. You may also need SARS tax registration to trade.

Independent business support service — not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the CIPC or SARS.