SimplyCovered
Beneficial Ownership Compliance

Beneficial Ownership
Register at CIPC

Update your Beneficial Ownership Register at the CIPC or complete your Beneficial Ownership for Trusts.

Only R990 once-off.

Register Now

On 29 December 2022, the South African government published the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act 22 of 2022, including amendments to the Companies Act 71 of 2008 that came into effect on 1 April 2023. These CIPC amendments include the requirement to keep a register of Beneficial Owners updated at CIPC. This also applies to newly registered companies. Beneficial ownership for trusts must be completed at the Master of the High Court.

We make Beneficial Ownership QUICK & EASY Without the Stress!

Our Easy Online Process:

  • Complete a simple online form and upload ID/Passport (2 mins)
  • Our system automates all Beneficial Ownership documents
  • We ensure your Interest Register and BO documents are correct
  • Specialists review documents and you send us the signed mandate
  • Receive BO Confirmation Certificate in 3 Days

Do you need to file your Beneficial Ownership Register in South Africa?

Navigating Beneficial Ownership in South Africa has never been simpler. You can order online here or call our Toll-Free number (0800 007 269).

Beneficial Ownership Service

Our service includes assistance with both company and trust Beneficial Ownership submissions.

Included in the service

  • Beneficial Ownership registration with CIPC
  • Beneficial Ownership submission for trusts with the High Court
  • Preparation of BO documentation
  • Compliance verification by specialists

Requirements

  • Registered company or trust
  • ID Number or Passport
  • Share certificates or ownership information

Timeframe

  • Approximately 3 working days

Beneficial ownership register explanation in South Africa

We simplify the filing process and help you stay compliant with ongoing CIPC obligations.

Our Beneficial Ownership Packages

We also offer bundled packages that combine Beneficial Ownership registration with other essential compliance services.

CSD and BO Package

R1680

R1290

  • Beneficial Ownership registration at CIPC
  • CSD Registration
Apply Now

Share Certificates and BO Package

R1680

R1290

  • Share Certificates
  • Beneficial Ownership registration at CIPC
Apply Now

Popular

BO and Annual Returns Package

R1580

R1280

  • Beneficial Ownership registration at CIPC
  • Annual Returns submission (1 year)
Apply Now

Company Registration Premium Package

R2670

R1990

  • New Pty Company (New Name) (No Paperwork!)
  • Share Certificates
  • Beneficial Ownership registration at CIPC
Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beneficial Ownership?

Beneficial Ownership refers to the real person who ultimately owns or controls a company, even if their name does not appear directly as a shareholder or director. This ensures transparency by identifying who benefits from or influences company decisions.

Why is Beneficial Ownership required in South Africa?

Beneficial Ownership requirements were introduced to improve transparency and combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing. Companies must disclose the individuals who ultimately control or benefit from the business.

Which entities must submit Beneficial Ownership information?

Beneficial Ownership reporting applies to profit companies, non-profit companies, external companies, close corporations, and trusts. Trusts submit Beneficial Ownership details through the Master of the High Court.

What is an example of Beneficial Ownership?

If Company A is owned by Company B, and one individual owns 80% of Company B, that individual is the beneficial owner of Company A because they ultimately control the company.

When must Beneficial Ownership information be updated?

Companies must update their Beneficial Ownership register whenever ownership or control changes. Updates should typically be submitted within 10 business days of the change.

Why is Beneficial Ownership compliance important?

Submitting Beneficial Ownership information helps keep companies compliant with South African regulations. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, inability to submit annual returns, and issues when applying for tenders or contracts.

Do new companies need to submit Beneficial Ownership information?

Yes. Newly registered companies must submit Beneficial Ownership information shortly after incorporation to remain compliant from the start.

Who qualifies as a beneficial owner?

A beneficial owner is typically a natural person who ultimately controls or benefits from a company, including individuals who hold shares, control voting rights, appoint/remove directors, or influence decisions directly or indirectly.

What is the difference between ownership and beneficial ownership?

Legal ownership is the person or entity officially listed as shareholder. Beneficial ownership identifies the person who ultimately benefits from or controls the company, even through another entity like a trust or holding company.

Can Beneficial Ownership be submitted together with other compliance services?

Yes. Many businesses combine Beneficial Ownership registration with share certificates, CIPC annual returns, CSD registration, and company registration for complete compliance.

What happens if Beneficial Ownership is not submitted?

Failure to submit Beneficial Ownership information can prevent annual return submissions and may result in regulatory penalties. Maintaining an accurate Beneficial Ownership register is essential for ongoing compliance.