BizPortal vs CIPC Partners
BizPortal is CIPC’s site (~R175). CIPC Partners is a private agent (from R795). Use BizPortal for a simple SA-ID Pty; use us for foreign directors, NPCs, and bundled compliance.
Quick compare
| BizPortal | CIPC eServices | CIPC Partners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | CIPC government site for new Pty | CIPC government portal for everything else | Private filing company |
| Typical cash out | ~R175 statutory (named Pty) | Same CIPC fees for the same forms | From R795 (our work + filing) |
| SA ID directors, short MOI | Yes — best DIY path | Possible, usually slower UX | Optional convenience |
| Passport-only director | No (Home Affairs ID check fails) | Required path | Yes — we file on eServices |
| NPC / long MOI / BO / AR | Not the tool | Yes | Yes, as a paid service |
BizPortal vs eServices
They are not competitors. They are different doors into the same CIPC register. Use BizPortal when every director has a South African ID, you want a standard short MOI, and you are happy to finish SARS, B-BBEE, and annual returns yourself. Use eServices when any director is a foreign national, you need an NPC or long-form MOI, or you are filing beneficial ownership and annual returns later. We file the eServices path when you hire us; we do not replace CIPC.
When DIY is enough
If you have time, certified IDs, and a simple Pty, BizPortal at about R125 (no name) or R175 (with a name) is the honest cheapest lawful route. OurPower, Rateweb, and Govchain all publish the same statutory numbers. We do too. Paying an agent only for a B-BBEE affidavit or a SARS number you can get yourself is usually a poor trade.
When an agent is rational
Foreign directors, mixed boards, bounced name applications, or wanting share certificates and beneficial ownership done with incorporation. That is the product — not a secret CIPC door. See foreign-director registration and current registration packages.
Questions
- Is BizPortal the same as CIPC eServices?
- No. Both are official CIPC portals into the same register. BizPortal is the simplified new-Pty flow for South African ID directors. eServices is the older portal used for foreign directors, NPCs, long-form MOI, beneficial ownership, and most post-registration changes.
- Do I need an agent if I have a South African ID?
- No. A simple short-MOI Pty on BizPortal at about R175 is lawful. Pay an agent when you want document prep, tracking, foreign-director filing, or extras such as share certificates and a B-BBEE affidavit bundled.
- Why would I pay R795 instead of R175?
- The R175 is CIPC’s statutory fee. R795 is our service price for preparation and filing work on top of that government process. If the spread is not worth your time, file on BizPortal.