The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has launched a fully digital process for reinstatement applications for companies and close corporations, marking a significant step toward modernising business services in South Africa.

All applications to reinstate a deregistered entity using Form CoR 40.5 must be submitted through CIPC e‑Services, BizPortal, or via self-service terminals.

The previous email address (re-instatements@cipc.co.za) has been officially discontinued and will no longer accept submissions.

Under the updated system, applicants are no longer required to upload supporting documents unless they are submitting a court order. In such cases, court orders are uploaded and processed at no cost. The reinstatement fee remains set at R200, payable electronically via the CIPC card payment facility.

Importantly, only those companies or close corporations that were either operational or held economic value at the time of deregistration qualify for reinstatement. Evidence of such must be retained and presented if requested, in compliance with Companies Regulation 168.

Entities that successfully reinstate must file all outstanding Annual Returns, Beneficial Ownership Declarations, and Audited Financial Statements/Financial Accountability Supplements (AFS/FAS) within 30 business days of reinstatement. Failure to do so may result in another deregistration.

While businesses with pending manual submissions may still apply electronically, they should be cautious: duplicate processing or billing could occur, and CIPC will not issue refunds or cancel any manual applications already lodged.

Should you require professional advice in this regard do not hesitate to contact our offices.