Before you go
Bring these documents to avoid multiple trips.
- National ID card or passport
- Two recent passport photos
- Proof of business address (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
- Completed Form A (CAC-BN-01)
- Bank teller slip (original + copy)
- CAC interim receipt
Steps
- 1
Reserve your business name
Search the CAC name register to confirm your preferred business name is available, then file a Name Reservation form (Form A1). The reservation is valid for 60 days. You can do this online at cac.gov.sl or at the CAC counter.
Le 10,000📍 CAC · online or FreetownDay 1 - 2
Prepare and submit Form A
Complete the Business Name Registration form (CAC-BN-01 Form A). You need: your national ID, two passport photos, your proposed business address, and a description of your business activities. Submit at the CAC office or upload via the online portal.
📍 CAC · FreetownDay 1 - 3
Pay the filing fee
Pay Le 80,000 into the CAC Escrow account at any commercial bank. Most people use Rokel Commercial Bank at the Siaka Stevens Street branch. Keep both copies of the teller slip — you need one for CAC and one for your records. Note: this rate was updated in early 2026; verify at the counter if filing later.
Le 80,000📍 Rokel Commercial BankDay 1 - 4
Submit teller slip and receive interim certificate
Return to CAC with your completed Form A and the bank teller slip. A clerk will review and stamp your application. You receive an interim receipt that confirms your application is under review. Processing takes 1–2 working days.
📍 CAC · FreetownDay 2 - 5
Collect your business registration certificate
Return to CAC after 1–2 working days to collect your Certificate of Business Registration. Bring your interim receipt and a valid ID. The certificate includes your registration number, which you will need for the next steps.
Le 5,000📍 CAC · FreetownDay 3 - 6
Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Take your CAC certificate to the National Revenue Authority to register for a TIN. The TIN is required for opening a business bank account, paying staff, and filing taxes. Registration is free and usually completed the same day.
📍 NRA · FreetownDay 3 - 7
Register with NASSIT (if hiring employees)
If you plan to hire any employees, register your business with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT). Registration is free. Both employer and employee contribute 10% and 5% of gross salary respectively each month. If you are a sole trader with no employees, this step is optional.
📍 NASSIT · FreetownDay 3
Community tips
“Go to the bank early — the CAC escrow queue at Rokel gets very long after 11 am. I arrived at 8:45 and was done by 9:30.”
“Double-check your business name spelling on Form A before you submit. A single typo means paying to amend and waiting another day.”
“The online portal (cac.gov.sl) works well for name reservation but is slow for form submission. If you have time, do step 1 online then go in person for step 2.”
“Visit the CAC office early in the week — Mondays can be crowded from weekend backlogs but Tuesday morning is usually fast.”
“Bring both the original teller slip AND a photocopy. CAC keeps the original and having a copy saves a return trip to the bank.”
“Go to the bank early!”