Start a Business in East London

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ CIPC: 1-5 days. SARS: instant. Municipal: 1-4 weeks.💰 CIPC: R125–R475. Municipal: R500–R2,000

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Overview

Starting a business in East London requires a CIPC Registration + Municipal Business Licence through the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Base fee: CIPC: R125–R475. Municipal: R500–R2,000.

Required Permits

✓CIPC company registration (R125–R475)
✓SARS tax registration (FREE)
✓Municipal business licence (if required — restaurants, salons, health-related)
✓B-BBEE compliance (optional but often needed for contracts)

Step-by-Step Process

1

CIPC company registration (R125–R475)

2

SARS tax registration (FREE)

3

Municipal business licence (if required — restaurants, salons, health-related)

4

B-BBEE compliance (optional but often needed for contracts)

Costs

Estimated total: CIPC: R125–R475. Municipal: R500–R2,000 depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

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Common Mistakes

⚠ CIPC registration online at cipc.co.za (R125–R475)
⚠ CIPC HQ: Sunnyside Office Park, Pretoria
⚠ Municipal business licence only required for restaurants, salons, health-related businesses
⚠ Basic retail and professional services do NOT need municipal licence
⚠ Municipal licence: R500–R2,000
⚠ B-BBEE compliance often needed for government contracts

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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