Foreign ID Verification Made Simple and Fully Compliant

Foreign ID Verification is a process where CIPC confirms the authenticity of a foreign national’s passport before allowing them to be listed as a company director.

The verification is conducted through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to ensure the individual is legally in the country and that their passport is valid.

This prevents identity fraud, unlawful registrations, and misuse of the CIPC system.

CIPC implemented this requirement to comply with anti-fraud laws, FICA, and national security measures.

By verifying foreign passports through DHA, CIPC ensures only legitimate passport holders can start companies, change directorships, or access business services.

Any foreign national who wants to:

• Register a new company

• Become a director of an existing company

• Update director information

• Submit CIPC amendments

• Use their passport for any CIPC function

This applies to all non-South African citizens, regardless of country of origin.

Typically:

• A certified copy of the foreign passport

No

The process usually takes 3–10 working days, but can take longer depending on DHA processing times or document mismatches.

Yes — common reasons include:

• Expired passport

• Invalid or fraudulent documents

• Document names not matching CIPC records

• Poor-quality passport scans

• Passport not certified

We check all documents beforehand to avoid rejection.

No.

CIPC will not allow the submission of new company registrations or director appointments if the foreign passport is not verified.

Yes.

Even foreign directors already on CIPC records must undergo verification if they want to:

• Update details

• Add or remove directors

• File compliance documents

• Make ownership changes

CIPC may reject the application.

DHA may also flag the foreign national for non-compliance with immigration laws.

Proper visa documentation is crucial.

Yes — foreign passports not issued in English may require a sworn translation.

Yes, depending on their legal documentation.

Refugee permit holders generally qualify, but asylum applicants may require additional verification.

Only if:

• The passport expires

• Details change

• CIPC requests re-verification for compliance reasons

A new verification must be completed with the updated passport details.

Yes — but each director must complete the verification process individually.

CIPC will block the application.

This usually happens when the foreign national:

• Overstayed in SA

• Entered illegally

• Has an invalid permit

• Has passport discrepancies

We help identify the issue and advise on corrective steps.

Not for verification itself, but these may be required for company registration after the verification is approved.

Yes — the submission and document verification are done through CIPC’s new Foreign National Verification System.

In some cases, physical verification may still be requested.

The foreign national is assigned a CIPC-approved identification profile.

They can then:

• Register companies

• Update directorships

• Make CIPC amendments

• Conduct all standard company processes

Yes — we handle:

• Document collection

• Pre-checking for errors

• Submitting verification

• Follow-ups

• CIPC updates after approval

This ensures fast, accurate, and compliant processing.