Question 1

What is Foreign ID Verification for CIPC?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why does CIPC require Foreign Director Verification?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Who must complete Foreign ID Verification?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

Typically:
 • A certified copy of the foreign passport

Question 5

Does the foreigner need to be in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 6

How long does Foreign ID Verification take?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Can CIPC reject a Foreign ID Verification?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can a foreign national register a company without verification?

Accepted Answer

No.
CIPC will not allow the submission of new company registrations or director appointments if the foreign passport is not verified.

Question 9

Does the verification apply to existing foreign directors?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

What happens if a foreign director has no valid visa?

Accepted Answer

CIPC may reject the application.
DHA may also flag the foreign national for non-compliance with immigration laws.
Proper visa documentation is crucial.

Question 11

Does CIPC require translations for non-English passports?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Can a refugee or asylum seeker apply as a director?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on their legal documentation.
Refugee permit holders generally qualify, but asylum applicants may require additional verification.

Question 13

Does the verification need to be repeated?

Accepted Answer

Only if:
 • The passport expires
 • Details change
 • CIPC requests re-verification for compliance reasons

Question 14

What if the foreign national changes their passport?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Can companies add multiple foreign directors at once?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

What if DHA cannot verify the passport?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is a bank letter or SARS number required for verification?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Can the process be done online?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What happens after successful verification?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Do we assist with the entire process?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we handle:
 • Document collection
 • Pre-checking for errors
 • Submitting verification
 • Follow-ups
 • CIPC updates after approval

This ensures fast, accurate, and compliant processing.

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