Registration gives you a company; share documents give you ownership. Yet many new (Pty) Ltd owners never issue a single certificate – until a bank, investor or buyer asks for proof of who owns what, and the scramble begins. Here is what you need, why it matters, and where to get a free template.
Share certificate vs share register
| Document | What it is | Who holds it |
|---|---|---|
| Share certificate | Proof that a specific person owns a specific number of shares | Each shareholder |
| Share register | The company’s master record of all shareholders and share movements | The company (at its registered office) |
| Beneficial ownership register | The CIPC-filed record of who ultimately owns or controls the company | Filed with CIPC – our BO filing service |
What a compliant share certificate shows
- Company name and CIPC registration number
- Shareholder’s full name and ID number
- Number and class of shares, and the certificate number
- Date of issue and an authorised signature
Issue certificates the day your company is registered – not the day a bank asks. Photo: CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Free template – or done for you
Admin Boss gives away a free share certificate template for South African companies – request it via the contact page or see the Admin Boss services list. Prefer it done properly the first time? We prepare completed certificates and a full share register, matched to your MOI and your beneficial ownership filing. We also publish city-specific template guides, for example Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria – with over 100 more cities covered on this site.
Free template, or fully prepared certificates and register – your choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a share certificate legally required in South Africa?
Yes. Under the Companies Act, a company must issue share certificates to its shareholders and keep a register of its shareholders. It is the primary evidence of who owns the company.
What must appear on a share certificate?
A share certificate should show the company name and registration number, the shareholder’s name, the number and class of shares, a certificate number, the date of issue, and the signature of a director or authorised officer.
What is a share register?
A share register (securities register) is the company’s official record of all shareholders, how many shares each holds, and every transfer or issue of shares. It must be kept up to date at the company’s registered office.
Where can I get a free share certificate template?
Admin Boss provides a free share certificate template – request it through the contact page or see the services list on adminboss.co.za. We can also prepare fully completed, compliant certificates for you.
Do I need new certificates when shares change hands?
Yes. When shares are transferred or new shares are issued, new certificates must be issued and the share register updated – and a beneficial ownership update with CIPC usually goes with it.
Keep reading
Share documents and BO filings go hand in hand.
Planning a group structure? Start here.
The complete plain-language guide for entrepreneurs.
We issue your first share certificates with registration.
Last reviewed: August 2026. Sources: Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This page is general information, not legal advice.