Share Certificate

“What is a share certificate?”

A share certificate is an official document that proves who owns shares in your company. It shows:

  • The name of the shareholder
  • The number of shares they own
  • The date the shares were issued
  • The share certificate number
  • The signature of a company director or authorised officer

It’s a bit like a receipt or title deed for ownership in your business.

“What does a share certificate include?”

A standard share certificate usually includes:

  • Company name and registration number
  • Shareholder’s full name and ID or passport number
  • Number and class of shares (e.g. ordinary shares)
  • Date of issue
  • Unique certificate number
  • An authorised signature (usually a director)

The certificate is often signed and stamped, and each shareholder should receive a copy for their records.

“Why is a share certificate important?”

A share certificate:

  • Proves legal ownership of part of the company
  • Helps track who owns what in the business
  • Is required when adding new shareholders or transferring shares
  • Can be used to attract investors or funding
  • May be requested by banks, partners, or CIPC during compliance checks

“Who gets a share certificate?”

Any shareholder in your company – whether it's you, a co-founder, or an investor, should be issued a share certificate as proof of ownership.

Here’s a bit more info on the difference between shareholders and directors.

If your company has multiple shareholders, each one should have their own certificate that reflects the number of shares they hold.

“What happens if shares are transferred?”

When someone sells or transfers their shares:

  • The old share certificate is cancelled
  • A new one is issued to the new shareholder
  • You must also update your company’s share register and may need to notify CIPC if there are changes to the company structure

“What if I lose my share certificate?”

It’s best to store share certificates safely, but if one is lost, the company can issue a replacement.

Just make sure proper documentation is kept for legal and compliance reasons.


Back to Terms