Company Registration in tanzania.
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Looking to register a business in Tanzania? Tan Biz Link helps both locals and foreigners navigate the process of company registration with ease. Based in Tanzania, we are a licensed and trusted consulting firm dedicated to guiding clients through every step of registering a business or company.
Our experienced team provides clear guidance on procedures, requirements, and documentation, ensuring you understand each stage of the registration process. Whether you are a Tanzanian entrepreneur or an international investor, we are here to support you in establishing your business in Tanzania
HOW TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN TANZANIA
Registering a company in Tanzania is a straightforward process conducted through BRELA (Business Registration and Licensing Agency), the government agency responsible for business registration and post-registration matters. The process is available to anyone who wishes to form a company in accordance with Tanzanian company laws
For foreign investors, there are specific legal requirements and procedures that must be followed to register a business in Tanzania. Our team can help guide you through these steps to ensure compliance and a smooth registration process
STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN TANZANIA
- Choose the Type of Company :Decide on the legal structure that best suits your business.
- Register Your Business Name : Submit your proposed business name to BRELA for approval.
- Prepare and Submit Documents : Provide the Memorandum and Articles of Association as required by law.
- Register with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) : Obtain a Tax Identification Number and fulfill tax registration requirements.
- Obtain a Business License : Apply for the relevant business license to legally operate your company.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR COMPANY REGISTRATION IN TANZANIA
- Certified Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certified copy of the lease agreement (with stamp duty and withholding tax paid) for the office
- Passport copies of the shareholders and directors
- TIN application form
- VAT application and registration form
- Application for employer registration
STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN TANZANIA
BUSINESS STRUCTURES YOU CAN REGISTER IN TANZANIA
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Shareholders’ liability is limited to their share capital contribution. An LLC requires at least two shareholders and two directors, who can be of any nationality. There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement, making it the most common choice for small businesses and foreign investors with simple shareholding structures.
- A Public Company is one whose shares can be offered to the public. It requires at least two directors and seven shareholders, with one shareholder being a Tanzanian national holding at least 40% of the company. A minimum share capital of US$300,000 is required. Public companies are suitable for businesses seeking to raise capital or list on the Tanzanian stock exchange.
- A Branch Office allows a foreign company to establish a 100% foreign-owned presence in Tanzania. It can conduct business locally under the parent company’s structure
- A Representative Office is also fully foreign-owned and allows a foreign company to operate in Tanzania, primarily for market research, liaison, or promotional activities, without engaging in direct commercial operations.
BENEFITS OF REGISTERING A COMPANY IN TANZANIA
- Free Capital and Profit Flows – Tanzania allows unrestricted movement of capital and profits, with no foreign exchange controls, supporting smooth investment operations.
- Cost-Effective Business Environment – The country has one of the lowest consumer cost indices in Sub-Saharan Africa, making business setup more affordable.
- Special Economic Zone Incentives – Businesses operating in designated economic zones can benefit from exemptions such as VAT on utilities and up to 10 years of corporate tax and withholding tax relief.
THE LAW PROVIDES FOR THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF COMPANIES
- Individuals who have prior relationships other than business relationships, such as fathers and sons or daughters, friends, and so on, typically form private companies.
- The minimum number of members is two and maximum is fifty.
- Since the transferability is subject to strict control and regulations, these types of companies are not permitted to list on the stock exchange for trading shares.
- The shares of these companies are not freely transmissible.
- These companies are required to file annual returns and any other statutory fillable documents with the Registrar (e.g., Changes of particulars of directors, change of company names etc.). Filling fees and penalties for late filing are also levied.
ALL COMPANIES
All local businesses are required to file annual returns in prescribed forms. Company accounts (unless exempted by law) are included in the returns. Only audited balance sheets of foreign corporations are required to be filed
LOCAL COMPANIES REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
- Applicants submit a letter for name clearance, the registry clears establish: -
- The availability or non-availability of the applied name
- Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association which complies with ISIC classification and submit the same to the Registrar for registration process.
- Compliance with all requirements relating to formation of the company is declared in form no.14b which is sworn before Commissioner for oath.
- Signing and stamping of Ethics form
- Signing and dating of consolidated form generated by the system
POST REGISTRATION MATTERS
Any changes in the company should be reported to the Registrar as soon as possible. After noting the reported change, the registrar registers it upon payment of filing fees. If a change is not reported on time, a penalty is imposed.
If a company fails to take off after one year for any reason, the officers may notify the Registrar, who issues a notice to strike the such company off the register of companies. If no notification is made, the Registrar has reason to believe that the company is carrying on business and is thus required to comply with all the requirements relating to existing companies.
ONLINE COMPANY REGISTRATION IN TANZANIA
The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) has finished developing a modern Online Registration System (ORS), which includes the registration of Companies, Business Names, Trade and Service Marks, and their respective post registrations, as well as the issuance of Patents and Industrial Licenses. Customers will be able to access all BRELA services from wherever they are, at any time of day, without having to visit BRELA premises. BRELA has begun offering services online in modules, beginning with industrial property services such as trade and service marks, patents, and company registrations. Furthermore, the number assigned to the registered company via ORS corresponds to the Registered Company’s TIN ID Number. As a result, you should take a company registration certificate to the nearest Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) office to collect the company’s TIN certificate.
CONTACT US FOR COMPANY REGISTRATION IN TANZANIA
Are you looking to invest in Tanzania today or you are a foreigner looking to start a business here in Tanzania? we encourage you to call us today. Our team is made up of professionals who will help you with your company registration procedures here in Tanzania. Furthermore, we will give you a step by step guide on how to register your business in Tanzania.
