Foreign companies can register in Tanzania through the Tanzania Investment Centre or the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA).
If you are a foreign company looking to establish a branch in Tanzania, you may find it hard to do so if you don’t have enough information on procedures to do so. This article can help you get started on how to establish a foreign company branch in Tanzania.
If you are a Tanzanian looking to register a company in Tanzania, you can read about the process of company registration in Tanzania.
Pre-establishment matters for a foreign company (A foreign company’s branch):
Prior to triggering an application to the Registrar of Companies for a Certificate of Compliance, one should make the following matters in order;
Should have one local (Tanzanian) representative of the foreign company.
This local representative is mandatory for purpose of receiving documents on behalf of the foreign company.
Translated Charter or Statute or Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Foreign Company.
One of these documents is part of the requirements for an application for a certificate of compliance. If at all any of these documents are not in English the same must be translated into English by a certified translator
Preparation of the latest Accounts or financial report document regarding the foreign company.
The prospective investor who is desirous of acquiring a certificate of compliance must make sure that the foreign company that needs existence in Tanzania must have latest Accounts indicating the financial status or condition of the company. If the same are not in place, then the same must be prepared by certified auditors of the company.
Place of business in Tanzania:
The prospective investor should have detailed information of the place at which the branch will be situated in Tanzania once the Certificate of Compliance is acquired
Filing of Annual Returns in Tanzania
After registration, every foreign company branch in Tanzania is required to file annual returns with BRELA. These returns must include updated information on:
Shareholding structure (if any changes)
Current financial status
Details of the local representative
Registered office address
Failure to comply with annual filing requirements can lead to penalties or de-registration of the branch.
Why Register a Foreign Company Branch in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s growing economy, strategic location in East Africa, and stable investment climate make it a favorable destination for foreign investment. Sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, oil and gas, and telecommunications are particularly attractive.
Having a compliant foreign company registration in Tanzania not only ensures legal recognition but also builds trust with local stakeholders and institutions.
Need Help with Registration of a Foreign Company?
If you’re searching for how to register a company in Tanzania or how to establish a foreign company branch in Tanzania, we can help!
Tan Biz Link offers expert consultancy services to:
Guide you through the registration process
Assist in document preparation and translation
Liaise with BRELA and the Tanzania Investment Centre
Ensure full compliance with all legal requirements
Get in touch today to simplify your registration process and start operating in Tanzania with confidence.
