Registering a business in Tanzania is straightforward; registration can be done online or in person.
How to register a business in Tanzania
Here are the steps involved in registering a business in Tanzania:
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Tanzania has four main types of business structures: limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, Trust, and public limited company (PLC). Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that best fits your business needs is important.
Who is a resident individual?
A person qualifies to be a resident in the United Republic of Tanzania when: –
Has a permanent home in the United Republic and present in any part of the year of income.
Is present in the United Republic during the year of income for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to 183 days or more.
Is present in the United Republic during the year of income and in each of the two preceding years of income for periods averaging more than 122 days in each of such years of income.
Is an employee or an official of the Government of the United Republics posted abroad during the year of income?
Step 2: Conduct a Name Search
Once you have chosen a business structure, the next step is to conduct a name search to ensure that the name you have selected for your business is available. The name search is available online through the Tanzania Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) website. If the name is available, you will receive a name reservation certificate.
Step 3: Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Before registering your business, you must obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). You can apply for a TIN online or in person at any TRA office.
Foreign Company:-
- Passport Number.
Visit Online Registration System (ORS) through the Url address https://ors.brela.go.tz/ors or by visiting the BRELA website www.brela.go.tz.Then select Limited Company Online Registration. The user manual is provided on the same website.
Step 4: Prepare and File Documents
The next step is to prepare and file the necessary documents with BRELA. The documents required will depend on the business structure you have chosen. For example, if you register a limited liability company (LLC), you must prepare and file the Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association. If you register a sole proprietorship, you must prepare and file a Business Registration Form.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fees
After filing the necessary documents, you must pay the registration fees. The fees vary depending on the business structure and the amount of authorized share capital.
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once your application has been approved and the fees have been paid, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation from BRELA. This certificate confirms that your business has been registered and is authorized to operate in Tanzania.
Step 7: Obtain Other Licenses and Permits
The Permits depend on the business you are registering; you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from other government agencies. For example, if you register a restaurant, you must obtain a food and hygiene license from the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority.
Required attachments
Local Company:
- Consolidated form, this one is generated online after filling in all the particulars you download for the signatures of all the directors and company secretary.
- Certified Copy of Certificate of Incorporation.
- Certified Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association, Statutes or Chatter, or any other instrument defining the Constitution of the Company the case may be.
- Copy of most recent accounts and related reports of the Company.
- Form no 434 (Situation of Registered Office abroad and in Tanzania, List of Directors of the Company, Persons who reside in Tanzania representing the Company, and declaration which is to be attested by the Commissioner for Oaths/Notary Public).
- Integrity pledge Form.
Foreign Company:
- Consolidated form, this one is generated online after filling in all the particulars you download for the signatures of all the directors and company secretary.
- Certified Copy of Certificate of Incorporation
- Certified Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association, Statutes or Chatter, or any other instrument defining the Constitution of the Company the case may be.
- Copy of most recent accounts and related reports of the Company.
- Form no 434 (Situation of Registered Office abroad and in Tanzania, List of Directors of the Company, Persons who reside in Tanzania representing the Company, and declaration which is to be attested by the Commissioner for Oaths/Notary Public).
- Integrity pledge Form
In conclusion, Choosing the proper business structure, conducting a name search, obtaining a TIN, preparing and filing the necessary documents, paying the registration fees, receiving a Certificate of Incorporation, and obtaining any additional licenses and permits required for your business to operate legally. Following these steps and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can successfully register your business and start operating in Tanzania.
