Government Hub/Investment Procedures

Business Registration Tanzania

Complete guide to registering a company in Tanzania. BRELA procedures, TRA registration, licenses and compliance.

7 min read

Business Registration Overview

Registering a business in Tanzania involves multiple government agencies. The primary agencies are BRELA (Business Registrations and Licensing Agency) for company registration, TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) for tax registration, and relevant sector-specific regulators for business licenses. The process has been streamlined through the Business Licensing Simplified System (BLiSS) and online registration portals.

Company Types

Tanzania offers several business structures including: Limited Liability Company (private or public), Branch of a Foreign Company, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, and Non-Governmental Organization. Most investors choose a private limited liability company which provides limited liability protection and is suitable for most business activities. Minimum share capital for private companies is TZS 100,000.

BRELA Registration Process

Company registration through BRELA includes: name search and reservation, preparation of memorandum and articles of association, submission of registration documents, payment of registration fees, and issuance of certificate of incorporation. The process can be completed online through BRELA's portal and typically takes 3-7 working days. After incorporation, the company receives a certificate of incorporation and a company seal.

Tax Registration And Licenses

After company registration, register with TRA for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), VAT registration (if turnover exceeds TZS 100 million annually), and income tax registration. Depending on the business type, additional licenses may be required from sector regulators. For construction companies, registration with the Contractors Registration Board (CRB) is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register a company in Tanzania?
Register through BRELA's online portal. The process includes name search, submission of documents, payment of fees, and certificate issuance. It typically takes 3-7 working days.
What types of companies can I register?
Options include private limited company, public limited company, branch of foreign company, sole proprietorship or partnership. Private limited company is the most common for investors.
How long does BRELA registration take?
Online registration through BRELA typically takes 3-7 working days. Traditional paper-based registration may take longer.
How much does company registration cost?
BRELA registration fees for a private limited company range from TZS 200,000 to TZS 500,000 depending on share capital and service type. Additional costs apply for name reservation and expedited processing.
Do I need tax registration after company registration?
Yes, after company registration you must register with TRA for TIN, VAT (if applicable) and income tax. Tax registration is mandatory before starting business operations.

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