How to start a business
in Tanzania.
The complete path from idea to a legally trading, tax-compliant business, for Tanzanians and foreign investors alike.
For Tanzanian citizens (and mixed ownership) incorporating a private limited company on the Mainland.
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1
Choose your structure & activities
1 dayDecide between a limited company and a business name, and define activities using ISIC codes, which determine licences and any minimum capital.
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2
Get TINs for founders
1–2 daysEach director and shareholder needs a TRA Tax Identification Number.
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3
Reserve the company name
1 daySearch and reserve on BRELA ORS. Prepare at least three name options.
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4
Prepare the Memorandum & Articles
1–2 daysSet objectives, share capital, governance and shareholder rights. All founders sign.
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5
File on BRELA ORS
3–5 working daysSubmit the constitution, director and shareholder details, address, declaration (Form 14B) and integrity pledge, then pay fees online.
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6
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Your company now legally exists, with a registration number and date.
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7
Company TIN & business licence
3–10 daysApply for the company TIN within 15 days of starting business, then business licences for each activity and premises.
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8
Bank, VAT, EFD & employer registrations
1–3 weeksOpen a bank account; register for VAT if turnover will exceed TSh 200m (or you provide professional services); register EFD/VFD; register with NSSF and WCF when you employ.
For foreign companies or individuals incorporating a Tanzanian company. Usually the preferred vehicle for long-term operations.
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1
Entry & tax structure
1 weekConfirm sector ownership rules, the holding structure and treaty position, and whether the project qualifies for TIC incentives.
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2
Authenticate documents abroad
1–3 weeksPassports, parent incorporation documents and board resolution certified, then apostilled or embassy-authenticated, with English translations.
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3
Founder TINs
2–5 daysForeign directors and shareholders obtain TINs with passport details.
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4
Name reservation & constitution
2–3 daysReserve the name and prepare Memorandum & Articles with the agreed share capital.
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5
BRELA ORS incorporation
3–5 working daysFile the constitution, statutory forms and beneficial-ownership details, then pay fees.
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6
TIC Certificate of Incentives (optional)
2–4 weeksFor projects of at least USD 500,000: unlocks incentives and a quota of up to 10 foreign workers.
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7
TIN, licences & sector permits
1–4 weeksCompany TIN within 15 days, business licences and any sector regulator permits.
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8
Permits, bank, VAT & payroll
2–6 weeksWork and residence permits for expatriates, bank account, VAT, EFD, NSSF, WCF and payroll set up.
A registered extension of the foreign parent. Faster to set up, but the parent is directly liable and taxed on the branch's profits at 30%.
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1
Confirm a branch is right
1–2 daysCompare liability, tax and contract requirements against a subsidiary.
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2
Authenticate parent documents
1–3 weeksCertified charter, certificate of incorporation, latest audited accounts and board resolution, apostilled and translated.
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3
Appoint a local representative
A person resident in Tanzania authorised to accept notices on the company's behalf.
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4
File on BRELA ORS
5–10 working daysSubmit parent documents, statement of charges, representative details and statutory forms; pay fees.
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5
Certificate of Compliance
BRELA issues the certificate allowing the branch to operate.
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6
TIN, licences, bank, VAT & payroll
2–4 weeksSame post-registration steps as a company: TIN within 15 days, licences, VAT, EFD, NSSF and WCF.
* With complete documents. Timelines are indicative and depend on the authorities and your sector.
Which structure is right for you?
| Business name | Limited company | Branch of foreign company | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separate legal entity | No | Yes | No, part of parent |
| Owner liability | Unlimited | Limited to shares | Parent fully liable |
| Income tax | Individual rates or presumptive tax | 30% corporate tax | 30% on Tanzanian profits |
| Foreign ownership | Tanzanian citizens | Allowed (sector rules apply) | Yes |
| Minimum founders | 1 | 2 directors, 2 shareholders | Parent + local representative |
| Audited accounts | Not usually required | Required | Required |
| Best for | Sole traders & micro businesses | Most growing and investor-backed businesses | Short-term projects & contracts |
What registration costs.
Indicative BRELA fees, payable online. Professional fees, licences and sector permits are additional.
Local company (TSh)
Foreign branch / subsidiary (USD)
Source: TanzaniaInvest company registration guide. Fees change; we confirm exact amounts on the portal before filing.
Are you ready to trade?
Tick off each step. Your progress is saved in this browser.
Registration
Tax
Licensing
Employer
Let us register it for you.
One fixed fee, one point of contact, and you're trading legally, usually within weeks.