Tanzania
Corporate Guide
What is the process of setting up a company in Tanzania?
The first step is to obtain a NIN from the NIDA, which is responsible for the registration and issuance of NIDA cards to Tanzanian citizens and legal residents. Foreigners can use their passports to register a company, but foreign residents would need a NIN for general identification and for the registration of SIM cards. Foreign residents are eligible for NIDA if they are in possession of a residence permit and a passport valid for more than six months. Furthermore, one is required to obtain a TIN issued by the TRA.
The second step is to register the company at BRELA, which issues the company with a certificate of incorporation. The process for registration of a company differs depending on whether the company is a local company or a branch of a foreign company.
Local company registration
- Create an Online Account on BRELA’s ORS
- Obtain a name clearance from BRELA’s ORS
- Reserve a company name (if required)
- Preparation and notarisation of the Memarts which complies with the ISIC classification
- Fill out a consolidated form online
- Fill out Form 14a and 14b as per the Companies (Forms) (Amendments) Rules, 2021
- Download, print and sign the consolidated form and Ethics and Integrity Pledge Form
- Obtain a stamp to be affixed on the Ethics and Integrity Pledge Form
- Scan and upload the duly executed Memarts, signed consolidated form, Ethics and Integrity Pledge Form and Form 14a and Form 14b
- Obtain payment order
- Pay incorporation and registration fees
- Obtain certificate of incorporation
Registration of a foreign branch
- Create an online account on BRELA’s ORS
- Submit certified copies of the constitution / Memarts (statute or charter)
- Submit a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation
- Submit a certified copy of the most recent audited accounts or other books of account of the company including management accounts
- Fill out a consolidated form and Form 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 witnessed by a Notary Public or commissioner for oaths)
- Download, print and sign the consolidated form and Ethics and Integrity Pledge Form
- Scan and upload the duly signed consolidated form, signed Form 434, copy of Memarts, certificate of incorporation, copy of recent accounts and the signed Ethics and Integrity Pledge Form;
- Obtain payment order
- Pay compliance fees
- Obtain a certificate of compliance