Foreign Company Registration in Tanzania
In the recent past, foreign company registration in Tanzania has been a new trend. Foreign investors are choosing Tanzania as a favoured destination for opening their businesses because of the country’s economic growth, supportive government initiatives and favourable business environment.
Foreign Company Registration in Tanzania
A foreign company is an entity registered outside Tanzania that wishes to establish a presence in the country. Foreign company registration in Tanzania is handled by the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), while tax matters are overseen by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Depending on business-specific needs, a foreign company can register as a branch, subsidiary, or liaison office in Tanzania.
Company Structures Available for Foreign Investors
- Branch: An extension of the foreign parent company (not a separate legal entity).
- Subsidiary: A Tanzanian-incorporated limited company (Ltd) owned wholly or partly by the foreign parent (a separate legal entity).
- Representative/Liaison Office: Non-trading office used for market research, promotion, or coordination.
Requirements for Foreign Company Registration in Tanzania
- Certified copy of the parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
- Certified copy of the parent company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (or statutes).
- List of directors and shareholders (full names, nationalities, addresses).
- Form 14b – Notice of registered office in Tanzania.
- Form 434 – Statement of directors, secretary, local reps, registered office and compliance declaration (must be notarised).
- Power of Attorney appointing local representative(s).
- Latest audited accounts of the parent company
- Passport/ID copies of directors, shareholders and local reps.
- Translate documents in a foreign language into English
Foreign Company Registration Procedure
Step 1 — Name Clearance
Check name availability and obtain clearance through BRELA’s Online Registration System (ORS). If the parent company name is unique, you may use it directly in Tanzania.
Step 2 — Prepare Documents
Translate any non-English documents, notarise them, and legalise/apostille where necessary. Draft a proper Power of Attorney appointing a local representative.
Step 3 — Submit BRELA
Submit certified corporate documents, Form 14b, Form 434, PoA, and identification documents to BRELA via the ORS portal. The system generates a control number for fee payment (bank or mobile money).
Step 4 — Certificate of Compliance
Once approved, BRELA issues a Certificate of Compliance (for branches) or incorporation evidence (for subsidiaries), which legally allows operations in Tanzania.
Step 5 — Tax Registration and Necessary Licenses
Register for a TIN with TRA and apply for sector-specific business licenses before starting operations. Registration is free.
Step 6 — Banking and Employment
Using the compliance certificate, open a corporate bank account, TIN, and a board resolution. Secure work permits for expatriate staff and register with the relevant labour and social security authorities.
Why Register a Foreign Company in Tanzania?
- Legal recognition and the ability to enter into contracts in Tanzania.
- Access to local banking and financing facilities.
- Ability to hire local staff and secure expatriate permits.
- Eligibility for investment incentives via the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).
Conclusion
The process of registering a foreign company in Tanzania offers unmatched opportunities for foreign companies to operate their businesses in Tanzania. The government support and economic growth make Tanzania a preferred destination for foreign investors. Planning to establish a foreign company in Tanzania but are stuck on the business registration process. In that case, contact Afrilink Consultants and our experts will handle your foreign company registration in Tanzania.
📩 clientservice@afrilinkconsultants.com
📞 +254707280366
