Setting-up-a-business-in-Tanzania-Mainland-June-2019

Company Incorporation
For the incorporation of any business, the following documents are required.

• Copy of National ID Passport

• Verified TIN Certificates

• Company Address

• Directors & Shareholders

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

For Individual TIN application we require the following documents.

1. A letter of identification from local government confirming premises with two (2) passport sized pictures attached.*
2. Copy of a National ID (NIDA) for locals or a passport copy for foreigners.
3. Lease agreement identifying where the business will be conducted, inclusive of rental charges (must include stamp duty and withholding tax paid).
4. Certificate of registration extract from BRELA.
5. EFD receipts from the Notary Public who witnessed the signing of the Lease Agreement.
6. Estimated Income for provision of tax assessment.

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

For Company TIN application we require the following documents.

1. Valid copies of all the Director’s National Identity card or passport (for foreigners).
2. Certificate of incorporation.
3. A letter of identification from local government confirming premises with 2 passport sized pictures of a Director of the company attached.
4. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
5. Certificate of Compliance in the case of foreign company.
6. Lease agreement of the Company’s premises (with stamp duty and withholding tax paid).
7. Estimated Income for provision of tax assessment.
8. Registered Power of Attorney from foreign Shareholders / Directors (Authorizing a local Director or any local resident to register the Company’s TIN).
9. EFD Receipts from the Notary Public who witnessed the signing of the Lease Agreement.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Documents required from the client for: Sole Proprietor

1. A letter of identification from local government confirming premises with two (2) passport sized pictures attached.
2. Copy of TIN
3. Copy of current lease agreement with duly paid taxes
4. Copy of current business license
5. Number of employees
6. Copy of Z-report*
7. Copy of the applicants’ Identity card

Business License
Documents required for the application of a business license

1. Photocopy of the certificate of incorporation (certificate of compliance in case of a company or certificate of registration or extract in case of a partnership or sole traders)
2. Memorandum and Articles of Association
3. Proof of Tanzanian citizenship i.e. National Identification Card (incase of a non-citizen; resident permit class A or copy of passport will be required)
4. Power of Attorney to a local resident (in case the Shareholders / Directors are foreigners)
5. Copy of TIN issues by Tanzania Revenue Authority
6. Tax clearance certificate
7. Lease agreement of the Company’s premises with all duty paid taxes

Some Specific Licenses

• Customs Agency License – Tanzania Revenue Authority
• Tourist Agency License – The Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism (such as tourist hotels, travel agents, tour operators, hunting etc.)
• Mining Tenement – The Ministry of Energy & Minerals
• Banking License – The Bank of Tanzania
• Telecommunications/Postal Broadcasting License – Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (telecommunications/postal/broadcasting business)
• Insurance License – Insurance Supervisory Department
• Special License/Permit – Tanzania Food & Drugs Authority (business relating to food, drugs, and cosmetics)
• Fishing License – The Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism
• Professional Certificates/Authorization for All Professional Businesses – The Respective Professional Organization (i.e. doctors, lawyers, pilots, accountants, ship captains etc.)
• Petroleum Exploration License – The Ministry of Energy & Minerals
• Industry License – The Ministry of Industries & trade
• Security Services – The Chief of Police, Ministry of Home Affairs

List of All Documents Required

A complete list of all required documents for completion of business set-up

1. Letter of identification from local government confirming premises with 2 passport sized pictures attached.
2. Copy of a National ID (NIDA) for locals or a passport copy for foreigners.
3. Lease Agreement identifying where the business will be conducted, including rental charges (with duly paid taxes).
4. EFD receipts from the Notary Public who witnessed the signing of the Lease Agreement.
5. Certificate of registration extract from BRELA.
6. Estimated Income for provision of tax assessment.
7. Certificate of Incorporation.
8. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
9. Certificate of Compliance in the case of a foreign company.
10. Registered Power of Attorney from foreign Shareholders/Directors authorizing local Director.
11. Copy of current business license
12. Bank reference letter
13. Copies of Director’s TIN
14. Copy of Z-report for VAT registration.

Registration of a Foreign Company (branch)

Documents required to register a foreign company branch

1. A certified copy of the charter, statutes or memorandum and articles of the company or other instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company from the country or origin.
2. A list containing particulars of the directors and secretary of the company.
3. A statement of subsisting charges created by the company related to property located in Tanzania.
4. Name(s) and address(es) of one or more person(s) residing in Tanzania authorized to act as the company’s representative.
5. Full address of the registered principal place of business and place of business in Tanzania.
6. A statutory declaration made by a director or secretary of the company stating the date on which the company’s place of business was established in Tanzania and the business that is to be carried out.
7. Copy of the most recent accounts.
8. Copies of all Directors passports.
9. Lease agreement of the company’s premises (with all duly paid taxes).