How to Register a Limited Liability Company in Tanzania: Step-by-Step Guide, Costs & Requirements

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Tanzania is one of the smartest ways to formalize your business, protect your personal assets, and gain access to greater opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the right steps, legal requirements, and government fees involved in registering your LLC in Tanzania.

Incase, you’re an aspiring entrepreneur in Dar es Salaam or a growing business in Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Dodoma or other places in Tanzania, this blog will help you confidently navigate the process.

What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Tanzania is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders). It provides limited liability protection, which means your personal assets are protected from business debts and legal issues.

LLCs are governed by the Companies Act, Cap. 212 (RE 2002) under the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA).

Why Register an LLC in Tanzania?

• Separate legal identity
• Liability protection for shareholders
• Greater credibility and trust
• Access to contracts and funding
• Eligibility for government tenders and loans

Step-by-Step Guide to Register an LLC in Tanzania

Step 1: Conduct a Company Name Search

• Search and reserve a unique company name.
• Names that are too similar to existing businesses will be rejected.

Tip: Include “Limited” or “Ltd” at the end.

Step 2: Prepare Registration Documents

You will need:

• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
• Form of integrity (By managing director or CEO of the company)
• Form 14b (Declaration of Compliance)
• Details of shareholders and directors (IDs, TINs, addresses)

Tip: A company can have 2-50 shareholders.

Step 3: Register Online with BRELA

Log in or create an account at the ORS Portal. Upload:

• Signed company consolidated form
• MAA
• Forms 14b
• Filled and signed form of integrity

Tip: Government costs approx. TZS 167,200 – TZS 512,200 depending on capital (This excluding service charges, which depend on the service provider)

Step 4: Obtain a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)

Apply for company TIN at the TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) either online or in person. Each director must also have an individual TIN.

Tip: TIN is free, but you’ll have to pay for the 10% Withholding Tax (WHT) from your office rent contract or receipts, thereafter, you’ll collect Tax Clearance Certificate!

Step 5: Register for Tax (VAT, PAYE if applicable)

If your turnover exceeds TZS 100 million per year, VAT registration is mandatory.

You may also need:

• PAYE registration (for employee taxes)
• SDL and WCF registrations

Tip: You may not have employees right after registering the company, but still TRA demands every LLC to file (at least NIL filings) each month, failure to that you’ll fall on penalties.

Step 6: Obtain a Business License

After registering your company, apply for a business license from your local municipal council or relevant licensing authority (e.g., TCRA for telecoms).

Tip: Costs varies by industry, typically TZS 100,000 – TZS 500,000

Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Take your:

• BRELA Certificate of Incorporation
• Company BRELA Search
• TIN certificate
• Business license
• Board resolution to open account
• Bank letter to open account
• ID copies of directors

Tip: Costs varies per bank. Choose a trusted bank!

Government Costs Summary

Item	Estimated Cost (TZS)
BRELA Registration Fees	167,200 – 512,000
TIN Registration	Free
Business License	100,000 – 500,000
Total	Approx. 267,200 – 1,012,200

Note: Costs may vary slightly depending on company size and industry.

Requirements Checklist

• Unique Company Name
• Minimum 2 Shareholders
• Directors’ ID and TIN
• Physical Business + Personal Addresses
• Articles of Association
• Business License
• Bank Account Resolution

Pro Tips for a Smooth Registration

• Use a professional company secretary or legal service if unsure about documents.
• Ensure all directors and shareholders are tax compliant.
• Consider using digital signatures and scanned documents to speed up uploads.
• Stay updated via the BRELA official website for any changes.

Final Thoughts

Registering a limited liability company in Tanzania is a powerful move toward business growth and legal security. While the process may seem lengthy, it is now fully digitized via BRELA and affordable for small businesses. Don’t let paperwork stand between you and your business dreams—start the journey today!

Need Help Starting Your Company?

At Abasasa Business, we assist entrepreneurs with:

• Company formation services
• Business name registrations
• Business planning
• TIN + Tax clearance certificate processing
• Business license processing
• Bank account opening

Contact us through Call/WhatsApp via +255 764 267098 or leave a comment below if you’d like personalized guidance.