Before starting any business in Tanzania, it is essential to follow the legal procedures to ensure that your business is recognized and operates legally. This includes having official certificates that identify your business, which are often required to be displayed in your business premises. Different types of businesses require different types of registration depending on their size, nature, and activities. Tanzanian law emphasizes that no business is allowed to operate without proper registration from the relevant authorities, no matter how small the business may be.

Below is a guide to help you understand the steps involved in registering a business and the legal requirements:

1. Registration for Small Entrepreneurs

This registration was specifically introduced to identify very small traders, such as street vendors and those selling items like buns, doughnuts, and other small goods. These traders operate without a fixed business location and include hawkers and mobile sellers.

• To obtain an entrepreneurial identification card, you need to visit the local government offices or municipal offices with:
  • A National Identification Card (NIDA)
  • Proof of residence (or any other approved identification documents)
  • Any other criteria approved by the relevant authorities.

This identification card helps small traders operate their businesses more freely while receiving legal recognition. Just download the Machinga App from playstore and proceed from there.

2. Registration of Business Name with BRELA

All traders, both large and small, are required to register their business names through the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA). This is an important step to ensure that the business name you are using is legally approved and does not duplicate an existing registered business.

• The requirements to register a business name include:
  • National Identification Number (NIDA)
  • Business location address
  • Residential address of the owner or business partners
  • A legally acceptable business name
  • The applicant must be a Tanzanian citizen and at least 18 years old
  • A registered phone number
  • A valid personal email address

This process is conducted online through the BRELA website. After entering your details, you will be required to pay a fee of Tsh 15,000/= via mobile or bank transfer and wait for a response.

If you are registering a business that is a company, additional documents are required, such as:

• NIDA numbers for each shareholder of the company
• A passport or TIN (Tax Identification Number) for foreign shareholders
• Company constitution documents, such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MemArt).

You can continue the registration process online through the BRELA website. Remember, the process can be completed step-by-step, and you can return to it once you have all the necessary documents.

3. Registration with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)

After securing your business name, the next step is to register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). This step is essential to ensure you pay taxes according to the law and meet the business requirements of the country.

4. Obtaining a Business License

Once you have registered your business name and received your TIN, the next step is to obtain a business license. This can be done through the district or municipal offices where your business operates, or online for certain industries such as manufacturing. The cost of the license depends on the type and size of the business.

5. Registration with Relevant Authorities Based on Industry

After obtaining a business license, your business may need to be registered with specific regulatory bodies depending on the nature of your business. Examples include:

• The Council of Traditional and Alternative Medicine for traditional healers,
• The Pharmacy Council for those selling human medicines,
• Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TMDA) for food and drug-related products,
• Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) for product standards and quality control.

6. Compliance with Local Laws

Entrepreneurs and business owners must also comply with additional registrations based on the legal requirements in their areas of operation, such as:

• OSHA for workplace safety,
• Fire and Rescue Services,
• NSSF/PSSF for social security,
• NEMC for environmental compliance,
• And other authorities that regulate specific industries and working conditions.

7. Additional Registrations for Business Visibility

After completing the mandatory legal registrations, you may also take extra steps to enhance your business’s professionalism and visibility. These include:

• Registering a business phone number,
• Setting up a business bank account,
• Obtaining a mobile payment number (lipa namba) with your business name,
• Setting up a professional business email address.

In conclusion

These steps may seem complex, but they are crucial in ensuring that your business adheres to all legal requirements. If you encounter any challenges, it is advisable to seek help from a business registration expert or legal advisor to guide you through the entire process. Sahili Marketplace Network is here to support you on your entrepreneurial journey. We wish you great success in your business endeavors!

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