How do I register a company in Tanzania?

Reserve a name on BRELA ORS, prepare and sign MEMARTS and Form 14b, file incorporation on ORS, obtain TINs, then complete business licence and post-registration compliance.

How long does company registration take?

Typically 1–5 working days for incorporation once documents are in order, and 6–14 working days for full setup including tax, licences and bank account.

What documents are required for foreign shareholders?

Certified passports, recent photos, addresses, and—if the shareholder is a company—certified incorporation documents and a board resolution authorizing investment.

Do I need a physical office address?

Yes. A physical address is required for BRELA, TRA, and licensing. Virtual addresses are generally accepted for registration only.

What is the VAT registration threshold in Tanzania?

Businesses with annual taxable supplies meeting the TRA threshold must register for VAT. Many professional and cross-border services may require earlier registration; confirm with TRA based on your activity and projections.

What is the difference between TIC and TISEZA (SEZ/EPZ)?

TIC grants investment facilitation and incentives to qualifying projects across sectors, while TISEZA administers Special/Export Processing Zones with location-based incentives for export-oriented industries.

How do investors obtain Work and Residence Permits (Class A)?

Apply for Class A work permit through Labour authorities and a corresponding Residence Permit from Immigration, supported by incorporation documents, business plan and capital evidence.

What are typical costs for company setup?

Costs vary by share capital, sector licences, and whether foreign shareholders are involved. Budget for BRELA fees, notarization, TRA registrations, business licence, and service fees.

Can Zatra Consultants act as nominee shareholder or director?

Yes, where permitted by law and subject to KYC, escrow and service agreements that protect ownership, control and compliance.

What minimum capital is required for regulated sectors (e.g., microfinance)?

Minimum capital depends on licence class and regulator. For some microfinance categories, at least TZS 20 million may apply; always confirm current BoT rules for your specific licence.

Who needs a Work Permit in Tanzania?

Foreign investors and employees require a Work Permit (Class A for investors; Class B for professionals) and a corresponding Residence Permit.

What are the basic requirements for Class A (investor) permits?

Company incorporation documents, business plan, capital evidence, passport, photos, and supporting letters as required by authorities.

How long does Work/Residence Permit processing take?

Timelines vary by completeness and sector; most complete filings are processed within several weeks subject to approvals.

Can family members obtain dependent permits?

Yes. Spouses and dependents can apply for dependent Residence Permits with supporting documents.

Can permits be renewed?

Yes, subject to continued compliance, valid contracts, and timely filing before expiry.

Does Zatra handle end-to-end permits?

Yes—eligibility checks, document preparation, filings, follow-ups, and renewals.

What tax registrations are needed after incorporation?

Register for TIN (entity and directors). Depending on turnover and activities, register for VAT. Industry-specific taxes may also apply.

When should a company register for VAT?

Registration depends on taxable supplies thresholds and activity type. Many professional and cross-border services may require earlier registration—confirm with TRA based on projections.

What are typical ongoing tax filings?

Monthly/quarterly VAT where applicable, withholding taxes, provisional taxes, and annual corporate income tax returns with financial statements.

Are audited accounts required?

Yes for most companies; audited financial statements are filed and may be requested by regulators.

Does Zatra provide bookkeeping and compliance support?

Yes—bookkeeping, VAT and tax filings, payroll, annual returns, and audit coordination.

Can foreign companies claim tax incentives?

Eligible projects may access incentives under TIC or TISEZA depending on sector and location; Zatra assesses eligibility and manages applications.

Which licences are required for mineral trading or exports?

Depending on minerals and activities: Dealer Licences (e.g., gold, gemstones), export permits per shipment, and sector-specific approvals. EPZ/SEZ options may apply for processing.

What are the typical steps to obtain a Dealer Licence?

Company setup, compliance readiness, application submission to the Mining Commission, inspections, fee payments, and issuance upon approval.

Are royalties and government levies applicable on exports?

Yes. Royalties, inspection and regulatory levies apply by mineral type and transaction; official valuation and assays are typically required.

How does Kimberley Process Certification work for diamonds?

Diamond exports require KP certification following valuation, sealing and documentation as per the regulator’s procedures.

Can Zatra arrange compliance and logistics for shipments?

Yes—licensing, valuation coordination, assays, escrow frameworks and export clearances can be managed end-to-end.

Do SEZ/EPZ incentives apply to mineral processing projects?

Projects meeting export-orientation and location criteria may qualify for SEZ/EPZ incentives via TISEZA; Zatra assesses eligibility and manages applications.

How to Get a Mineral Dealer Licence in Tanzania (Step-by-Step Guide for Gold, Copper, Diamonds, Nickel & Gemstones)

Joseph Magweiga Marwa
Nov 28, 2025
5 min read

A complete, legally accurate guide on how to obtain a Mineral Dealer Licence in Tanzania—covering requirements, documents, fees, shareholding rules, export procedures, and full step-by-step instructions for gold, copper, diamonds, nickel, and coloured gemstones.

Map illustrating the distribution of mineral occurrences in Tanzania, highlighting significant mining locations such as North Mara, Geita, Bulyanhulu, and TanzaniteOne across various regions.

1. Introduction: Why You Need a Mineral Dealer Licence

Under the Mining Act, Cap. 123, no person or company may buy, sell, store, or export minerals in Tanzania without a valid Mineral Dealer Licence issued by the Mining Commission.

This licence is mandatory for anyone involved in:

Gold trading & export
Copper concentrate export
Nickel, cobalt & other metallic minerals
Diamond trading
Tanzanite & coloured gemstones
Coal & industrial minerals

Whether you are:

A gold exporter
A copper trader
A gemstone dealer
A refining company
An international buyer sourcing directly from Tanzania you must follow this regulated process.

This article gives you every detail, backed strictly by law, to help you become a compliant mineral dealer.

2. Legal Framework (What the Mining Act Actually Says)

The Mineral Dealer Licence is established under Part V of the Mining Act (Sections 73–79). Key points include:

✔ You MUST have a Mineral Dealer Licence to buy, store, sell, or export minerals

No mineral may be handled commercially without this licence.

✔ Tanzanians must hold at least 25% shares in any trading company

This is a legal requirement for all mineral trading activities.

✔ Licence must specify the type of minerals you will deal in

This includes:

Gold
Metallic minerals (copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, etc.)
Diamonds
Coloured gemstones
Coal
Industrial minerals

✔ Licence is valid for 12 months and expires on 30 June

Regardless of date of issue.

✔ Quarterly reporting is mandatory

All dealers must maintain:

Official dealer registers
Royalties payment records
Quarterly submissions to the Zonal Mines Office

✔ Export requires special permits

Every export consignment must be licensed and cleared.

3. Categories of Dealer Licences

A Mineral Dealer Licence may cover:

1. Gold Dealer Licence

For bars, nuggets, dore, processed or semi-processed gold.

2. Metallic Minerals Dealer Licence

Includes copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, silver, iron, lead, zinc, etc.

3. Gemstone Dealer Licence

Covers emerald, ruby, sapphire, spinel, garnet, moonstone, tourmaline, etc.

4. Diamond Dealer Licence

5. Industrial Minerals Dealer Licence

6. Coal Dealer Licence

You may apply for one category or a combined licence depending on your business model.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mineral Dealer Licence in Tanzania

Below is the exact, legal, step-by-step pathway.

STEP 1 — Register a Company in Tanzania

You must incorporate a company through BRELA with:

Certificate of Incorporation
TIN Certificate
Tax Compliance
Business Licence
Registered physical address

⚠ Mandatory:

Company must have at least 25% Tanzanian ownership for trading activities.

Zatra can structure this for you legally and safely.

STEP 2 — Prepare All Required Documents

Standard documents required:

✔ Application Form (prescribed by Mining Commission)

✔ Business Licence (showing trading in minerals)

✔ TIN Certificate

✔ Certificate of Incorporation

✔ Company Profile

✔ Directors’ IDs (passports/NIDs)

✔ Shareholder structure

✔ Police Clearance (for key staff where required)

✔ Premise layout plan & storage plan

✔ Bank statement or proof of financial capacity

✔ Passport-size photos for directors

✔ Board resolution authorizing licence application

For gemstones:

✔ Statement showing capacity to perform lapidary (cutting & polishing)(This is a legal requirement under the Act.)

STEP 3 — Submit Application to the Zonal Mines Office

Tanzania is divided into multiple mining zones including:

Dar es Salaam Zone
Mwanza Zone
Arusha Zone
Geita Zone
Shinyanga Zone
Kahama Zone
Mpanda Zone
Dodoma Zone
Others depending on region

During submission:

Specify mineral categories (gold, metallics, diamonds, gemstones).
Pay the prescribed application fee.
Attach all documents.
Provide details on storage and security.

A physical site inspection may follow.

STEP 4 — Mining Commission Compliance Review

The Mining Commission will assess:

Shareholding structure (min. 25% Tanzanian)
Financial capacity
Compliance history (if renewal)
Security of the trading premises
Lapidary preparedness (gemstones only)

If approved, the licence is issued with:

Licence number
Mineral category
Validity period
Trading & export privileges

STEP 5 — After Approval: Maintain Mandatory Registers

A Mineral Dealer must maintain:

Mandatory official documents:

Mineral Dealer Register
Purchase & sales records
Export registers
Royalties receipts
Monthly & quarterly reports

These must be submitted to the Zonal Mines Office and kept for inspection at any time.

STEP 6 — Export Permits & Documentation

To export gold, copper, nickel, gemstones, diamonds, etc., the dealer must secure:

Export Permit for each consignment
Payment of royalties/inspection fees
Assay reports (for gold, copper, nickel)
Valuation certificates (for gemstones & diamonds)
Customs clearance documentation
Supporting invoices & packing lists

Export without these is a criminal offense.

STEP 7 — Licence Renewal

Your licence:

Expires on 30 June each year
Must be renewed 1 month before expiry
Requires submission of:
- Quarterly reports
- Turnover evidence
- Royalty receipts
- Updated compliance documents

Dealers who fail to meet minimum turnover for 3 consecutive years may be denied renewal.

5. Costs, Taxes & Royalties (Official Rates)

Royalty rates (Mining Act + Regulations):

6% — gold, metallic minerals, diamonds, gemstones
1% — cut & polished gemstones
3% — industrial minerals
1% (local) / 3% (export) — coal

Inspection Fee

1% of gross value(Required before export authorization.)

Dealer Licence fees

Prescribed by the Mining Commission (official fees vary per category).

6. Special Rules for Specific Minerals

Gold Dealers

Must trade through Mineral & Gem Houses for ASM gold
Exports require assay and verification
Security infrastructure must be strong
High regulatory scrutiny

Copper & Nickel Dealers

Export of copper concentrate requires:
- Verified chemical assay
- Export permit
- Haulage documentation
- Royalties & inspection fee
Copper processing inside SEZs encouraged by TISEZA

Gemstones

Lapidary commitment statement required
Tanzanite must be traded under stricter controls
Valuation required before export

Diamonds

Controlled process with valuation
Export subject to Kimberley Process requirements

7. Common Mistakes that Cause Rejection

⚠ Insufficient Tanzanian shareholding (<25%)

⚠ Incomplete documents

⚠ Applying under the wrong mineral category

⚠ Uninspected premises

⚠ Missing lapidary plan (gemstones)

⚠ Poor compliance history for renewals

⚠ Lack of financial capability proof

A strong professional submission avoids these issues.

8. How Zatra Consultants Helps You Obtain a Mineral Dealer Licence Fast

Zatra Consultants provides a full, A–Z package for mineral investors:

✔ Company formation (correct compliance structure)

✔ Shareholding & legal structuring to meet 25% Tanzanian requirement

✔ Preparation of all licence application documents

✔ Mining Commission & Zonal Mines Office submission

✔ Setting up compliance registers & reporting systems

✔ Export permit guidance

✔ SEZ setup for copper, gold, nickel & gemstone processing

✔ Risk mitigation and verification support

We serve investors in:

Gold trading & refineries
Copper concentrate export
Diamond dealers
Gemstone traders & lapidary units
Industrial mineral traders

9. Ready to Become a Licensed Mineral Dealer in Tanzania?

We help you obtain your licence fast, legally, and professionally.

📩 Email: sales@zatra.co

📞 WhatsApp: +255 747 912 965

📍 Address: Sinza A, Sam Nujoma Road, Mwenge Tower, Opp. Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania