TISEZA Certificate of Incentives: What Replaced the TIC Paper

By Zatra Consultants LimitedPublished 22 Oct 2025Last reviewed 13 Aug 20265 min read

1) What is a Certificate of Incentives?

A Certificate of Incentives is an incentive-eligibility instrument for qualifying projects. It is not the same as TISEZA investor registration under Act No. 6 of 2025, and it is not a substitute for BRELA incorporation. Typical supporting materials have historically included incorporation docs, application forms, business plan, proof of financing, project site, and a board resolution. Confirm the live TISEZA checklist — do not file from archived tiseza.go.tz (official portal) pages.

Minimum investment thresholds (Investment Act)

• Foreign-owned or JV: minimum US$500,000 equivalent.
• Tanzanian-owned: minimum US$50,000 equivalent.

Note: Sectoral laws still apply (e.g., mining).

2) Eligibility checklist

You’re generally eligible if your project:

• Meets the capital threshold (above).
• Is a new, expansion, or rehabilitation investment in Tanzania.
• Has a registered entity (LLC/branch) with basic KYC in place.

3) Documents you’ll need

Prepare scanned PDFs (and carry notarized copies for verification):

1. Certificate of Incorporation.
2. MEMARTS (or Constitution) and Form 14b (or equivalent).
3. Completed TISEZA application forms (confirm the live pack on tiseza.go.tz; use the current application pack).
4. Business plan/feasibility (capex, opex, jobs, forex, timeline).
5. Proof of finance (bank statement/letter, equity, loan term sheet).
6. Evidence of project location (title/lease/land letter).
7. Board Resolution approving TISEZA investor registration and, where sought, a Certificate of Incentives application.
8. Cover letter attaching all above. tiseza.go.tz (official portal)

4) Step-by-step: Applying for a Certificate of Incentives

Step 1 — Incorporate & prepare KYC (BRELA, TIN, etc.).Step 2 — Pre-screening with TISEZA (whether investor registration and/or Certificate of Incentives is indicated).Step 3 — File application pack (forms + documents + fee).Step 4 — Site verification / clarifications (if requested).Step 5 — Approval & issuance of COI where eligible (collect certificate).Step 6 — Post-COI facilitation (land, licences, immigration, utilities as applicable). Confirm the live checklist on the TISEZA procedures portal. procedures.tiseza.go.tz

Typical timeline: once documents are complete and site is clear, approvals can be fast—project-dependent. (Expect parallel processing of tax/licensing for speed.)

5) Incentives snapshot (indicative)

The COI provides access to incentives set in the Investment Act and related schedules (e.g., streamlined permits, facilitation, access to land bank; sectoral incentives vary; EPZ/SEZ incentives are handled under the SEZ framework below). Check your project’s specific schedule. Tiseza

The “Current TISEZA”: What Changed & What You Should Do

6) The TISEZA consolidation

Parliament consolidated Tanzania's investment-promotion and export-processing-zone mandates into the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. The unified authority now coordinates all investments and SEZ/EPZ matters. Tiseza

Key practical change: TISEZA now administers investment registration, Certificate of Incentives assessment and SEZ/EPZ facilitation. Investor registration is a different process from BRELA company setup; it is indicated where the project’s facts require it — confirm live on tiseza.go.tz rather than treating it as automatic for every company. Tiseza

Where to reach them: TISEZA Head Office, Golden Jubilee Tower, Ohio St., Dar es Salaam | [email protected] | +255 734 989 469/470. Tiseza

7) SEZ / EPZ under TISEZA (who should use it?)

Thresholds move: the capital and turnover figures below are reproduced as orientation. TISEZA applies the threshold in force when your application is assessed, so confirm it there before you structure funding.

Manufacturers and exporters can apply for SEZ/EPZ status to access zone-specific incentives. Minimum capitalguidance for EPZ/SEZ investors remains US$500,000 (foreign) and US$50,000 (local).

TISEZA has also activated new SEZ sites (e.g., Kwala, Nala, Buzwagi) with land banks and sector targeting (electronics, green tech, furniture/building materials, etc.). Tiseza

8) How to proceed now (practical flow in 2025)

A) Non-SEZ projects seeking a Certificate of Incentives:

1. Register your company (BRELA), secure TIN/VAT if applicable.
2. Prepare the TISEZA COI application pack (docs in §3) where Certificate of Incentives eligibility is actually sought.
3. File with the TISEZA window (not an archived portal); respond to clarifications; obtain COI. tiseza.go.tz (official portal)

B) SEZ/EPZ manufacturing/export projects:

1. Engage TISEZA to align site (inside a designated zone or private zone).
2. Submit SEZ/EPZ application with capex, exports/jobs, environmental compliance (EIA/NEMC), utilities plan.
3. Upon approval, sign tenant/operator agreements; process customs, VAT, and zone licences. Tiseza

9) Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Under-documented finance → attach letters of intent, bank lines, or escrow proof to meet “sufficient capital” test. tiseza.go.tz (official portal)
• Unclear land status → include title/lease or district letter; SEZ plots from TISEZA land bank can speed this up. Tiseza
• Wrong vehicle for your model → trading vs. manufacturing vs. extractives have different tracks (SEZ/EPZ vs. standard COI; mining uses mining law).
• Ignoring new consolidation → always channel submissions through TISEZA for current forms and routes. Tiseza

10) Quick FAQ

Q: Do locals still qualify at US$50k?

Yes—thresholds are US$50,000 (local) and US$500,000 (foreign/JV) for COI registration under the Investment Act.

Q: Is SEZ/EPZ capital different?

Historic guidance remains US$50k local / US$500k foreign, but confirm your zone’s current handbook with TISEZA.

Q: Where’s the official checklist and forms?

Use the live TISEZA procedures portal — not an archived portal. tiseza.go.tz (official portal)

11) Who to contact (official)

• TISEZA (Investment & SEZs): Golden Jubilee Tower, Ohio St, Dar | [email protected] | +255 734 989469/70. Tiseza
• Certificate of Incentives checklist: confirm the live TISEZA requirements before you assemble the pack. tiseza.go.tz

Now submit via TISEZA; SEZ/EPZ projects route through the SEZ desk; confirm zone land at Kwala, Nala, Buzwagi and others. Tiseza

How Zatra Consultants Assists Clients with TISEZA Registration and Certificate of Incentives Files

At Zatra Consultants, we provide investment-facilitation and compliance support for both local and foreign investors. We prepare the company, project and supporting pack for the relevant TISEZA process and sequence connected TRA, BRELA, NEMC and Immigration filings. Authorities remain the source of record; incentives are not automatic.

Below is how our team assists clients through every stage:

Pre-Advisory & Project Assessment

Before we begin the registration, Zatra conducts a strategic assessment of your project to determine:

• Whether TISEZA investor registration, Certificate of Incentives eligibility, or SEZ/EPZ arrangement is indicated for this project
• Appropriate entity structure (LLC, branch, JV, or foreign subsidiary)
• Investment classification (domestic, foreign, or joint venture)
• Applicable sectoral laws, capital thresholds, and licensing requirements

We provide a readiness checklist that identifies gaps and required documents before filing begins. Completeness reduces queries; it does not guarantee a timeline.

Company Incorporation & Compliance Setup

We handle the full company registration process via BRELA, including:

• Name reservation and constitutional documents (MEMARTS, Form 14b)
• TIN and VAT/VFD registration with TRA
• Opening a corporate bank account and registered office setup
• Beneficial Ownership filing and company secretarial compliance

Your company should be document-ready before any TISEZA submission. Tanzania company formation support incorporation is not a substitute for investor registration or a Certificate of Incentives.

Preparation of the TISEZA Application Pack

Zatra prepares and compiles all necessary documentation in the required formats:

• Application forms and board resolutions
• Detailed business plan and investment profile
• Evidence of financing (bank letters, equity proof, or project capital)
• Land or site documentation and EIA/NEMC certificates (if applicable)

We compile the pack against the live TISEZA checklist and respond to authority queries. We do not replace the portal or treat incentives as automatic.

Liaison, Follow-Up & Facilitation

Once your application is filed, Zatra maintains active communication with relevant agencies to:

• Track progress of your file
• Respond to clarifications and technical queries
• Arrange on-site verification visits (if required by TISEZA)
• Coordinate inter-agency approvals (TRA, MITI, NEMC, or Labour)

Our compliance desk tracks queries until the authority issues a decision. Prioritisation is not a government guarantee.

Certificate Collection & Incentive Activation

After successful evaluation, we assist in:

• Collecting your Certificate of Incentives or completing TISEZA investor registration where that instrument is issued
• Registering your project under the national Investment Facilitation Framework
• Connecting you to utilities, tax desks, and local suppliers through Zatra’s network

For manufacturers and exporters, we also help activate EPZ/SEZ incentives and customs facilitation via TISEZA’s investment window.

Post-Registration Compliance & Investor Support

Zatra provides continuous support to maintain compliance and maximize incentives:

• Annual return filing (BRELA)
• Tax optimization and VAT refund facilitation
• Work and residence permit processing (Class A for investors)
• Accounting, audit, and payroll management
• Renewal of business licences and project permits

We serve as your long-term corporate compliance partner, ensuring full adherence to Tanzanian regulations.

Fast-Track Support for Strategic Investors

For large or high-impact investments, Zatra can coordinate:

• TISEZA filing sequence for strategic or high-impact projects, where the live desk exists
• Investor facilitation meetings with MITI, TRA, TISEZA, or regional authorities
• Access to land banks, public-private partnerships (PPP), and special incentives under the Tanzania Investment Act and SEZ framework

Key Advantages of Working with Zatra Consultants

• Package-aligned setup targets: Fast Track ~7 / Standard ~14 working days after complete documents (BRELA filing ≠ operational readiness)
• Document coordination with the competent authorities — we do not replace the portal
• Professional representation and correspondence under Tanzanian law
• Transparent fees and milestone-based billing
• Proven experience across multiple sectors — mining, manufacturing, logistics, real estate, and finance

Contact Zatra Consultants

Address: Sinza A, Sam Nujoma Road, First Floor, Mwenge Tower (Opp. Mlimani City)

WhatsApp: +255 747 912 965

Office: +255 788 466 212

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.zatra.co

Final Note

Whether you’re investing USD 50,000 or USD 5 million, Zatra Consultants ensures your business is registered, compliant, and optimized for success under the new TISEZA framework.

Start your registration today — and let Zatra make Tanzania work for you.

Three papers people still call ‘TIC’

Company at BRELA. TISEZA registration (s.15 territory). Certificate of Incentives only if eligibility is assessed and granted. TRA still administers VAT and duty relief. Print tiseza.go.tz the week you file. Do not quote a 2019 TIC brochure as the 2026 form.

See foreign investor incorporation support for the live desk route.

See Tanzania work permit filings for the live desk route.