How to Get a TIC Certificate in Tanzania (and What’s New with TISEZA)

1) What a TIC Certificate?

A TIC Certificate of Incentives (COI) registers your investment and unlocks statutory incentives and facilitation. Typical requirements include incorporation, core constitutional docs, filled application forms, business plan, proof of financing, project site, and a board resolution authorizing registration. tic.go.tz

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 TIC application forms (issued by TIC).

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 TIC registration.

8. Cover letter attaching all above. tic.go.tz

4) Step-by-step: Applying for a TIC Certificate

Step 1 — Incorporate & prepare KYC (BRELA, TIN, etc.).Step 2 — Pre-screening with TIC (eligibility, sector mapping).Step 3 — File application pack (forms + documents + fee).Step 4 — Site verification / clarifications (if requested).Step 5 — Approval & issuance of COI (collect certificate).Step 6 — Post-COI facilitation (land bank, licences, immigration, utilities).For official checklist/workflow see TIC/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) From TIC + EPZA → TISEZA

Parliament consolidated TIC and EPZA 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: registration with TISEZA is now required for all investors commencing operations—whether or not they seek fiscal incentives. Tiseza

Where to reach them: TISEZA Head Office, Golden Jubilee Tower, Ohio St., Dar es Salaam | info@tiseza.go.tz | +255 734 989 469/470. Tiseza

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

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 TIC Certificate (COI):

1. Register your company (BRELA), secure TIN/VAT if applicable.

2. Prepare the TIC/TISEZA COI application pack (docs in §3).

3. File with TISEZA/TIC window; respond to clarifications; obtain COI. tic.go.tz

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. tic.go.tz

• 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?

See the TIC page and the TISEZA procedures portal. tic.go.tz

11) Who to contact (official)

• TISEZA (Investment & SEZs): Golden Jubilee Tower, Ohio St, Dar | info@tiseza.go.tz | +255 734 989469/70. Tiseza

• TIC (COI page & legacy resources): Certificate of Incentives page (requirements & attachments). tic.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 in Obtaining a TIC or TISEZA Certificate

At Zatra Consultants, we provide full-cycle investment facilitation and compliance support for both local and foreign investors. Our role goes beyond document preparation — we coordinate the entire process with TIC, TISEZA, TRA, BRELA, NEMC, and Immigration to ensure your investment is registered, compliant, and fully operational.

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:

• Eligibility for TIC Certificate of Incentives or TISEZA SEZ/EPZ registration

• 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 — ensuring zero delays at submission.

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 will be fully compliant and document-ready before submission to TIC or TISEZA.

Preparation of TIC/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 also liaise directly with TIC or TISEZA officers to ensure that the submission meets all current policy and legal standards.

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 TIC or TISEZA)

• Coordinate inter-agency approvals (TRA, MITI, NEMC, or Labour)

Our internal compliance desk ensures your application remains prioritized until approval.

Certificate Collection & Incentive Activation

After successful evaluation, we assist in:

• Collecting your TIC Certificate of Incentives (COI) or TISEZA Investment Certificate

• 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:

• TIC/TISEZA fast-track processing under the Strategic Investors Desk

• Investor facilitation meetings with MITI, TRA, EPZA, 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

• 7-day end-to-end setup timeline for document-ready investors

• Direct liaison with government agencies

• 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)

Phone/WhatsApp: +255 747 912 965

Email: sales@zatra.co

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.