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 Navigate Copper & Base-Metals Deals in Tanzania: Licensing, Dealer Requirements & Export Insights

Joseph Magweiga Marwa
Oct 19
3 min read

1. Introduction

Tanzania’s mining sector continues to attract strong international attention — not only for gold but increasingly for copper, cobalt, nickel, and other base metals. With global demand rising for electric-vehicle batteries and renewable-energy infrastructure, the country’s copper belts (notably in Dodoma, Mpwapwa, Kilosa, Lindi, Mbeya and Mpanda) have become lucrative grounds for traders and investors.To participate legally and profitably, every buyer, exporter, or aggregator must comply with Tanzania’s licensing framework under the Mining Act, 2010 and Mining (Mineral Trading) Regulations.

2. Understanding Copper & Base-Metal Trading in Tanzania

Copper is categorized under metallic minerals, meaning trading or export activities require a Dealer Licence issued by the Mining Commission. This licence allows holders to buy, store, process, and export copper concentrates or refined products.Whether you are sourcing directly from Primary Mining Licence (PML) holders or aggregating for export, you must operate under a valid licence to avoid penalties and shipment seizures.

3. Key Dealer Licence Categories & Ownership Rules

In Tanzania, mineral trading is governed by the Mining Act, 2010 and Mining (Mineral Trading) Regulations, 2010. Every person or company buying, selling, or exporting copper, cobalt, lead, or any other metallic mineral must hold a Dealer Licence issued by the Mining Commission.

Licence Type	Authorizing Body	Shareholding Structure	Validity	Eligibility
Dealer Licence (Copper, Base-Metals, Precious Stones)	Mining Commission	At least 25% Tanzanian ownership and 75% maximum foreign ownership.	12 months (renewable)	Local or foreign company incorporated in Tanzania
Broker Licence	Mining Commission	100% Tanzanian-owned only. Foreigners are not permitted.	12 months	Tanzanian citizens and firms wholly owned by Tanzanians
Smelting/Processing Permit	Ministry of Minerals	Case-by-case	Project-based	Licensed traders or processors developing beneficiation plants

4. Minimum Requirements for a Copper Dealer Licence

To obtain a valid Dealer Licence in Tanzania, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Company Registration: Private limited company incorporated under BRELA (must show Tanzanian shareholding of ≥ 25%).
Tax Registration: TRA TIN and VAT (if turnover ≥ TZS 200 million).
Business Licence: Endorsed for “Mineral Dealing/Trading”.
Office Premises: Physical address inspected and approved by the Mining Commission.
Proof of Capital: Bank statement or financial guarantee showing operational liquidity.
Directors’ Credentials: IDs, and passport copies.
Storage/Processing Facilities: Lease or ownership documentation.
Application & Annual Fees: Payable to the Mining Commission.
Export & Source Plan: Declaring mineral type, suppliers (PML holders), and intended destination markets.

⚖️ Important Compliance Note

Foreigners cannot apply for a Broker Licence.Only Tanzanian citizens and wholly Tanzanian-owned entities are eligible.Foreign investors must instead form or invest in a Dealer-licensed company with a minimum 25% Tanzanian shareholding.
Dealer Licences are not transferable.Any change in ownership or shareholding must be reported to the Mining Commission and approved before the new structure becomes valid.
All exports require TMAA valuation, royalty, and inspection payments (6 % royalty + 1 % inspection + 0.3 % clearing levy).

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

Prepare Company Documentation – Ensure all BRELA and TRA registrations are complete.
Submit Application – Through the Mining Commission’s portal or at regional mining offices.
Inspection & Due Diligence – Commission officials inspect your premises and verify directors.
Approval & Issuance – Upon compliance and payment of licence fees, the licence is granted.
Renewal – Annual renewal before expiry, subject to compliance review.

6. Export Procedure for Copper Concentrates

Once licensed, exporters must:

Obtain an Export Permit per shipment from the Mining Commission.
Conduct valuation and sealing by the Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency (TMAA).
Pay statutory charges:
- 6 % Royalty
- 1 % Inspection fee
- 0.3 % Clearance levy
Secure Kimberley-style Export Certificate (for traceability)
Complete customs clearance and bank remittance under BoT foreign-exchange rules.

7. Partnership Opportunities

Joint ventures with local PML holders (70/30 or 60/40 profit-sharing structures).
Toll smelting through regional facilities (e.g., Zambia, DRC) to produce cathodes.
Off-take financing models where buyers pre-fund mining operations against future shipments.
Value addition via small-scale refining or wire-rod manufacturing for domestic markets.

8. Common Compliance Mistakes

Trading without a valid dealer licence.
Using unverified suppliers (leading to mineral source disputes).
Exporting before TMAA assay approval.
Under-declaration of cargo value.

Failure to comply can result in licence revocation, shipment seizure, or criminal penalties.

9. Why Work with Zatra Consultants

At Zatra Consultants, we guide mining and trading companies through every stage of compliance — from company setup and licensing to export documentation and investor readiness. Our experts ensure you meet Mining Commission and TRA standards while structuring deals that attract local and international partners.

10. Call to Action

📩 Ready to start your copper or base-metals trading business in Tanzania?

Contact Zatra Consultants today for a free consultation and get your

✅ Licence Checklist

✅ Export Readiness Assessment, Suppliers or Strategic Partnership

✅ Bankable Business Plan

📍 Sinza A, Sam Nujoma Road, First Floor, Mwenge Tower – Opp. Mlimani City

📞 +255 747 912 965 | ✉ sales@zatra.co | 🌐 www.zatra.co

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+255 788 466 212

Mwenge Tower, Opposite Mlimani City

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