Required Attachments & Documents for Foreign Investors Registering a Company in Tanzania

1. Introduction

Tanzania’s business-registration framework is designed to welcome both local and foreign investors—provided that all corporate documentation is correctly prepared and notarized.For foreign entities or individuals seeking to invest or incorporate, understanding the required attachments under the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and the Companies Act 2002 is critical. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the process or cause your application to be rejected.

This guide explains the complete list of attachments, forms, and supporting documents you must submit for a smooth registration.

2. Overview of Company Registration for Foreign Investors

All companies in Tanzania are registered through the BRELA Online Registration System (ORS).Foreign investors can either:

1. Register a new Private Limited Company with local and foreign shareholders, or

2. Register a Branch / Subsidiary / Foreign Company if the parent firm already exists abroad.

Both require official supporting documents to prove legitimacy, ownership, and compliance with Tanzanian law.

3. Mandatory Attachments for Company Registration

Category	Document Required	Notes / Requirements
Identity Documents	Passport copy for each foreign shareholder and director	Must be valid ≥ 6 months; notarized or certified.
	NIDA / ID / passport for local shareholders	Required for Tanzanian directors or nominees.
Proof of Address	Utility bill / tenancy agreement for each shareholder and director	Must show physical address (not P.O. Box).
Company Documents	Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association (MEMARTS)	Must outline objects, share structure, and management roles.
	Form 14b (Declaration of Compliance)	To be signed by an advocate or notary public in Tanzania.
	Form 14a (Particulars of Directors and Secretary)	Lists each director and company secretary.
	Form No. 15 (Registered Office Address)	Required for all LLCs.
Shareholding & Capital Evidence	Statement of Nominal Capital & Share Allocation	Minimum capital depends on sector (TZS 5 million or as required by TIC).
Supporting Documents for Foreign Entities	Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company	Must be notarized and authenticated by the nearest Tanzanian embassy.
	Board Resolution authorizing registration in Tanzania	Should state authorized signatories and appointed directors.
Translations	Sworn translation into English (if originals are in another language)	Certified translator required.
Power of Attorney	To appoint a local representative or advocate in Tanzania	Must be signed and notarized.
Passport Photos	One (1) recent passport photo for each director	Digital format for BRELA upload.

4. Notarization & Authentication Rules

• Foreign documents must be notarized in the country of origin and authenticated at the Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission.

• Local documents (e.g., Form 14b, 14a) should be notarized by an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania.

• Unsigned or scanned copies without notarization are not accepted for foreign investor applications.

5. Sector-Specific Attachments

Certain industries require additional approvals before or after BRELA registration:

Sector	Extra Attachment / Permit
Mining / Mineral Trading	Mining Commission licence application or dealer licence intent letter
Manufacturing / Industrial	TISEZA or EPZA incentive application
Tourism / Hospitality	TTB Tour Operator licence or Tourism Business application
Microfinance / Banking	BoT Letter of No Objection or Provisional Licence
Education / Training	NACTE / Ministry of Education permit
Agriculture / Livestock	MAFC business licence for agri-trading or export

6. Time Frame & Typical Process

1. Name Reservation: 1 day via BRELA ORS.

2. Document Preparation & Notarization: 1 day.

3. Online Submission & Payment: 1 day.

4. BRELA Verification & Approval: 2 days.⏱ Estimated Turnaround: 2-5 working days for complete applications.

7. Key Compliance Tips

• Always use a physical Tanzanian address.

• Ensure your shareholding structure reflects foreign and local ownership ratios (when required by sector rules).

• Save all digital copies of signed documents for future BRELA renewals and annual returns.

• Seek professional guidance for Tax Identification (TIN) and VAT registration to avoid TRA delays.

8. Our Assistance for Company Registration in Tanzania

At Zatra Consultants, our incorporation experts provide end-to-end company registration services in Tanzania, ensuring that every stage — from document preparation to licensing — is handled professionally and efficiently.We assist you in the following manner:

1. Collecting and Organizing the Required DocumentsWe gather and review all necessary shareholder, director, and company documents to ensure BRELA compliance before submission.

2. Compiling Registration Forms & AttachmentsOur team prepares all statutory forms, including Form 14a (Directors & Secretary), Form 14b (Declaration of Compliance), and the company’s MEMARTS.

3. Name Reservation via BRELA ORSWe reserve your preferred company name through the BRELA online registration system and ensure it meets all naming standards.

4. Filing the Incorporation Application on Your BehalfWe submit your full registration package to BRELA and track the approval process until your Certificate of Incorporation is issued.

5. Appointing a Company SecretaryZatra can act as or assist in appointing a licensed company secretary to maintain statutory records and handle annual returns.

6. Drafting the Memorandum & Articles of Association (MEMARTS)Our legal specialists prepare customized constitutional documents that reflect your company’s business objectives and shareholding structure.

7. Assisting with Director & Shareholder AppointmentsWe facilitate the appointment process for both local and foreign shareholders and directors, ensuring all documentation is notarized correctly.

8. Providing a Registered Office AddressWe help you choose or register an appropriate physical office location in Tanzania — a mandatory requirement for all company incorporations.

9. Obtaining Business Licenses & Tax RegistrationAfter registration, we secure your Business Licence, TIN, and VAT (where applicable), and guide you through sector-specific permits such as TIC, EPZA, or TISEZA approvals.

We ensure that your company registration process in Tanzania is seamless, compliant, and cost-effective. Our professionals understand the intricacies of local incorporation procedures, enabling us to expedite approvals and deliver investor-ready outcomes at competitive rates.

9. Assisting with Director & Shareholder Appointments

We assist both local and foreign investors in appointing their company’s directors and shareholders in full compliance with Tanzanian company law.Our team ensures that all appointments are properly documented, notarized, and filed with the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA).

For foreign investors who prefer discretion or are not yet physically present in Tanzania, Zatra Consultants provides professional nominee shareholder and director services.These nominees act in trust and on behalf of the beneficial owner, ensuring your interests are legally protected while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

We prepare all Nominee Agreements, Declarations of Trust, and Board Resolutions, ensuring clear legal separation between beneficial ownership and administrative representation.This structure allows investors to:

• Maintain confidentiality of ownership during the setup phase.

• Fulfill the statutory requirement for local directorship or shareholding (where applicable).

• Operate seamlessly while meeting all corporate governance and anti–money laundering (AML) obligations.

Zatra’s nominee arrangements are always transparent, legally binding, and fully compliant with Tanzania’s Companies Act (2002) and anti-fraud/beneficial ownership regulations.

10. Call to Action

📩 Get Your Free Checklist of Required Attachments & Investor DocumentsContact Zatra Consultants today to receive a ready-to-use document package for company registration in Tanzania.

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

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