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.

Top Companies Offering Compliance Support in Dar es Salaam (2025 Guide)

Joseph Magweiga Marwa
Oct 22
3 min read

Stay Legally Compliant — and Confident — in Tanzania’s Business Environment

As Tanzania’s economy grows, so does the complexity of its corporate and regulatory framework. Businesses — from startups to multinational branches — must now meet strict requirements under the Companies Act (Cap. 212), Tax Administration Act, and sector-specific regulations.

If you’re running or planning to start a business in Tanzania, having a reliable compliance and secretarial support partner in Dar es Salaam isn’t optional — it’s essential. In this 2025 guide, we highlight the top compliance support firms in Dar es Salaam, including Zatra Consultants, a recognized leader in full-cycle business setup, compliance, and investor advisory services.

Zatra Consultants – Compliance & Business Setup Experts

Website: www.zatra.co

Location: Sinza A, Sam Nujoma Road, Mwenge Tower (Opposite Mlimani City)

Contact: +255 747 912 965 | sales@zatra.co

Zatra Consultants stands out as a one-stop professional firm offering company registration, tax registration, licensing, corporate secretarial, and compliance management.

🔍 Key Compliance Services:

Annual returns and Beneficial Ownership filing (BRELA)
VAT, VFD, and TIN registrations (TRA)
Business licence renewals and industry-specific permits
Company restructuring and share transfer documentation
Work & residence permit applications for foreign investors
Statutory accounting, payroll, and audit coordination
Microfinance credit/lending policies and filing
HR policies and labour laws

⚡ Why Choose Zatra:

End-to-end compliance under one roof
7-day full setup for new investors
Experienced professionals in Tanzanian law, tax, and corporate governance
Transparent fees and personalized advisory

With more than 1,700 verified Google reviews and partnerships across key regulatory bodies, Zatra has become Tanzania’s most trusted partner for compliance and governance support.

Gerpat Solutions – Regulatory & Legal Compliance Experts

Website: www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz

Location: Tanzanite Park, 13th Floor, Dar es Salaam

Gerpat Solutions provides professional compliance auditing, legal documentation, and regulatory advisory services for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and energy.

🧾 Core Services:

Compliance audits and risk assessments
Regulatory document filings and renewals
Legal policy formulation for corporate clients
Advisory on data protection and labor law compliance

Ideal for medium to large companies seeking ongoing regulatory monitoring and internal policy reviews.

Alin Law Care – Company Secretarial & Governance Support

Website: www.alinlawcare.co.tz

Location: Basement Office No. 4, Samora Tower, Dar es Salaam

Alin Law Care specializes in company secretarial services and legal compliance for SMEs and international branches.

📜 Services Include:

Director and shareholder changes (BRELA filings)
Annual returns and address updates
Legal drafting for resolutions and meeting minutes
Compliance with the Companies Act and Business Licensing laws

Perfect for registered companies that need consistent support to stay compliant.

KM Consultancy – Multi-Sector Regulatory Services

Website: www.kmconsultancy.co.tz

Focus Areas: Tax, Labour, Environmental, Financial & AML compliance

KM Consultancy offers a wide spectrum of regulatory and statutory compliance solutions tailored to each industry.

🧩 Highlights:

Sector-specific licensing and permit management
Labour and NSSF/WCF compliance audits
AML & financial governance programs
Environmental and EIA compliance liaison

A strong choice for industrial and multinational clients requiring integrated compliance coverage.

Why Compliance Support Matters in Tanzania

Failing to comply with regulatory obligations can lead to:

❌ Fines and penalties from BRELA, TRA, or municipal authorities

❌ Business licence suspension

❌ Denial of work or residence permits

❌ Reputational damage and investor mistrust

Working with a qualified compliance firm ensures your business:

✅ Meets all filing deadlines

✅ Avoids penalties and legal exposure

✅ Maintains transparent corporate governance

✅ Builds trust with banks, investors, and partners

🚀 Final Takeaway

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s business heartbeat — and staying compliant here means staying competitive.Partnering with a trusted firm like Zatra Consultants ensures you stay ahead of every regulatory deadline, while focusing on what really matters — growing your business.

📞 Start your compliance journey today.Email: sales@zatra.co | WhatsApp: +255 747 912 965Visit: www.zatra.co

Call Us Now

+255 788 466 212

Mwenge Tower, Opposite Mlimani City

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