Register a Business in Tanzania with BRELA: Online Steps

The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) registers business names and companies in mainland Tanzania through its Online Registration System (ORS). Registering your business with BRELA gives it a legal identity, lets you open a business bank account, and is the first step towards getting a tax number and a business licence. This guide explains how to register a business in Tanzania with BRELA, how to choose the right structure, and what to do after registration.

Choose your business structure

A business name suits a sole trader or a partnership. It is quick and cheap to register, but the business is not separate from its owners, so you are personally liable for the business's debts. If the business cannot pay a supplier or a lender, your own property may be at risk.

A company limited by shares is a separate legal entity. It can own property, borrow and sign contracts in its own name, and it protects your personal assets because shareholders are only liable up to the value of their shares. Companies are often needed for bigger contracts, government tenders and bank loans, but they must keep proper records and file annual returns with BRELA. Think about where you want the business to be in a few years before you decide.

How to register a business in Tanzania on ORS

1. Create an ORS account. Tanzanian citizens sign up on BRELA's Online Registration System using their NIDA national ID number. The number links your account to your verified identity, which speeds up approval.

2. Search and reserve a name. Choose a name that is not too close to an existing business, and have alternatives ready. BRELA will reject names that are identical or confusingly similar to registered ones, or that suggest a government connection without approval.

3. Complete the application. Enter the owners' or directors' details, the business address and the nature of the business. Companies also submit their constitution, made up of the memorandum and articles of association, and details of shareholders and share capital.

4. Pay the fees. Fees depend on the type of registration and, for companies, the share capital. ORS shows the exact amount and a control number before you pay, and you can pay through a bank or mobile money.

5. Download the certificate. Once BRELA approves the application, download the certificate of registration or incorporation from your account. Simple business name registrations are often processed within a day or two.

What to do after registering with BRELA

Get a TIN. Register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority for a Taxpayer Identification Number. Every business needs a TIN to file taxes and to apply for a business licence. Keeping good records from the start makes tax time easier; see our guide to keeping business records for TRA.

Apply for a business licence. Most businesses need a business licence before they start trading. Depending on the type of business, the licence is issued either at national level or by your local government authority. The licence must be renewed regularly, so note the renewal date.

Open business payment accounts. A registered business can open a business bank account and a merchant till for mobile money. Separating business and personal money makes it easier to issue proper receipts, track profit and win larger customers, who often prefer to pay registered suppliers.

Register employees. If you hire staff, register them with the relevant social security fund, usually NSSF, and deduct PAYE. Our Tanzania PAYE calculator shows the deductions for any salary, and our guide to PAYE in Tanzania explains the bands.

Common mistakes to avoid

Some owners register the business but forget the licence or TIN, which can lead to fines or closure during inspections. Others use the business account for personal spending, making it hard to know whether the business is profitable. Companies sometimes miss annual returns, which can cause penalties and problems when applying for loans or tenders. A simple calendar of deadlines prevents most of these problems.

Financing your new business

Once registered, your business can approach banks, microfinance institutions and SACCOs for credit. Before borrowing, work out what the monthly repayment would be with our loan calculator, and make sure your expected sales can cover it comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register a business in Tanzania online?

Yes. BRELA's Online Registration System handles name searches, applications and payments.

How long does BRELA registration take?

Simple business name registrations are often approved within a day or two, while companies can take longer.

Do I need a TIN after registering with BRELA?

Yes. A TIN from the Tanzania Revenue Authority is needed for tax and for a business licence.

How to register a business in Tanzania with BRELA