How to Start a Business in Zambia 2022

The Registrar of Companies is responsible for business registrations in Zambia. He/she issues certificates of compliance for foreign companies, certificates of incorporation for local companies, and certificates of registration for sole proprietorship and partnerships.
Foreign investors are allowed to incorporate a sole director company and register a fully owned local company without having any Zambian shareholders (The Companies Act, 2017).
Investors commonly register their local firm as a limited liability company.
Limited liability companies might be incorporated as private companies or public companies. In any case, taxation is made at the entity level.

Before starting her business, the foreign investor has to do the following

Find a unique company name

  • The investor can check online the uniqueness.
    The clearance is done by the Patent And Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), an agency governed by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency Act (2010) and the Registration of Business Names (2011).
  • source: www.pacra.org.zm, Doing Business 2022 June prices
  • Business Name ZMW 83.00
  • Local Company ZMW 90.00
  • Foreign Company ZMW 200.00

The declaration of compliance (Companies Form 11) must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths

  • The company form 11 has to be commissioned by a Commissioner of Oath.
  • On average, it costs ZMK 50 (source: World Bank, Doing Business 2018).

Register the company

  • The investor has to register her business with the Patent And Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
  • Investors have to submit forms (“Form 2:Application for Incorporation”, “Form 5: Declaration of Consent to act as a Director or Secretary”, Form 11: Declaration of compliance) and pay related fees (source: World Bank, Doing Business 2018).
  • In case the investor creates a branch of her foreign company, the investor has to submit a specific application form (Form No. 46, “Registration of a Foreign Company”) accompanied by a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the country of origin and its charter, statutes, regulations, memorandum, and articles and any other relevant information.
  • The company should also indicate the name of the firm, corporate body, or individual resident in Zambia that would be authorized to act as the documentary agent. The application fee to be paid upon completion of the process is ZMW 4,166.
    The end of the process is marked by the issuance of the Certificate of Registration.

Obtain a tax ID number

  • Investors have to register with the Zambia Revenue Authority.
  • In order to get a tax payer identification number (TPIN), it is mandatory to file the Certificate of Incorporation.

Register for Social Security

Pay business levy

  • Before starting her business, a business levy has to be paid.
    In Lusaka, fees (ZMK 450) have to be paid to the Lusaka City Council (source: World Bank, Doing Business 2018).

Register for VAT

  • Investors have to obtain a Value Added Tax (VAT) tax number if the value of taxable supplies exceeds or is likely to exceed ZMK 800,000 in twelve months or ZMK 200,000 in three consecutive months.
  • Investors have to register with the Zambia Revenue Authority.

Get an investment registration certificate (optional)

  • To get an investment certificate (optional), investors must invest at least $250,000.
  • The certificate is issued by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) after inspection of the premises, this basic control aiming to ensure that the use of the registered premises is consistent with the enterprise’s operation activities.
  • Obtaining the certificate costs ZMK 14,916 (processing fee: ZMK 2,133 and certificate fee: ZMK 12,783).

Open a bank account

  • A number of commercial banks (e.g. Bank of China, Barclays Bank etc) have China banking desks.
  • The investor is allowed to open a bank account after getting the foreign taxpayer registration ID.
  • Obtain specific licences and permits

Health clearance and food hygiene license

  • Businesses involving the handling of consumables are required to obtain a health clearance and a food hygiene license.
  • Workers will be required to obtain a food handler’s medical certificate.

Fire clearance certificate

  • Companies have to get a fire clearance certificate.
  • The certificate, issued by the relevant council in which the business activity takes place, is valid for one year and renewable.

Business permit

  • Although the business permit is issued at the council level, the process is harmonized throughout the country.
  • Applicable fees depend on the activity the investor will be carrying out and on the number of employees.
  • Before obtaining the business permit, investors must have their business premises ready.

License to manufacture excisable goods

  • Companies dealing with excisable goods (i.e., manufacturers and importers) must obtain an excisable goods license from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
  • The list of excisable goods is available on the ZRA’s website.

About us

 From website design and development to digital marketing and e-commerce, our services are designed to help you stay ahead of the competition.

RECENT POST

Loan Management
The Difference Between a $100 Website and a $10,000 Website: Understanding Web Design Value
4 Ways Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Businesses: Examples and Benefits
Unlock the Power of Online Marketing with Our Web Design Services
Top Web Design Trends for 2023 That Will Help Your Retail Business Stand Out

FOLLOW US

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services