Everything you need to know about registering a branch, subsidiary, or representative office of a foreign company with BRELA in Tanzania. Includes requirements, process, costs, timelines, and compliance obligations.
Foreign Company Registration in Tanzania
A foreign company is any company incorporated outside Tanzania that wishes to establish operations inside the country. Registration is handled by the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) while tax matters are overseen by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Depending on business needs, a foreign company can register as a branch, subsidiary, or liaison office.
Forms of Presence for Foreign Companies
- Branch: An extension of the foreign parent company (not a separate legal entity).
- Subsidiary: A Tanzanian-incorporated limited company (Ltd) owned wholly or partly by the foreign parent (a separate legal entity).
- Representative/Liaison Office: Non-trading office used for market research, promotion, or coordination.
Registration requirements.
- Certified copy of the parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
- Certified copy of the parent company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (or statutes).
- List of directors and shareholders (full names, nationalities, addresses).
- Form 14b – Notice of registered office in Tanzania.
- Form 434 – Statement of directors, secretary, local reps, registered office and compliance declaration (must be notarized).
- Power of Attorney appointing local representative(s).
- Latest audited accounts of the parent company (may be requested).
- Passport/ID copies of directors, shareholders and local reps.
- Notarized translations into English where required, plus legalization/apostille of foreign documents.
Step-by-Step Registration Procedure
Step 1 — Name Clearance
Check name availability and obtain clearance through BRELA’s Online Registration System (ORS). If the parent company name is unique, you may use it directly in Tanzania.
Step 2 — Prepare and Legalize Documents
Translate any non-English documents, notarize them, and legalize/apostille where necessary. Draft a proper Power of Attorney appointing a local representative.
Step 3 — File with BRELA
Submit certified corporate documents, Form 14b, Form 434, PoA, and identification documents to BRELA via the ORS portal. The system generates a control number for fee payment (bank or mobile money).
Step 4 — Certificate of Compliance
Once approved, BRELA issues a Certificate of Compliance (for branches) or incorporation evidence (for subsidiaries), which legally allows operations in Tanzania.
Step 5 — Tax Registration and Licences
Register for a TIN with TRA (free of charge) and apply for sector-specific business licences before starting operations.
Step 6 — Banking and Employment
Open a corporate bank account using the compliance certificate, TIN, and a board resolution. Secure work permits for expatriate staff and register with relevant labour and social security authorities.
Costs of Foreign Company Registration in Tanzania (2025)
| Item | Estimated Cost (TZS) |
|---|---|
| Name clearance | ~50,000 |
| BRELA registration/filing fees | ~300,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Business licence | 100,000 – 1,500,000 |
| TIN registration | Free |
| Document legalization/apostille | Variable (depends on origin country) |
| Legal/professional fees (recommended) | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 |
How long does it take to register. (Duration)
- Name clearance: 1–2 business days
- BRELA processing (certificate): 7–14 business days
- TIN and licences: 5–7 business days
- Total duration: ~3 weeks (subject to document readiness and BRELA workload)
Benefits of Registering
- Legal recognition and ability to enter contracts in Tanzania.
- Access to local banking and financing facilities.
- Ability to hire local staff and secure expatriate permits.
- Eligibility for investment incentives via the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign company wholly own a subsidiary in Tanzania?
Yes — most sectors permit 100% foreign ownership; restricted sectors (e.g. certain land, mining or telecoms activities) may have limitations or require local partnership.
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Is a local agent mandatory?
Yes. Foreign companies must appoint a local representative (agent) in Tanzania who can accept official notices and act on the company’s behalf.
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Are audited accounts required?
BRELA may request the parent company’s latest audited accounts depending on the nature of the application; it's best to have recent financials ready.
Useful Links and Resources
Need Professional Help?
If you'd like assistance preparing documents, legalization, or full foreign company registration services in Tanzania, Contact Us for a consultation and fixed-fee quote.