Company Registration in Zambia | Register a Company in Zambia | Business registration in Zambia
Are you planning to start a business in Zambia? The first step towards turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality is company registration in Zambia. But where do you begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to help you register a company in Zambia.
In this step-by-step process, we will walk you through each stage of Company registration in Zambia, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the requirements, procedures, and legal aspects involved. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor looking to tap into Zambia’s thriving market, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully navigate the registration process.
From choosing a business structure and securing a company name to filing the necessary documents and obtaining the required licenses, our guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to register your company in a smooth and efficient manner. We will also highlight key considerations to keep in mind throughout the process to avoid common pitfalls and ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.
So, let’s dive in and begin your journey towards establishing a business in Zambia!
PACRA Zambia | More about the Registrar of Companies in Zambia
PACRA is an abbreviation of Patents and Companies Registration Agency in full. PACRA is a Government department in Zambia mandated to provide Business registration and intellectual property protection services in Zambia. PACRA is also mandated to keep a record of all companies and businesses registered in Zambia.
How to Register a Company in Zambia | How to Register a Business in Zambia | Online company registration in Zambia
The Company Registration Process in Zambia is now fully online and straight forward and easy by following the steps below
Step 1. Reserve a company name
Step 2 Prepare, Sign and Submit the Forms to Register a company in Zambia (Form 2, 5 and 11)
Step 3 Pay the requisite fees for company registration in Zambia
Step 4 Download the company registration certificate. This is normally approved in about 10 days or less.
Step 5 Register for Tax and Open a Bank account
Contact us today for help on the above Process to register a company in Zambia
Types of Companies in Zambia
The two main types of companies are Private company Limited by Shares and a Private Limited by Guarantee
– Private company Limited by Shares – This is the most common type of business due to its limited liability to the shareholders. The shares of such a company cannot be sold to the public or over the stock exchange.
At least one of the director of this type of company has to be resident in Zambia
– Private Limited by Guarantee – This type of company is normally setup by non profit making organizations looking to have corporate setup. Th liability of the members is limited to amount each member agrees to contribute in the event of winding up the company.
Requirements for Company Registration in Zambia
– At least 3 Company Names
– Company Activity
– Certificate of Incorporation if a foreign company will be a shareholder
– Copies of Travel Passport and Passport size photographs of all the directors and shareholders
Postal, Physical and e-mail address, telephone number and occupation of all directors and shareholders of the proposed company.
Read more on starting a business in Zambia here
Zambia Economy at a Glance
Did you Know that Zambia is a country endowed with minerals and the 2nd Largest Producer of Cobalt, the 7th Largest Producer of Copper & also the home of the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?
The Zambian Economy has had a strong growth averaging 6.7% since 2008. Once you finalize on Company Registration in Zambia you get access to the 13 Million people and also access to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which is currently a customs union, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Areas (FTA) and the US market under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)
Zambia has No sectors are barred to foreign investors and no restrictions on the percentage of equity they might hold and foreign investors are entitled to various incentives
Why Invest in Zambia?
Zambia has in the recent past been attracting a lot if Foreign Direct Investment due to the following factors;
- Attractive Investment Incentives
- A Positive Investment and Investor Friendly Environment
- Abundant Natural resources
- Access to regional, Wider Africa, Eu and USA Markets
- Repatriation of 100% of profits and No Exchange controls
- Thriving private Sector
- Investment Guarantees and Security
The Tax Regime in Rwanda is Quite Straight forward with the Tax rate for personal Income ranging from 0 to 37.5 %, Corporation Tax is at 35% and Vat at 16%.
For over 1 decade now, East Africa Business Consultants Has assisted many clients with the following Key Company Set Up Services in Zambia;
- Company registration in Zambia
- Government Licenses Processing
- Business Bank Account Opening
- HR Recruitment and Management
- Work Permit Processing
- Apartment/Office/Warehouse Sourcing.
Read more about East Africa Business Consultants here
Company Registration in Zambia Summary Table
| Entity | Subsidiary Company | Branch Company |
|---|---|---|
| How Long does it take to register a company in Zambia? | 10 Days | 10 Days |
| How long Does it take to Open Bank Account? | 5 Days | 5 Days |
| After how Long can you Invoice and Hire | 15 Days | 15 Days |
| Minimum Number of Directors and Shareholders | 2 | – |
| Foreigner Can own the Company 100% | Yes | Yes |
| Can the entity hire expatriate staff | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Identification Registration required | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Zambia double Tax treaties | Yes | Yes |
| Can bid for Government Contracts? | Yes | Yes |
| Can Secure Trade Finance? | Yes | Yes |
| Can Secure an Import and Export License? | Yes | Yes |
| Can Easily Convert into a PLC? | Yes | No |
| Can Secure Work permits for foreign Employees and Directors? | Yes | Yes |
| Multi Currency Bank Accounts Available? | Yes | Yes |
