Business Licence

Business Licence

Business Licence

Business Licence

Are you a local or foreign business looking to get business licenses in Tanzania? At King'sMen Consultancy we offer consultation to our clients on the best ways of acquiring their business licenses here in Tanzania. We will guide you step by step, from getting and preparing the necessary documents, to submitting them and following up on your behalf.

About business licensing in Tanzania

The Business Licensing Act No. 25 of 1972 is the Main Act for Business Licensing Processes in Tanzania. The Act requires that No Entity is required to operate a Business in Tanzania without being a Holder of a Valid Business License issued by the Respective Authority. In Tanzania, Business Licenses are issued by two Authorities namely Business Registration and Licensing Agency for Class “A” Business Licenses and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) for Class B Licenses.

Requirements for obtaining a business licenses in Tanzania

For Any Entity to Obtain a Business License, it should have: –

  • Acquired a Business Premise by Renting or Owning a Premise
  • Register a Company or a Business Name to the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA)
  • Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN) to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) (Link to TRA website be provided)
  • Register to the Sector Ministry/ Agency for the Permit to operate in the sectory
  • Apply for a Business License at Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (MITI) of Local Government Authorities (LGAS) (Link to the Sector and Business License type Schedule)
  • Pay for the Business License Fee depending on the type of Business (Link to The Business License Fee Schedule) Fees is paid through Bank

Application Requirements for Business Licenses In Tanzania

Application Requirements for Business License Issued under Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and Local Government Authorities (District, Town/Municipal or City Councils)​

  • Fill the Business License Application Form (TFN 211) (Online Link be Provided and/ or Downloadable PDF Form)
  • Attach photocopy of Certificate of incorporation (in case of a Company) or Certificate of Registration and Extract (in case of Business Names,)
  • Proof of Tanzania citizenship by attaching -Photocopy of passport, birth certificate or Affidavit, and in case of non-citizens attach a photocopy of Residence Permit Class A" -showing the holder to be investor in that company/business,
  • In case the shareholders of the company are non-residents, Powers of Attorney to citizen/Residence should be submitted/attached,
  • Proof by the applicant having a suitable business premises for the business applied. The following can be submitted as a proof, a copy of title deed, Tenancy agreement etc
  • Proof of Registration for Tax Payment from TRA by attaching a copy of TIN Certificate and Business License Tax Clearance Certificates;

Sectorial Licence

From the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources for Businesses of Tourist Hotels and Lodges, Tourist Agents, Tour Operators, Car Rental, Car hire, Hunting Safaris, Photographic Safaris, Tourist Camp sites, Travel Agents/ Air ticketing, Tour Guides, Mountain Climbing, Balloon Safaris, Handling Agents, Curio shops, Air charter services (check with TCAA).

From Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) for businesses of Insurance and Assurance, Insurance Brokers, Insurance Agents, Underwriting and Loss Assessment.

From Bank of Tanzania (BOT) for businesses of Banking, Bureau De Change and Microfinance Institutions.

From Capital Market and Security Authority (CMSA) for businesses of Stock Exchange Broker.

From Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for the Businesses of Telecommunication equipment and Services, Postal and Courier Services, Radio and Television Broadcasting (Frequency User Licenses) , Internet Service Providers, Internet cafe, Network facilities, Network services, Application Services, Content Services, Installation and Maintenance of Telecoms, Import and Distribution of Telecom equipment and Numbering Resources.

From the Ministry of Minerals and Energy for the Businesses of Minerals Legislation, Reconnaissance or Mineral Inspection, Mineral Prospecting, Mining Explosive Dealers License from the Ministry of Minerals and Energy for the Businesses of Provision of Explosive services to Mining sites and Mining Companies .

From Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for the Businesses of Refining Crude oil, Import and Sale of Petroleum Products, Wholesale of Petroleum Products and Retail sale of Petroleum Products;

From the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for the business of importing and exporting such products.

From Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) for the Businesses of Shipping, Shipping Agents, Port and Harbor Operators, Cargo Tallying and Evaluation, Cargo Handling and Water Sport Facilities; From Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for the Businesses of Ship Chandlers, Miscellaneous Port Services and Stevedoring and Lighterage.

From Surface and Marine Transportation Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) for the Businesses of Railway Operators, Freight Forwarders, Cargo Consolidation and De-consolidation, Railway transportation, Transportation of Goods by Road and Transportation of Passengers by Road.

From Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) for the Businesses of Air Transportation services, Air Charter, Aerial Work services, Air Balloon Services and Ground Handling Services.

From Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for the Businesses of Electricity production and Supply, Electrical Contractors, Electricity Standby generators provision.

From Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for the Businesses of Water Production and Supply, Water sewerage services, Water sales and Marketing, Sewerage Transmission and Disposal. Water Drilling Permit from Ministry of Water and Irrigation for Businesses of Water Drilling and Supply.

From the Gaming Board of Tanzania for the Businesses of Casino, Slot Machines, Lotteries and Betting Games, Manufacture of Gaming equipments, Sale and Distribution of Gaming Equipment and Accessories.

From Tanzania Policy and Defence Force (TPDF) for the Business of Dealing or Selling of Arms and Ammunition.


Grow Fast With Our Consulting Services