Steps to Register a Company in Zimbabwe: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide
Registering a company in Zimbabwe is an essential process for any entrepreneur or business looking to establish a legal entity. The process has been streamlined over the years, and with the right guidance, it’s straightforward and efficient. In this guide, we will outline the steps in registering a company in Zimbabwe, ensuring you are well-prepared to start your business journey in 2024.Steps to Register a Company in Zimbabwe
Why You Should Register Your Company
Registering a company is vital as it provides your business with a legal identity, protecting your personal assets from liabilities, and allows you to participate in Zimbabwe’s formal economy. A registered company is also better positioned to access loans, government tenders, and secure contracts with larger organizations.
Let’s now dive into the steps involved in registering your company in Zimbabwe.
1. Reserve a Company Name
The first step in registering a company in Zimbabwe is reserving a unique name for your business. This is done through the Registrar of Companies under the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.
- Process: Submit a CR21 Form to the Registrar’s office with up to five preferred company names. The Registrar will check the availability of these names and reserve the first available one for you.
- Timeline: It typically takes between 3-5 working days to receive confirmation.
- Fee: The name reservation process comes with a small fee (around $5 to $10).
Tips:
- Choose a name that reflects your business activities.
- Ensure the name is unique and doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks or company names.
2. Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)
Once the name is reserved, you will need to prepare your company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA). This legal document outlines the company’s structure, business objectives, and internal management rules.
- Memorandum of Association: Lists the company’s name, registered office address, share capital, and the main business activities.
- Articles of Association: Governs the internal operations of the company, such as the powers and duties of directors and shareholders, and how company meetings will be conducted.
Who Can Help?
- It is advisable to hire a lawyer or company formation agent to draft this document to ensure compliance with Zimbabwean law.
3. Complete the CR6 and CR14 Forms
You will also need to fill out two critical forms as part of the company registration process:
- CR6 Form (Notice of Registered Office Address): This form provides the registered office address where official communications will be sent. The registered office must be a physical location within Zimbabwe.
- CR14 Form (Company Directors and Secretaries): This form includes the names, addresses, and identification details of the company’s directors and secretaries. Each director must submit a copy of their national ID or passport.
Requirements for Directors:
- A company in Zimbabwe must have at least one director. Directors can be Zimbabwean nationals or foreign nationals.
- There is no maximum limit on the number of directors, but at least one must be over 18 years of age.
4. Determine Your Shareholding Structure
You must decide how the company’s shares will be allocated among its shareholders. A Private Limited Company (PLC) can have one or more shareholders.
- Shareholders’ Information: Provide details for each shareholder, including their full name, nationality, and identification (national ID or passport).
- Number of Shares: Specify the number of shares allocated to each shareholder.
If you are the sole owner of the company, you can hold 100% of the shares. However, for larger entities, shareholding can be divided among multiple investors.
5. Submit the Documents to the Registrar of Companies
Once you have completed the necessary forms and prepared the required documents, it’s time to submit them to the Registrar of Companies. The required documents include:
- Name Reservation Certificate
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- CR6 Form (Registered Office Address)
- CR14 Form (Director and Shareholder Details)
Submission Methods:
- In-person: You can submit the documents directly to the Registrar’s office in Harare or the relevant local office.
- Online: Zimbabwe has recently introduced an online company registration system, making the process more accessible. You can upload your documents through the Registrar’s portal and pay the registration fees online.
6. Pay the Registration Fees
The cost of registering a company in Zimbabwe depends on the type of company and the share capital structure. Typically, the fees for registering a Private Limited Company (the most common type) range between $100 and $150.
- Payment Options: Payments can be made through the Registrar’s online platform or in person using bank deposits or mobile money services.
7. Receive the Certificate of Incorporation
Once the Registrar of Companies has reviewed your application and confirmed that all requirements have been met, you will be issued a Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate is your official confirmation that the company is now legally registered.
- Timeline: The process usually takes between 7-10 working days, depending on the workload at the Registrar’s office.
- Certificate Use: The Certificate of Incorporation allows you to open a corporate bank account, register for taxes, and begin conducting business under the company’s name.
8. Register for Tax with ZIMRA
After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, the next step is to register for taxes with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
- Required Documents: You will need to provide your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and CR6 and CR14 forms.
- Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF263): You’ll also need to apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate, which allows you to avoid withholding tax and confirms your business is tax compliant.
If your company’s revenue exceeds the VAT threshold, you will need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) as well.
9. Open a Company Bank Account
To fully operationalize your business, you will need to open a corporate bank account. Most banks in Zimbabwe require the following documents for a company account:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- CR14 Form (Directors’ Details)
- Proof of Company’s Registered Address (CR6 Form)
Opening a company bank account allows you to conduct financial transactions, receive payments from clients, and manage your business finances more efficiently.
10. Obtain Licenses and Permits
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific licenses or permits to operate legally in Zimbabwe. For example:
- Construction companies may require building permits.
- Retail businesses may need a trade license.
Consult with local authorities to identify any additional permits required for your business.
Registering a company in Zimbabwe is a multi-step process that involves reserving a company name, drafting legal documents, completing forms, and submitting them to the Registrar of Companies. While the process can be completed within a few weeks, it’s essential to follow each step carefully to ensure your business is properly registered and compliant with local laws.
For a hassle-free registration process, consider engaging the services of a company formation agent or visiting companyregzimbabwe.co.zw to get professional assistance. By following these steps, you can successfully register your company and start operating in Zimbabwe’s dynamic business environment.
Steps to Register a Company in Zimbabwe