What forms of business structures are allowed in Tanzania?
The most common business entity is limited liability entity. For foreign companies, it is possible to establish a branch or subsidiary. In certain sectors, businesses can only be established in a form of a local company. All businesses operating in Tanzania, whatever their legal form, must register with the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), which is under the Ministry of Industries and Trade. The first step is to obtain name clearance from BRELA. Incorporation of companies in Tanzania is done under the Company’s Act, Chapter 212 of the laws of Tanzania. Investors wishing to establish a limited liability company must first clear the name for the proposed company before filing an application with BRELA. To register a company with BRELA, investors must file an application with the appropriate registration fees (denominated in dollars in the case of foreign investors and Tanzania shillings in the case of local investors), the proposed name of the company, certified copies
