Tanzania’s main Act governing business licensing processes is the 1972 Business Licensing Act Number 25. The Act states that no entity may conduct business in Tanzania unless it holds a valid business license granted by the relevant Authority. Two authorities give Business Licenses in Tanzania: Class “A” receive their licenses from the Business Registration and Licensing Agency, while Class “B” receive their licenses from the Local Government Authorities (LGA).
Evidence of Permit/Registration from the Authority regulating that sector, such as
The Business Registration and Licensing Agency issues business licenses (BRELA). Aside from the requirements listed above, the following licenses need to apply for license registration from the Licensing Officer/Committee.
Exportation | Transporting Passengers/Goods by Road |
Importation | Maintenance and Installation of Telecommunication devices |
Telephone Services | Selling Telecommunication Equipment |
E-Commerce | Internet Café (Emails, Telefax, Fax) |
Internet Surfing | Silver and Gold Smith |
Internet Service Providers | Gemstone/Mineral Dealer |
Telecommunication Services | Electricity production and its distribution |
Urban Water Supply | Stations for Generating Electricity |
Watter Supply and Drilling | Gas and Mineral Prospecting/Survey |
Aviation and Marine fuel Supply | Gas and Mineral Drilling |
Services to Drilling and Mining companies | Gas/ Mineral Explorations |
Brokers | Property Management |
Auctioneers | Property Development |
Motor Vehicle Dealers | Management of Real Estate |
Commision Agents | Real Estate Agents |
Manufacturer Representatives | Real Estate Development |
Gambling | Re-Assurance and Endowment |
Betting Slot Machines | Loss Assessment and Underwriting |
Casino | Insurance Broker |
Night Clubs | Assurance and insurance |
Explosive Dealers | Social Security Broker |
Ammunition Equipment and Arms Production | Social Security Agents |
TV Broadcasting | Providers of Social Security |
TV Stations | Stock Exchange Broker |
Radio Broadcasting | Stock Exchange |
Radio Station | Management of Credit Cards |
Mailing Agents | Credit Reference Bureau |
Courier Services | Hire Purchase and Mortgage |
Post Offices | Capital Markets |
Custom Bonded Warehouses | Micro Credits |
Freight Forwarders | Microfinance Institutions |
Clearing and Forwarding | Bureau De Change |
Bagging Services | Banking Brokers |
Airport and Harbour Management | Banking Agents |
Lightering and Stevedoring | Cooperative Banking |
Miscellaneous Port Services | Commercial Banking |
Ship Chandlers | Tourism Promotion Services |
Pre-shipment Inspection | Hunting Safari |
Cargo Superintendence | Photographic Safaris |
Cargo Valuation | Car Hires and Car Renting |
Cargo Handling | Camps and Camping |
Cargo Tallying | Tourist Lodges |
Shipping Agency | Tourist Hotels |
Shipping | Air ticketing |
Transport Logistics | Tourist Agents |
Railway Transportation | Tour Operators |
Marine Transportation | Refining Crude Oil |
Transporting passengers/ goods by Air | Processing and Manufacturing |
Aside from the requirements stated above, the following licenses must be registered with the Licensing Office at the relevant District, Municipal/Town, or City Council:
Commercial Fishery/Animal Husbandry/ Farming | Entertainment Halls |
Recreational Grounds/ areas | Selling Agricultural Products within Tanzania |
Itinerate Trade | Insurance Agent |
Super Markets | Ordinary Guest House and Hotels and Restaurants |
Telephone Services | Specified Professionals |
Small Scale Selling and Manufacturing | Guest Houses/ Ordinary Hotels |
Development and Research Services | Wholesale |
Maintenance and installation Services | Grocery |
Organized Concerts, Events and Exhibition | Restaurants |
Bathrooms and Public Toilets | Pubs and Bars |
Day Care Centers | Pharmacies |
Private Schools | Pharmaceutical sales |
Broker | Health Centers |
Waste Management | Dispensaries |
Car Parks | Hospitals |
Cosmetics | Transportation Agents/Offices |
Publishing and Printing of Newspapers and Books | Civil Contractors |
Provisional and Stores Shops | Mechanical Contractors |
Work of Arts and Hand Crafts | Electrical Conductors |
Barber Shops | Building Contractors |
Gyms | Wholesale Trade |
SPAs and Beauty Salons | Co-operatives Societies |
Stationeries and Bookshop | Regional Trading Companies |
Machine tools and Selling Spare parts | Selling and Buying Motor Vehicles |
Professional Contractors | Itinerant Trade |
Departmental Stores | Auctioneer |
Any other enterprise that is not of an international/national scope or that is not preceded/governed by policy
In Tanzania, the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) is responsible for business registration and licensing. To start an online business, you would typically need to follow these general steps:
1. Business Name Registration: Register your business name with BRELA to ensure its uniqueness and compliance with legal requirements.
2. Business Incorporation: Determine the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company. Register your business accordingly with BRELA.
3. Tax Registration: Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) by completing the necessary tax registration forms.
4. Online Business License: Visit the BRELA office or their online portal to apply for an online business license. You will need to provide relevant information about your business, such as its nature, objectives, and financial projections.
5. Compliance and Documentation: Ensure that you meet any additional requirements specific to your business sector, such as obtaining specific permits, certifications, or clearances.
It’s important to note that the licensing process and requirements can vary based on the type of online business you are planning to operate, such as e-commerce, online services, or digital content distribution. Different sectors may have their own set of regulations and requirements, so it’s advisable to research and consult with professionals familiar with Tanzanian business laws.
Remember to verify the current procedures and regulations by directly contacting the relevant authorities, such as BRELA or consulting with a business lawyer or consultant in Tanzania.
For additional information on how to get a business license in Tanzania including the renewal of business license in Tanzania, Please contact:
Office of Business Licensing