BRELA Business Registration Cost Estimator

BRELA — what it is and what it costs

BRELA (Business Registrations and Licensing Agency) is the national body that registers companies, business names and intellectual property in Tanzania Mainland. It is the first national-level step for any business — separate from your council's business license and your TRA fiscal device.

Choosing the right entity

• Sole Proprietorship — cheapest, fastest, but you are personally liable for debts. Suitable for sub-100M TZS turnover, single-owner businesses.
• Partnership — 2–20 partners, joint and several liability. Useful for professional firms.
• Private Limited (Ltd) — limited liability, separate legal personality, can have foreign shareholders. The default for any business that plans to grow, hire, raise capital, or contract with corporate buyers.
• Foreign Branch — for foreign companies setting up a presence in Tanzania without incorporating a subsidiary.

Stamp duty trap

Stamp duty for a Ltd company is 1% of authorised share capital. Many founders set authorised capital at TZS 100M because it sounds impressive — and pay TZS 1M in stamp duty unnecessarily. Set authorised capital at the level you actually need (TZS 1–5M is fine for most starts) and increase later if needed.

Online registration via OBRS

Use the Online Business Registration System (OBRS) at brela.go.tz — most processes that used to take weeks now finish in 1–2 weeks. You'll need: directors' national IDs/passports, a registered office address, and Memorandum & Articles of Association (Tawala can provide a template).

After BRELA, get your business license, your TIN at TRA, and check EFD/VFD eligibility. The Tax Calendar covers what's due next.