With Tanzania’s economy projected to grow by over 5.7% in 2024, driven by strong sectors like construction, tourism, and digital services, there’s no better time to build your business in one of Africa’s fastest-rising markets. But before you start serving customers, scaling your brand, and leaving your mark, there’s a crucial box you need to tick: officially registering your business in Tanzania. It might sound complicated at first, but getting it right is the foundation for future growth and success.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about registering your business the traditional way — step-by-step, with no confusion. And if you're launching a digital service or looking for a faster, more hassle-free option, we’ll also show you a smarter path: partnering with a Merchant of Record like Startbutton.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of business registration in Tanzania—and introduce you to a simpler, faster alternative that’s helping digital entrepreneurs scale smarter: using a Merchant of Record like Startbutton.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Decide on Your Business Structure

Before you fill out any forms, choose the right type of business entity. In Tanzania, your business structure determines your legal responsibilities, tax requirements, and flexibility to grow.

The most common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship: Perfect for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs. Quick to register, low compliance requirements. But you and your business are one legal entity.

• Partnership: For two or more people running a business together. Shared control, shared profits—and shared liability.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Best for founders planning to scale. Offers limited liability protection and a professional edge with banks, investors, and international clients.

If you’re just testing an idea, a sole proprietorship might work. But if you're aiming for regional or global reach, an LLC is the smarter play.

Step 2: Register with BRELA Online

In Tanzania, the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) handles business registrations through its Online Registration System (ORS).

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Create an account on ORS

2. Reserve your business name through the system (you’ll receive a name reservation certificate)

3. Submit your business registration application, including personal ID, company details, and share structure (if applicable)

4. Upload required documents (see next step)

Tip: Make sure your business name is unique and doesn’t contain restricted or offensive terms. Have one or two backup names in case your first choice is rejected.

Step 3: Prepare & Upload Required Documents

Depending on your structure, you’ll need the following:

For LLCs:

• Articles and Memorandum of Association

• Identification (IDs or passports) for all shareholders and directors

• Company Secretary details

• Share distribution info

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) applications for all shareholders

For Sole proprietors:

• Copy of your ID or passport

• Business name reservation certificate

• Completed application form

Once approved, you’ll get your Certificate of Incorporation, which is the official proof that your business exists.

Step 4: Register for a TIN and VAT

After incorporation, you must register with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for tax compliance. This includes:

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) – mandatory for all business entities

• Value Added Tax (VAT) – if your annual turnover exceeds TZS 100 million or you expect to hit that threshold

You can register your TIN online at the TRA website or visit the nearest TRA office.

Step 5: Get Your Business License

Next up: a business license issued by your local authority or the Ministry of Industry and Trade (depending on the nature of your business).

You’ll need:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• TIN certificate

• A lease agreement or a utility bill as proof of business premises

• Municipal or ward-level approvals

Costs vary depending on your location and business type.

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

With your company officially registered and tax compliant, open a corporate bank account in your company’s name. Most Tanzanian banks will require:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• TIN certificate

• Business license

• Resolution to open the account (for LLCs)

This is essential if you’re collecting payments, paying suppliers, or working with corporate clients.

Skip the stress of registering your business manually: Let Startbutton Handle It for you

The registration process can be a lot to handle, as it sometimes takes more than 6 months to finalize the process. If you’re selling digital products, Software-as-a-Service, or other services internationally, there’s a faster way to get started—without all the listed paperwork

Startbutton is a Merchant of Record (MoR), a platform that handles the backend of your business so you can focus on growth.

With Startbutton, you can:

• Sell in Tanzania and 14 other African countries without going through the hurdle of getting your business registered

• Accept payments in TZS or USD, and receive payouts in your preferred currency

• Avoid the stress of calculating and remitting VAT in every country

• Get instant tax compliance and automated invoicing for global clients

Whether you’re a solopreneur launching a course or a SaaS founder testing the Tanzanian market, Startbutton gives you the flexibility to launch fast and scale smarter.

Start Smart, Scale Faster

Registering your business in Tanzania is a powerful move that opens doors to credibility, capital, and long-term stability. And if you’re building something big, it’s worth doing right.

But if your focus right now is speed, simplicity, and getting to market today, then Startbutton might just be your best first step.

Because here’s the truth: Africa’s digital future is unfolding. And Tanzania? It’s right at the heart of it.

Got questions about business registration in Tanzania or how Startbutton works?
Talk to us at sales@startbutton.africa or sign up here