Zimbabwe Company Registration | Set Up a Private Limited Company in Zimbabwe
Planning Zimbabwe company registration, or want to set up a company in Zimbabwe to build a presence in Southern Africa? The most common entity is the private limited company. Under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (COBE Act), you handle the name search and company registration online with the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe (CIPZ). Foreigners can generally own shares and set up a company, but the 17 reserved sectors listed in SI 215 of 2025 are limited to Zimbabwean citizens or subject to employee and investment thresholds.
The private company registration fee is US$40 and the name search is US$5, and at least 1 director and 1 company secretary must ordinarily reside in Zimbabwe. Corporate income tax is 25% plus a 3% AIDS Levy, the standard VAT rate is 15.5%, and companies in special economic zones pay 0% income tax for the first 5 years. NSS Group (戰國策集團) offers a one-stop Zimbabwe company formation service, from the reserved sector check, name search and constitution documents to CIPZ registration, ZIMRA tax registration and the tax clearance certificate, to complete your Zimbabwe private limited company setup.
Under SI 95 of 2023, the private company registration fee is US$40 and the name search is US$5. Registering a private business corporation costs US$20.
ZIDA e-Regulations lists the name search, name reservation, company registration and collection of registration documents, all of which can be done on the CIPZ online portal.
Under the ZIMRA tax rate table, companies in special economic zones pay 0% income tax for their first 5 years of operation and 15% from year 6, below the general 25%.
Manufacturers exporting 30% or more of output pay 20%, 41% or more pay 17.5%, and 51% or more pay 15%, according to the ZIMRA published tax rate table.
in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe’s company registration fees are fairly simple. Under SI 95 of 2023, the private company registration fee is US$40 and the name search is US$5. The name search and company registration can be done on the online portal of the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe, and ZIDA runs an official e-Regulations portal that sets out the procedures for setup, tax registration, bank account opening and licensing. On tax, corporate income tax is 25% plus a 3% AIDS Levy, companies in special economic zones pay 0% for the first 5 years, and export manufacturers pay as little as 15% depending on their export share. Official fees and taxes in Zimbabwe are mostly calculated in US dollars or the equivalent in ZiG. Note that SI 215 of 2025 lists 17 sectors as reserved sectors, so confirm your sector before you invest.
in 3 steps
In Zimbabwe, a private limited company can have up to 50 shareholders. With 2 to 9 shareholders, it needs at least 2 directors, and at least 1 director and 1 company secretary must ordinarily reside in Zimbabwe. The name search and company registration are both done on the CIPZ online portal. After you receive the certificate of incorporation and the company summary document, you obtain a taxpayer identification number and a tax clearance certificate from ZIMRA.
Before you register a Zimbabwe company, confirm whether your sector is a reserved sector. After setup, the company also has annual returns, provisional tax, self-assessment returns and local business license obligations. NSS Group checks your sector, plans the shareholding structure, prepares documents and arranges annual maintenance, so your Zimbabwe company stays clear and compliant from setup to operation.
Apply for a name search on the online portal of the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe (CIPZ). The fee is US$5, and the name is reserved once approved. The name cannot be identical to an existing business, misleading or offensive, and applicants must log in to their own account to see the result.
On the CIPZ portal, file the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the details of directors and the secretary, and pay the US$40 registration fee plus US$10 each for the certificate of incorporation and the list of directors. You then receive the certificate of incorporation, the Summary Entity Document and the beneficial ownership declaration (CR16).
Obtain a taxpayer identification number (TIN) and tax clearance certificate on the ZIMRA TaRMS system. Open a bank account with the certificate of incorporation, summary document, beneficial ownership declaration, and proof of identity and address, then apply to the local municipality for a business license. If you hire staff, register as an employer with NSSA.
service
- Company name search and reservation
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Collection of the registration certificate
- Zimbabwe bank account documents and process advice
- Account opening document preparation
- Appointment booking and accompaniment
- Post-opening support
- Registered address
- Company secretary appointment
- Annual filing services
- Document custody and management
- Bookkeeping
- Tax filing and planning
- Financial statement preparation
- Audit arrangement
- Trademark search and assessment
- Trademark application filing
- Trademark maintenance and renewal
- Infringement protection advice
- Company change filings
- Share transfer support
- Company deregistration
- Legal advisory support
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- Reserved sector check and shareholding structure assessment
- CIPZ name search and constitution document preparation
- Company registration and collection of the certificate of incorporation and summary document
- Support with the ZIMRA taxpayer identification number and tax clearance certificate
- Bank account opening support and annual return and income tax filing reminders
Official fees: name search US$5, private company registration US$40, certificate of incorporation US$10, list of directors US$10. Other items are quoted.
Zimbabwe company registration at a glance
The points people ask about most when registering a company in Zimbabwe, checked against official sources (updated November 2026).
| Company type | Private limited company (Pvt Ltd), private business corporation (PBC) |
|---|---|
| Registration authority | Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe (CIPZ), online |
| Foreign ownership | Generally allowed; restricted in 17 reserved sectors |
| Minimum capital | No general minimum capital rule found in official sources |
| Corporate income tax | 25%, plus a 3% AIDS Levy |
| VAT | Standard rate of 15.5%, threshold US$25,000 |
| Setup time | Depends on review progress |
| Annual filing | Annual return within 21 days after the anniversary; tax return by April 30 of the following year |
| Who can help | NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw), free assessment and written quote |
Zimbabwe company formation cost: fee breakdown
The government fees for registering a Zimbabwe company are mainly the name search, company registration, certificate of incorporation and list of directors, all charged in US dollars. Costs are quite different if you register a branch or apply for a ZIDA general investment license. The officially published figures are listed below so you can check each line when you compare quotes.
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company name search | US$5 | Applied for on the CIPZ online portal; the name is reserved once approved. |
| Private company registration (registration of the constitution) | US$40 (US$20 for a private business corporation, PBC) | Paid when you file the constitution, under the SI 95 of 2023 fee regulations. |
| Certificate of incorporation and list of directors | Certificate of incorporation US$10, list of directors US$10 | Fees listed in the ZIDA e-Regulations company registration procedure. |
| Foreign company (branch) registration | Registration of constitutional documents US$500, certificate of registration US$20 | e-Regulations lists total foreign company registration fees of US$1,120. This applies when a foreign company sets up a branch. |
| ZIDA general investment license (optional) | Application fee US$500, license fee US$4,500 | A ZIDA general investment license must be attached when you apply for an investor residence permit. |
| Annual return and annual tax filing | Annual return fee US$10; bookkeeping quoted by volume | The annual return is filed within 21 days after the incorporation anniversary. The income tax self-assessment return is due by April 30 of the following year. |
| NSS Group advisory fee | Written quote after a free assessment | Based on the shareholder structure, sector, whether you need a local director and secretary, bank account opening, and home-country tax planning. Every item is listed in the quote, with no hidden fees. |
Fees are based on SI 95 of 2023, the Companies and Other Business Entities (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, and the official ZIDA e-Regulations portal of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency. The latest notice from the authority prevails. Local business license fees are set by each municipality and charged separately.
Zimbabwe company tax and compliance: income tax, VAT and annual filing
Zimbabwe companies mainly pay corporate income tax and VAT. The tax year runs from January to December, provisional tax is paid in 4 installments, and the self-assessment return is due by April 30 of the following year. Special economic zones and export manufacturers have reduced rates. Shareholders should also check their home country's controlled foreign company (CFC) rules.
| Item | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 25%, plus a 3% AIDS Levy | The AIDS Levy is calculated on the tax payable. Licensed investors pay 0% for their first 5 years of operation. |
| Special economic zones and export manufacturing | 0% for the first 5 years in special economic zones, 15% after that | Manufacturers exporting 30% or more pay 20%, 41% or more pay 17.5%, and 51% or more pay 15%. |
| Value added tax (VAT) | Standard rate of 15.5% | Registration is compulsory once taxable sales exceed US$25,000 (or the equivalent in ZiG) in 12 months. Returns and payment are due by the 25th of the following month. |
| Dividend withholding | 10% on listed shares, 15% on others | According to the KPMG global withholding taxes guide (year-end 2024 data). Non-resident shareholders' tax must be paid within 30 days of payment. |
| Provisional tax | 4 installments in March, June, September and December | 10%, 25%, 30% and 35% of the estimated annual tax. |
| Self-assessment return | By April 30 of the following year | Filed as ITF 12C with financial statements through the ZIMRA self-service portal. |
| Tax clearance certificate | ITF 263 | Without one, the payer must withhold 30% from contract payments totaling US$1,000 or more. |
Tax rates and rules are based on notices on the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) website. Dividend withholding and the timing of the VAT increase are based on KPMG tax materials (secondary source). Have an accountant assess how the rules apply to your actual structure.
Zimbabwe private limited company, private business corporation or branch: which one?
Foreign companies setting up in Zimbabwe most often compare a new private limited company, a private business corporation (PBC) for fewer members, or registering a branch of the foreign parent company.
| Item | Private limited company | Private business corporation (PBC) | Branch of a foreign company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Separate legal entity | Separate legal entity | Foreign company registered to do business in Zimbabwe |
| Number of members | Up to 50 shareholders | 1 to 20 members | Set up by the foreign head office |
| Directors and secretary | At least 1 director and 1 secretary ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe | Not stated in official sources | Not stated in official sources |
| Registration fee | US$40 | US$20 | Registration of constitutional documents US$500, certificate of registration US$20 |
| Annual return | Filed within 21 days after the incorporation anniversary; fee US$10 | Not stated in official sources | Foreign company annual return fee US$200 |
These are general principles. Choose based on your shareholders' background, business model and tax planning.
What foreign founders should know about setting up a company in Zimbabwe
- Travel and safety: check your own government's travel advice for Zimbabwe before you go. Advisories cover health and infectious diseases, medical resources, security and the local cash supply.
- Residence and work: ZIDA e-Regulations states that an Investor Residence Permit requires a ZIDA general investment license, a tax clearance certificate and the company summary document, among other items, with a statutory fee of US$500. The Temporary Employment Permit fee is also US$500.
- Banking and cash: to open a bank account, prepare the certificate of incorporation, company summary document, beneficial ownership declaration (CR16), proof of address, identity documents and the tax clearance certificate. Local banks and ATMs often lack local currency cash, and most transactions use US dollar cash.
- Tax treaties: check whether your country has a tax treaty with Zimbabwe. Without one, dividend withholding cannot be reduced.
- Home-country rules: some countries require approval or a filing before residents or companies invest abroad, and some apply controlled foreign company (CFC) rules. Confirm this before you transfer capital to Zimbabwe.
Why work with NSS Group on Zimbabwe company registration?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) is a Taiwan-based global company registration and corporate advisory group with more than 25 years of experience and more than 30,000 companies served. We provide company formation, bank account opening, accounting and tax, and annual maintenance in Zimbabwe and many other countries and regions. We can handle the reserved sector check, CIPZ registration and ZIMRA tax registration documents. Our fee is a written quote after a free assessment. Call the toll-free number 0800-003-191 (Taiwan) or use the form on this page.
Further reading
Sources: ZIDA Zimbabwe eRegulations: Company Registration (CIPZ name search and company registration, fees and legal basis); ZIDA Zimbabwe eRegulations: Private Limited Company (full process for setup, tax registration, bank account and business license); ZIDA Zimbabwe eRegulations: Registering a branch of foreign company; ZIDA Zimbabwe eRegulations: General investment licence; ZIDA Zimbabwe eRegulations: Investor Residence Permit; Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31] (ZIDA e-Regulations attachment); SI 95 of 2023 Companies and Other Business Entities (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Government Gazette 2023-06-09); SI 215 of 2025 Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment (Foreign Participation in Reserved Sectors) Regulations (Government Gazette 2025-12-11); ZIMRA: Tax Rates; ZIMRA: Mechanics of VAT; ZIMRA: VAT Registration; ZIMRA: Requirements For New Businesses; ZIMRA: Tax Payment Dates; KPMG: Global withholding taxes (2025 update, year-end 2024); KPMG Zimbabwe: 2026 National Budget Highlights (November 2025). The latest official notices prevail. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
What is the Zimbabwe company formation cost in 2026?
Under ZIDA e-Regulations and SI 95 of 2023, the government fees for a private limited company are US$5 for the name search, US$40 for company registration, US$10 for the certificate of incorporation and US$10 for the list of directors. Taking Harare as an example, the municipal business license application fee is US$72, and the license fee for a 50 to 100 square meter shop is estimated at about US$600. If you apply for a ZIDA general investment license, there is also a US$500 application fee and a US$4,500 license fee.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Zimbabwe company?
Foreigners can generally own shares and set up a company in most sectors, but SI 215 of 2025 lists 17 reserved sectors. Hairdressing and beauty, employment agencies, bakeries, advertising agencies, pharmaceutical retail and others are limited to Zimbabwean citizens, while retail and wholesale require at least 200 full-time employees and an investment of US$20,000,000. Foreigners taking part in a reserved sector must apply to the responsible minister for approval, so confirm your sector before you invest.
Do I need to go to Zimbabwe in person to set up a company?
According to ZIDA e-Regulations, the name search, company registration and collection of registration documents can all be done on the CIPZ online portal, but bank account opening must be done in person at the branch. The COBE Act requires at least 1 director and 1 company secretary to ordinarily reside in Zimbabwe, so you need to arrange local appointees. Check your own government’s travel advice for Zimbabwe before you plan a trip.
How long does it take to set up a company in Zimbabwe?
The setup time depends on review progress. The process includes the CIPZ name search and reservation, filing the constitution to register the company, obtaining a taxpayer identification number and tax clearance certificate from ZIMRA, opening a bank account, and applying to the local municipality for a business license. Certain sectors or reserved sectors need a permit from the relevant authority, which takes longer.
What taxes and annual returns does a Zimbabwe company file each year?
A company must file its annual return within 21 days after its incorporation anniversary, with a fee of US$10. The income tax year runs from January to December, the self-assessment return is due by April 30 of the following year, and provisional tax is paid in 4 installments in March, June, September and December. VAT-registered companies file by the 25th of the following month, and employers pay PAYE by the 10th of the following month.
Who can help me register a company in Zimbabwe?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) can help. With more than 25 years of experience and over 30,000 businesses served, NSS Group offers one-stop Zimbabwe company registration: reserved sector and shareholding structure assessment, CIPZ name search and constitution document preparation, company registration and coordination of a local director and secretary, support with ZIMRA tax registration and the tax clearance certificate, bank account opening and annual return and tax filing reminders. Fees are based on a free assessment and a written quote. Call our toll-free line in Taiwan: 0800-003-191.