How to Get a Business Licence in Zimbabwe — Requirements, Steps & Fees

What is a Business Licence?

A business licence (also called a shop licence or trading licence) is issued by your local city or town council. It authorises you to operate a business from a specific premises in that council's jurisdiction. Operating without one is an offence under the Shop Licences Act.

Requirements

Registered business — company registration certificate from the Registrar General (visit registercompany.co.zw)
Approved premises — the premises must meet health, safety and zoning requirements
Tax clearance — ITF 263 from ZIMRA (for renewals)
National ID of the business owner/directors
Lease agreement or proof of ownership of the business premises

Step-by-Step Process

Choose Your Business Type

Determine the category of licence you need (retail, wholesale, manufacturing, services, etc.). Different categories have different fees and requirements.

Register with the Registrar General

Register your business name or company. For a private limited company, you'll need a CR1 form, Memorandum and Articles of Association. For a sole trader, register a business name.

Apply at Your Local Council

Visit the licensing department at your city/town council. Submit your application form, company registration documents, lease agreement, and national IDs of directors.

Premises Inspection

The council will send inspectors to verify that your premises meet health, safety and zoning requirements. Ensure the premises are clean, accessible and suitable for the intended business.

Licence Issued

Once the inspection is passed and fees are paid, the council issues your business licence. This typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from application.

Documents Needed

Company registration certificate (CR14, CR6)
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Directors' national IDs (copies)
Lease agreement or title deeds for premises
Tax clearance certificate (ITF 263) for renewals
Completed council application form

Need CR14 or CR6 forms? Get them at zimdocs.co.zw.

Fees

Business licence fees vary by council and business type. Here are typical ranges:

Business Category	Typical Annual Fee
Small retail / tuckshop	US$20 - US$50
Medium retail / services	US$50 - US$200
Wholesale	US$100 - US$300
Manufacturing	US$150 - US$500+
Supermarket / large retail	US$200 - US$500+

Note: Fees vary significantly between councils. Always check with your specific local council for current rates.

After Getting Your Licence

Once you have your business licence, you should also:

Register for tax with ZIMRA
Register with NSSA within 30 days of hiring employees
Display your licence prominently at your business premises
Renew annually before the expiry date

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a business licence cost in Zimbabwe?

Fees vary by local council and business type. They typically range from US$20 to US$500+ per year depending on the category and council.

Do I need to register a company before getting a business licence?

Yes. You need to register your business with the Registrar General (or Registrar of Companies for a private company) before applying for a business licence from the council.

How long does it take to get a business licence?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks after submitting your application, assuming the premises inspection passes.

Can I operate from home?

Some councils allow home-based businesses with a special category licence. Check with your local council's zoning department. Not all residential areas are zoned for commercial activity.

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