Starting a business in Zimbabwe begins with a formal registration process. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the requirements for company registration in Zimbabwe is essential for a smooth and compliant business launch.
Below, we break down the current and complete requirements you’ll need to register a company in Zimbabwe as of 2025.
Key Requirements for Company Registration in Zimbabwe
To ensure quick and efficient processing of your company registration, you’ll need to provide the following to your company registration consultant:
1. Proposed Company Name(s)
At the very first stage, you must submit four to five unique name options in order of preference. These names will be submitted to the Registrar of Companies for approval.
✅ Tip: Choose creative and professional names. Avoid generic, offensive, or overly descriptive names as these are often rejected.
Why it matters: A good business name can boost brand recognition and credibility. Names like “Econet,” “Vaya,” or “ZimSwitch” are memorable and impactful — aim for that level of branding.
2. Company Physical and Postal Address
Every registered company in Zimbabwe must have:
- Physical address (can be residential if no office yet)
- Postal address (for official correspondence)
If you change addresses later, you must notify the Companies Registry to update your details.
3. Directors’ Information
You must provide complete details of all company directors, including:
- Full name (first and last name; middle name optional)
- National ID or passport number
- Residential address
- Nationality
Important : At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe. If you do not have a Zimbabwean director, registration may be delayed or require a local proxy director arrangement.
4. Shareholders’ Information
Shareholder details are also required, and must include:
- Full name
- ID or passport number
- Address
- Nationality
Directors can also be shareholders, and foreign shareholders are allowed.
5. Core Business Activities / Objectives
These refer to the products or services your company will offer. They are stated in the company formation documents:
- Private Limited Companies (PLCs) can list broad and unlimited objectives in the Articles of Association
- Private Business Corporations (PBCs) must list specific business activities (typically up to 3 or 4) on their Certificate of Incorporation
Your stated objectives must be lawful. Some sectors require special licensing (e.g., finance, mining, health).
Optional but Recommended Documents
- Company Constitution (especially for PLCs)
- Proof of address for directors/shareholders
- Foreign investor declarations if applicable
Need Help Registering Your Company?
We offer professional and affordable company registration services in Zimbabwe — from name reservation to full incorporation. If you need assistance, especially if you’re a foreign investor or do not have a local director, our experienced consultants can guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Registering your company in Zimbabwe doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and a reliable consultant, you can complete the process in as little as 3 to 7 working days, depending on the company structure.
