Business Registration Costs in Zambia
PACRA + ZRA + Council · Updated March 2026
Complete breakdown of costs to register a business in Zambia through PACRA, get a TPIN from ZRA, and obtain a trading license.
Registration Costs Breakdown
Company Name Search
First step — check name availability at PACRA
ZMK 50
Company Registration (Private)
PACRA registration fee for a Ltd company
ZMK 750
Company Registration (Public)
PACRA fee for a PLC
ZMK 1,500
Business Name Registration
Sole proprietor / partnership name registration
ZMK 200
Tax Registration (TPIN)
Zambia Revenue Authority — mandatory
Free
NAPSA Registration
Social security — required if you have employees
Free
City Council Trading License
Lusaka City Council, varies by business type
ZMK 500 – 2,000/year
Company Secretarial Service
Annual compliance, returns filing
ZMK 1,000 – 3,000/year
Annual Return Filing
Filed with PACRA annually
ZMK 200/year
Professional Fees (Lawyer)
Articles of Association, legal setup
ZMK 2,000 – 8,000
Company Seal
Official company stamp, optional
ZMK 150 – 300
How to Register a Business in Zambia — Step by Step
Registering a business in Zambia involves the following agencies: PACRA (company registration), ZRA (tax registration), NAPSA (employee social security), and City Council (trading license).
Step 1: PACRA Registration
Search for your company name at pacra.org.zm (ZMK 50). If available, submit registration documents including Articles of Association, director details, and registered office address. Fee: ZMK 750 for a private limited company. Processing takes 2-5 working days.
Step 2: Tax Registration (TPIN)
Apply for a Tax Payer Identification Number at zra.org.zm. This is free and mandatory. You'll need your PACRA certificate, NRC, and proof of address. The TPIN is required for opening a business bank account and issuing tax invoices.
Step 3: Trading License
Apply for a trading license at your local City Council. Fees vary by business type and location (ZMK 500-2,000/year in Lusaka). Visit the council's one-stop-shop with your PACRA certificate and TPIN. The license must be renewed annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Zambia?
Registering a private limited company at PACRA costs ZMK 750, plus ZMK 50 for the name search. With a trading license (ZMK 500-2,000) and optional legal fees (ZMK 2,000-8,000), total startup costs are approximately ZMK 1,500-10,000 depending on whether you use a lawyer.
How long does company registration take at PACRA?
Online registration through the PACRA website typically takes 2-5 working days after application. Name search results are available within 24 hours. If documents are in order, you can receive your Certificate of Incorporation within one week. In-person applications at PACRA offices may take longer.
What is PACRA and how do I register?
PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency) is the Zambian government body that handles company registration. Register online at pacra.org.zm or visit PACRA offices in Lusaka (Nasser Road), Kitwe, Ndola, or Livingstone. You need: completed application form, articles of association, director/shareholder NRCs.
Do I need a TPIN to start a business in Zambia?
Yes, a Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is mandatory for all businesses. Registration is free and can be done online at zra.org.zm or at ZRA offices. You need your PACRA registration documents, NRC, and proof of address. Processing takes 2-3 working days.