Company Registration in Zimbabwe — Complete Guide 2026

How to Register a Company in Zimbabwe

Registering a company in Zimbabwe is governed by the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31], administered by the Companies and Deeds Registry (commonly referred to as CIPC Zimbabwe). Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an international investor, understanding the registration process is the first step toward doing business legally in Zimbabwe.

This guide covers every aspect of the process — from choosing the right entity type to obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation — updated for 2026 fees and procedures.

Types of Business Entities in Zimbabwe

Before you register, you need to choose the right business structure. Zimbabwe offers several entity types under the Companies Act:

Entity Type	Min. Members	Govt Fee	Best For
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)	2 directors, 2 shareholders	$40	Most businesses — limited liability, professional image
Private Business Corporation (PBC)	1 member	$20	Sole operators wanting limited liability
Public Limited Company (PLC)	2 directors, 7 shareholders	$80	Large enterprises seeking public investment
NGO / Trust	3 trustees	Varies	Non-profit organisations and charitable work
Foreign Company (Branch)	Local representative	$1,300	International companies expanding into Zimbabwe

Company Registration Process — Step by Step

Regardless of the entity type, the general registration process follows these stages:

Step 1: Company Name Search (CR21)

Submit a CR21 Name Search form to the Companies Registry. You can propose up to three names in order of preference. The Registry checks that your preferred name is not already taken or too similar to an existing entity. This costs $20 and takes approximately 7 working days.

Step 2: Prepare Constitutional Documents

While waiting for name approval, prepare your founding documents:

• Memorandum of Association — defines the company's objects, powers and share capital
• Articles of Association — sets out the internal governance rules
• CR14 Form — particulars of directors and secretary
• CR6 Form — notice of registered office address

Step 3: Submit Registration Documents

Once the name is approved, submit the complete registration pack to the Companies Registry — either physically at their Harare office (Block 1, Endeavour Crescent, Mount Pleasant) or through the online portal. Pay the applicable government fee.

Step 4: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

If all documents are in order, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation. This is the legal proof that your company exists as a separate entity. Processing typically takes 7–14 working days.

Step 5: Post-Registration Compliance

After incorporation, you must:

• Register with ZIMRA for tax purposes (Income Tax, VAT if applicable, PAYE)
• Register with NSSA (National Social Security Authority) if hiring employees
• Open a corporate bank account
• Apply for any sector-specific licences

2026 Government Fees Summary

The following are the official government fees at the Companies and Deeds Registry. For a full breakdown, see our costs and fees page.

Service	Fee (USD)
Name Search (CR21)	$20
Private Limited Company Registration	$40
Private Business Corporation Registration	$20
Public Limited Company Registration	$80
Foreign Company Registration	$1,300
CR14 Filing (Director Changes)	$10
CR6 Filing (Address Change)	$10

Why Use Professional Registration Services?

While it is possible to register a company yourself, engaging a professional firm offers significant advantages:

• Speed: We know the system, avoid common errors, and can fast-track your application
• Accuracy: Incorrectly completed forms are the #1 reason for registration delays
• Compliance: We ensure your Memorandum and Articles meet statutory requirements from day one
• Convenience: Register from abroad without visiting Zimbabwe