A Private Business Corporation (PBC) is a Zimbabwean limited-liability business entity that can be owned by a single person. Created under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31), a PBC protects your personal assets from business debts and is simpler and cheaper to run than a Private Limited Company. It is unique to Zimbabwe and has no direct equivalent abroad. PBC registration in Zimbabwe is fully electronic — we handle the filing for you for a flat $150, all fees included.
- A PBC is established under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31), which governs all business entities in Zimbabwe.
- A PBC can have 1 to 20 members, all of whom must be natural persons — the only Zimbabwean entity that lets a single owner hold full limited liability.
- A PBC uses a Founding Statement instead of a full Memorandum & Articles of Association, so it has lighter compliance than a Pvt Ltd.
- A PBC is issued a Certificate of Incorporation (CR2) by the Registrar of Companies, typically within 7–14 working days.
- Once registered, a PBC registers for tax with ZIMRA and can be converted to a Private Limited Company as it grows.
What Is a Private Business Corporation?
A PBC is the simplest limited-liability entity in Zimbabwe, designed for one owner. It was introduced under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31) to provide a simpler, more affordable alternative to the Private Limited Company. It is specifically designed for sole operators, freelancers, and small business owners who want the protection of limited liability without the complexity of a full company structure.
The PBC is unique to Zimbabwean law and has no direct equivalent in most other jurisdictions. It bridges the gap between operating as a sole trader (with unlimited personal liability) and registering a full Private Limited Company (with its higher compliance burden). With us, both a PBC and a Pvt Ltd cost the same flat $150 — so you choose on structure, not price.
PBC vs Private Limited Company: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a PBC if you are a sole operator who wants limited liability with the least admin; choose a Pvt Ltd if you plan to bring in investors, issue shares, or scale. Both give you limited liability and both cost a flat $150 with us. The table below shows the structural differences.
| Feature | PBC | Pvt Ltd |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Members | 1 | 2 directors + 2 shareholders |
| Maximum Members | 20 | 50 |
| Our Package Price | $150 flat | $150 flat |
| Company Secretary Required? | No | Yes |
| Audit Required? | No (unless turnover exceeds threshold) | Yes |
| Limited Liability | Yes | Yes |
| Founding Document | Founding Statement only | Full Memorandum & Articles |
| Annual Returns | Required | Required |
| Ownership | Members’ interests (not shares) | Share capital |
| Best For | Sole operators, freelancers, small businesses | Partnerships, investor-backed, scaling businesses |
Key Requirements
To register a PBC you need at least one member, a registered office in Zimbabwe, and an approved business name.
- Minimum 1 member — a single person can form a PBC
- Maximum 20 members — all must be natural persons (not companies)
- Registered office — a physical address in Zimbabwe (recorded on form CR6)
- Founding statement — simpler than a Memorandum of Association
- Business name — must be approved through the name search (CR21) process
Step-by-Step Registration Process
PBC registration in Zimbabwe is fully electronic and we handle every step for you. You provide your details and IDs; we file the forms and deliver your certificate.
Step 1: Name Search (CR21)
We lodge a CR21 name search with your proposed business name. The name must not be identical or confusingly similar to any existing registered entity. We can run up to three name options for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Founding Statement
Unlike a Pvt Ltd which requires a full Memorandum and Articles of Association, a PBC only requires a Founding Statement. This document must include:
- The name of the corporation
- The principal business activities
- The physical address of the registered office
- The names, addresses, and ID numbers of all members
- The members’ respective interests (percentage ownership)
- Any restrictions on the transfer of members’ interests
Step 3: Submit Registration Documents
We lodge the following on your behalf:
- Name approval (CR21)
- Signed Founding Statement
- Members’ details and directors/secretary record (CR14)
- Registered office address (CR6)
- Copies of members’ national IDs or passports
- All government filing fees — included in our flat $150 package
Step 4: Receive Certificate of Incorporation (CR2)
The Registrar of Companies issues a Certificate of Incorporation (CR2) confirming the PBC has been duly registered. This typically takes 7–14 working days. We send your certificate straight to you.
Register Your PBC for a Flat $150
One owner. All government fees included. We handle the entire filing — name search, Founding Statement, CR14, CR6 and your Certificate of Incorporation (CR2). No office visits, no queues.
Start Registration — $150 WhatsApp UsBenefits of a PBC
The PBC’s big advantage is that one person gets full limited liability with minimal admin.
- Single Member: You can register and operate alone — no need to find a second director or shareholder
- Low Flat Cost: We register your PBC for a flat $150, all government fees included
- Simpler Compliance: No requirement for a company secretary or mandatory audit (below threshold)
- Limited Liability: Your personal assets are protected from business debts
- Tax Registration: Eligible for corporate tax treatment with ZIMRA
- Convertible: Can be converted to a Pvt Ltd company as the business grows
Management and Governance
A PBC is managed directly by its members — there is no separate board of directors. Key governance points include:
- All members participate in management unless the Founding Statement specifies otherwise
- Decisions are made by majority vote of members (based on interest proportions)
- Members owe fiduciary duties to the corporation, similar to directors of a Pvt Ltd
- Members’ interests are not freely transferable — existing members have pre-emptive rights
Post-Registration Steps
- Register with ZIMRA for tax purposes
- Open a business bank account in the PBC’s name
- Register with NSSA if employing staff
- Obtain any sector-specific licences or permits
- File annual returns with the Registrar of Companies
Related Guides
Register Your PBC Today
Simple, fast, and affordable — a flat $150 with all government fees included. We handle the entire process for you.
Start Registration — $150 WhatsApp UsFrequently Asked Questions
What is a PBC in Zimbabwe?
A Private Business Corporation (PBC) is a Zimbabwean limited-liability business entity created under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31). It can be owned by a single person, protects the owner’s personal assets, and is simpler and cheaper to run than a Private Limited Company. It is unique to Zimbabwe and has no direct equivalent abroad.
How much does PBC registration cost in Zimbabwe?
We register a PBC for a flat $150, all government fees included. There are no hidden extras. We handle the entire filing for you and deliver your Certificate of Incorporation, typically within 7–14 working days. Start your registration.
What is the difference between a PBC and a Pvt Ltd in Zimbabwe?
A PBC can be formed by one person, needs no company secretary, requires no mandatory audit below the turnover threshold, and uses a simple Founding Statement. A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) needs at least 2 directors, uses a full Memorandum and Articles of Association, and has heavier compliance. Both offer limited liability, and both cost a flat $150 with us.
Should I register a PBC or a Pvt Ltd?
Choose a PBC if you are a sole operator, freelancer or small business wanting limited liability with the least admin. Choose a Pvt Ltd if you plan to take on investors or partners, issue shares, or build a larger company, because a Pvt Ltd uses share capital and supports up to 50 shareholders. A PBC can later be converted to a Pvt Ltd.
Can one person register a PBC in Zimbabwe?
Yes. A PBC can be formed and owned by a single member, which is its main advantage over a Private Limited Company. You do not need to find a second director or shareholder. A PBC can have between 1 and 20 members, and all members must be natural persons.
How long does PBC registration take in Zimbabwe?
PBC registration in Zimbabwe is fully electronic and typically takes 7–14 working days once your documents are in order. We complete the name search and filing for you, so you do not need to visit any office or queue.
Can a PBC be converted to a Pvt Ltd company?
Yes. A PBC can be converted to a Private Limited Company by passing the appropriate resolution and filing the required documents with the Registrar of Companies. This is common when the business grows and needs to bring in additional shareholders or investors.
Can someone in the diaspora register a PBC in Zimbabwe?
Yes. Zimbabweans abroad can register a PBC remotely. Because self-filing requires a Zimbabwean national ID, most diaspora applicants use our service to handle the entire process on their behalf. See our Register from Diaspora package.