Overview of Registration Requirements
The Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31] sets out the requirements for registering business entities in Zimbabwe. The exact requirements vary depending on the type of entity, but all registrations share certain common elements.
This page provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything ready before submitting your application to the Companies and Deeds Registry.
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) Requirements
People Required
- Minimum 2 directors — natural persons (not companies); at least one must be ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe
- Minimum 2 shareholders — can be the same persons as the directors; can be natural persons or companies
- 1 company secretary — a natural person; cannot be the sole director
Documents Required
| # | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name Approval Letter | From the CR21 name search |
| 2 | Memorandum of Association | Signed by all subscribers (shareholders) |
| 3 | Articles of Association | Signed by all subscribers |
| 4 | CR14 Form | Particulars of directors and secretary; signed by each person listed |
| 5 | CR6 Form | Notice of registered office address |
| 6 | ID Copies (Directors) | National ID for Zimbabwean residents; passport for foreigners |
| 7 | ID Copies (Shareholders) | National ID or passport; company registration certificate if corporate shareholder |
| 8 | ID Copy (Secretary) | National ID or passport |
| 9 | Proof of Address | Utility bill or lease agreement for the registered office |
| 10 | Fees | All fees included in our service packages |
Private Business Corporation (PBC) Requirements
People Required
- Minimum 1 member (maximum 20) — must be a natural person
- No company secretary required
Documents Required
| # | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name Approval Letter | From the CR21 name search |
| 2 | Founding Statement | Simpler than a Memorandum; includes member details, business activities, and ownership interests |
| 3 | ID Copies (Members) | National ID or passport for each member |
| 4 | Proof of Address | For the registered office |
| 5 | Fees | All fees included in our service packages |
Public Limited Company (PLC) Requirements
PLCs have the most extensive requirements. In addition to all Pvt Ltd documents, you need:
- Minimum 7 shareholders and 2 directors
- Minimum authorised share capital of $5,000 (25% paid up before trading)
- Qualified company secretary
- Prospectus (if offering shares to the public)
- Statutory declaration of compliance
- Government fee: included in our service packages
Foreign Company Requirements
Foreign companies registering a branch must provide additional documentation:
- Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the country of origin (apostilled)
- Certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of the parent company (apostilled)
- List of directors of the parent company
- Power of Attorney appointing the local representative
- Particulars of the local representative (resident in Zimbabwe)
- Government fee: included in our service packages
Information You Need to Decide Before Registering
Before starting the registration process, have the following decisions made:
- Company Name: Have 3 preferred names ready for the name search
- Business Activities: Know what the company will do (this goes into the Memorandum)
- Directors & Secretary: Confirm who will serve and obtain their written consent
- Shareholders & Share Split: Decide who owns what percentage
- Share Capital: Decide the number and value of shares to issue
- Registered Office: Confirm the physical address
- Financial Year End: Choose a financial year end date
Disqualifications
The following persons cannot serve as directors or company secretaries in Zimbabwe:
- Persons under 18 years of age
- Persons of unsound mind (as declared by a court)
- Undischarged bankrupts (insolvent persons)
- Persons convicted of fraud, theft, or dishonesty offences within the preceding 5 years
- Persons disqualified by court order
- A body corporate (companies cannot be directors of other companies)
Not Sure What You Need?
Send us your details and we will prepare the complete registration pack for you.
Start Registration WhatsApp UsFrequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to register a company in Zimbabwe?
You need: name search approval (CR21), Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, CR14 form (director details), CR6 form (registered address), copies of national IDs or passports for all directors and shareholders, and proof of registered office address.
Do I need a physical office to register a company in Zimbabwe?
Yes. Every company must have a registered office address in Zimbabwe. This is a physical address (not a PO Box) where official correspondence and legal documents can be served. Many registration agents offer registered office services.
Can I use my home address as the registered office?
Yes. There is no legal restriction against using a residential address as the company registered office, provided it is a physical address in Zimbabwe. However, this address becomes public record.
Do directors need to be Zimbabwean citizens?
No. Directors do not need to be Zimbabwean citizens. However, at least one director of a Private Limited Company must be ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe. Foreign directors must provide passport copies instead of national IDs.