Want to Register as a Sole Trader? Here’s the Better Way
A sole trader is the simplest idea of being in business — one person, trading in their own name. The problem is that a bare sole trader is not a separate legal entity: you and the business are the same in law, so you carry unlimited personal liability for every debt and claim.
In Zimbabwe there is a far better option that gives a single owner exactly the same simplicity with proper protection: a Private Business Corporation (PBC). A PBC is built for one owner, is a separate legal entity, and gives you limited liability — so your personal assets are protected. That is why we register single owners as a PBC rather than a bare sole trader.
Why a PBC Instead of a Bare Sole Trader?
A Private Business Corporation was designed precisely for the person who would otherwise be a sole trader — the solo operator who wants to keep things simple but does not want to risk their house and savings. With a PBC you get:
- One owner — perfect for a single founder, just like a sole trader.
- A separate legal entity — the business stands apart from you in law.
- Limited liability — your personal assets are protected from business debts.
- Better banking, tenders and contracts — a registered entity opens doors a sole trader cannot.
- Simple to run — no company secretary required, light compliance.
Sole Trader vs PBC vs Private Limited Company
| Feature | Bare Sole Trader | PBC (recommended) | Private Limited Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| We register this | No | Yes — $150 | Yes — $150 |
| Separate legal entity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Limited liability | No (unlimited) | Yes | Yes |
| Owners | 1 (you) | 1–20 members | 1–50 shareholders, min 2 directors |
| Company secretary | No | No | Yes (resident) |
| Best for | — | Single owners wanting protection | Growth, investors, tenders, banking |
How It Works
- Tell us your details — your preferred name and what you do.
- We register your PBC — the single-owner, protected structure — and handle the paperwork end to end.
- You start trading — we also point you to a free ZIMRA TIN so you can invoice and open a business bank account. (Sole traders must register with ZIMRA too — a PBC makes this cleaner.)
I really just want the simplest setup — is a PBC still right?
Yes. A PBC is the simplest protected setup for one person in Zimbabwe. It runs much like a sole trader day to day, but because it is a registered entity with limited liability, your personal assets are protected and you get proper access to banking and contracts. We handle the whole registration for a flat $150 whenever you are ready.
Register as a Single Owner — the Protected Way
Flat $150, all fees included. We register your PBC — a separate legal entity with limited liability.
Start Registration WhatsApp Us