Estimate Your Company Registration Costs
Select your options below and get an instant, itemised cost breakdown. All government fees are based on S.I. 95 of 2023 and current market rates for professional services.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
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Understanding Company Registration Costs in Zimbabwe
Registering a company in Zimbabwe involves several cost components. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Government Fees (Non-Negotiable)
Government fees are set by Statutory Instrument 95 of 2023, published by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. These fees are fixed regardless of whether you use a professional service or do it yourself.
- Name Search (CR21): $10-20 per application. You can submit up to 5 name choices per application. The Registrar of Companies checks availability and reserves your approved name for 30 days.
- Registration Fee: $100-150 for a Private Limited Company. This covers filing the CR14 (Application for Registration), CR6 (Registered Office), and the Memorandum and Articles of Association with the Registrar.
- Certificate of Incorporation (CR2): Included in the registration fee. This is your company's "birth certificate" issued upon successful registration.
Professional Fees (Optional but Recommended)
You are not legally required to use a lawyer or registration agent. However, professional assistance ensures your documents are correctly prepared, reducing the risk of rejection and delays.
| Service Level | Cost (USD) | What is Included |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (self-filing) | $0 | You prepare all documents and file with the Registrar yourself |
| Basic agent package | $99-200 | Name search, CR14/CR6 preparation, M&A drafting, filing |
| Full service package | $300-500 | Everything above plus ZIMRA registration, NSSA registration, bank account assistance, company stamp |
Post-Registration Costs
After registration, several ongoing costs apply:
- Business Licence: Required from the local council. Harare fees were reduced by 50% in 2025: small shops from $200, standard shops from $300, hairdressers from $230. Other cities have separate fee schedules.
- Company Stamp/Seal: $10-30. Not legally mandatory but practically essential for banking and official documents.
- Company Secretary: $100-500/year. Mandatory for Private Limited Companies. The secretary must be a Zimbabwe resident and handles statutory filings.
- Annual Return: $55/year. Filed with the Registrar within 21 days of your incorporation anniversary.
Free Registrations
Several important registrations are completely free:
- ZIMRA TIN Registration: Free via the TaRMS Self-Service Portal. Gives you a Taxpayer Identification Number.
- VAT Registration: Free. Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds $25,000.
- PAYE Registration: Free. Required if you have employees.
- NSSA Registration: Free. Required for all employers.
- Bank Advice Note: Free from ZIMRA. Allows you to open a bank account before your tax clearance is processed.
Costs by Entity Type
| Entity Type | Registration Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | $100-150 | $420-850 |
| Private Business Corporation (PBC) | $70-140 | $280-540 |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | $200+ | $600-1,500+ |
| Foreign Company Branch | $1,400 | $2,000-3,500 |
| Partnership (voluntary) | Minimal | $50-300 |
| Trust | Per S.I. 76/2025 | $500-2,000 |
Sources: S.I. 95 of 2023 (company fees); Harare City Council (licence fees, post-2025 reduction); ZIMRA (tax registration); NSSA (employer registration).
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