✅ Step-by-Step: Register a Company in Zimbabwe

1️⃣ Choose Your Company Type

Most common types:

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)** → Most popular for SMEs * Private Business Corporation (PBC) → Simpler structure * Trust * Partnership

👉 For most businesses (like your hosting, IT, retail, etc.), Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is best.

2️⃣ Reserve a Company Name

You must first reserve your business name.

Required:

  • 3–5 proposed names (in order of preference)

Process:

  • Complete CR21 Form (Name Reservation Form)
  • Pay name search fee (around USD $5–$10 equivalent in ZWL)

Processing time:

  • 3–10 working days (sometimes faster)

If approved → you receive a Name Reservation Certificate

3️⃣ Prepare Company Registration Documents

You will need:

📌 CR6 Form

  • Registered physical address

📌 CR5 Form

  • Directors' details (name, ID, address)

📌 Memorandum & Articles of Association

(Or use model constitution under Companies Act)

You must have:

  • At least 1 director
  • At least 1 shareholder
  • Zimbabwean ID or passport copies

4️⃣ Submit Documents to CIPO

Submit:

  • Name Reservation
  • CR5
  • CR6
  • Memorandum & Articles
  • Registration fee (varies, typically USD $50–$200 equivalent depending on share capital)

Processing time:

  • 1–3 weeks (can vary)

5️⃣ Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, you receive:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Company Registration Number

Your company is now legally registered 🎉

After Registration (Very Important)

Registration alone is NOT enough. You must also:

6️⃣ Register with ZIMRA (Tax Authority)

Register with:

  • Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)

You will get:

  • BP Number (Tax Number)
  • VAT registration (if required)
  • PAYE registration (if employing staff)

7️⃣ Open a Corporate Bank Account

You will need:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • CR5 & CR6
  • Company resolution to open account
  • Directors' IDs

Banks like:

  • CBZ Bank
  • Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe
  • Steward Bank

Optional But Recommended

  • NSSA registration (if hiring staff)
  • PRAZ registration (if bidding for government tenders)
  • Local council trading licence

🏢 Where to Register?

CIPZ Offices:

  • Harare (Head Office)