Compliance Hub
Everything you need to know about registering and staying compliant as a business in Zambia - the step-by-step process, and every regulatory authority you'll deal with along the way.
Registration Guide, Step by Step
- 1
Reserve your business name
Search and reserve your proposed company name with PACRA before incorporation.
- 2
Incorporate with PACRA
File your incorporation documents (Ltd, sole proprietorship, or partnership) and receive your Certificate of Incorporation.
- 3
Register for tax with ZRA
Obtain your TPIN and register for the tax types relevant to your business (VAT/turnover tax, PAYE, income tax).
- 4
Register with NAPSA and NHIMA
Enrol as an employer for pension and national health insurance contributions once you have staff.
- 5
Register with the Workers' Compensation Fund
Cover your employees against workplace injury as required by law.
- 6
Sector licensing (if applicable)
Register with ZPPA if you intend to supply government, or obtain any sector-specific licence your industry requires.
- 7
Stay compliant
File annual returns with PACRA and keep tax, NAPSA, NHIMA and Workers' Compensation contributions up to date to avoid penalties.
Regulatory Authorities
| Authority | Role | Who Must Register | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
PACRA Patents and Companies Registration Agency | Business registration, company incorporation, and intellectual property (patents, trademarks, business names). | Every business entity - companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships and business names. | 3-5 working days for incorporation |
ZRA Zambia Revenue Authority | Tax administration - income tax, VAT/turnover tax, PAYE, and customs duty. | All businesses and employers, for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) and relevant tax types. | 1-2 working days for TPIN |
NAPSA National Pension Scheme Authority | Mandatory pension contributions for employees. | Any business with one or more employees. | 1-2 working days |
NHIMA National Health Insurance Management Authority | National health insurance scheme contributions. | Employers and their employees. | 1-2 working days |
ZPPA Zambia Public Procurement Authority | Supplier registration required to bid on government tenders and contracts. | Businesses intending to supply goods, works or services to government. | 5-10 working days |
Workers' Compensation Fund Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board | Compensation cover for employees injured or disabled in the course of employment. | Any business with one or more employees. | 3-5 working days |