What is BRELA?
BRELA is the government agency in Tanzania responsible for the registration and licensing of businesses. Every company operating legally in Tanzania must be registered through BRELA. A Company is an association of two or more persons lawfully intending to carry on business in line with the requirements of the Companies Act.
Types of Companies
Private Companies — Limited liability, restricted share transfer, ideal for SMEs and family businesses.
Public Companies — Can offer shares to the public; suitable for larger enterprises.
Foreign Companies — Branches of foreign corporations operating in Tanzania.
Unlimited Companies — No cap on member liability; used for specific professional structures.
Hadra handles every step with BRELA on your behalf — from name search and document preparation to full company incorporation, trademarks, and annual compliance.
- Private & Public Limited Company registration
- Foreign company branch registration
- Business name search & registration
- Trademark & service mark registration
- Patent applications & granting
- Company amendments, changes & annual returns
What is a Business Licence?
A business licence is a permit or permission granted to a person to carry on a particular business at a given place. It is issued either in paper or electronic form and is mandatory for any business operating in Tanzania — without it, your business is not legally recognised.
Types of Licences
Schedule A — Covers any business of national or international nature. Required for general trade and commercial activity.
Schedule B — Covers specialised and regulated sectors such as hospitality, construction, and professional services.
Industrial Licences — Required for manufacturing and industrial operations.
We manage the full licencing process — from identifying the correct licence type to submission, follow-up, and renewal.
- Business Licence Schedule A — national & international trade
- Business Licence Schedule B — specialised sectors
- Industrial licence applications
- Sector-specific permits (hospitality, construction, transport)
- Licence renewals & amendments
- Municipal authority licences
What is TRA?
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is the government body responsible for collecting taxes in Tanzania. Every entity and business operating in Tanzania must pay tax. The type and amount of tax depends on the nature and size of your business — non-compliance carries heavy penalties.
Types of Taxes
Corporate Tax — Tax on company profits.
PAYE — Pay As You Earn; deducted from employee salaries.
VAT — Value Added Tax on goods and services (18%).
SDL — Skills Development Levy; supports workforce training.
WCF — Workers' Compensation Fund; mandatory employer contribution.
We also assist with TIN registration, e-filing setup, motor vehicle transfer, and all other TRA compliance matters.
- TIN (Tax Identification Number) registration
- VAT registration & monthly filing
- PAYE setup & payroll compliance
- SDL & WCF registration and filing
- Corporate income tax returns
- E-filing setup & management
- Motor vehicle transfer via TRA
- Tax compliance advisory
Residence Permit Class A
Granted to a person who intends to reside in Tanzania and engage in trade, business, profession, agriculture, animal husbandry, mineral prospecting, or manufacturing. This is the permit for investors and entrepreneurs.
Requirements include: Online application, application letter, Work Permit from Labour Commissioner, relevant business documents, and passport copies.
Class B & Class C
Class B — For foreign nationals employed by a Tanzanian company. Requires an employment contract and work permit.
Class C — For dependants (spouse, children) of Class A or Class B permit holders.
We prepare and submit all documentation accurately, liaising directly with immigration authorities to avoid delays or rejections.
- Residence Permit Class A — investors & business owners
- Residence Permit Class B — employees
- Residence Permit Class C — dependants
- Work permit applications & renewals
- Passport applications & travel documents
- Visa extensions & immigration compliance
What is Tender Preparation?
Government ministries, agencies, and private companies in Tanzania regularly publish tender opportunities — inviting businesses to bid for contracts to supply goods or services. To participate, your business must be properly registered as a supplier and submit fully compliant bid documents. A single error can disqualify your bid entirely.
Why it matters
Government tenders represent some of the most lucrative contracts available in Tanzania. We ensure your business is registered, qualified, and submits bids that are competitive and fully compliant with PPRA regulations.
From supplier registration to full bid preparation — we handle the paperwork so you can focus on winning.
- Supplier registration (PPRA, Zanzibar, municipal bodies)
- Tender document preparation & review
- Prequalification documentation
- Company profile & capability statement
- Bid bonds & performance bonds guidance
- Compliance certificates procurement
Why proper accounting matters
Tanzania law requires all registered businesses to maintain proper books of account and submit annual financial statements to TRA. Poor record-keeping leads to tax penalties, failed audits, and rejected loan or tender applications. Clean books = a healthy, credible business.
QuickBooks & Records Management
We implement and manage digital record-keeping using QuickBooks — giving you real-time visibility of your finances, making tax filing straightforward and audit-ready at any time.
From daily bookkeeping to strategic tax advice — we keep your numbers right so your business stays on solid ground.
- Preparation of annual reports & financial statements
- Management accounting & reporting
- Program of records management (QuickBooks)
- Payroll management & PAYE filing
- Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet preparation
- Tax planning & advisory
- Audit preparation support
