How to register business with ZRA

Following are the steps that are involved in registering a business or company in Zambia. This article talks about How to register my business with ZRA. Patent and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) is the authority that is responsible for registering a company in Zambia.

Apply Online

How to register my business with ZRA

Step 1 Name search, clearance and reservation.

  1. Access the patent and companies registration agency online portal to start the registration process – LOGIN PAGE
  2. Register as an online user account and Login to register business with ZRA
  3. Submit up to three proposed names for the business/company for clearance. A maximum of three names can be proposed. The names will be considered in the order of listing. If the first choice is turned down the second or third name may be considered. Name clearance guidelines are as follows: The following names are not allowed:
    -a name that is too long and difficult to pronounce;
    -a name that suggest that the applicant enjoys the patronage of the President;
    -a name that is confusingly similar to what already exists or the same as a well-known name;
    -offensive or undesirable names. This means that a name should not be in form of an insult as this is against public policy;
    -deceptive or misleading names; Use of the word Zambia as a prefix
  4. Pay using the instructions given
  5. Receive and print out acceptance
  6. After your business name has been accepted you are to apply for reservation of the business name


Step 2 Business / Company registrations using new business name

  1. Visit the One Stop Shop for business registration on Lusaka’s Cairo road Kwacha House to finish your business registration.
    Here you will apply for :
    -Tax registration (ZRA),
    -Registration as an employer (NAPSA)
    -MSE registration (ZDA)(MSE registration is for micro and small businesses and is optional)
  2. There it will only take you 24 hours to register your business.

Apply In-Person

Step 1: Name clearance and reservation at PACRA

  1. Approach the PACRA offices to begin the application process. You should start by making an application for approval of a name in writing and address it to PACRA on a name clearance form.
  2. Forms can be downloaded from www.pacra.org ; name clearance can be processed from any nearest PACRA office or on the website www.online@pacra.org.zm
  3. A maximum of three names can be proposed. The names will be considered in the order of listing. If the first choice is turned down the second or third name may be considered. Name clearance guidelines are as follows: The following names are not allowed:
    1. a name that is too long and difficult to pronounce;
    2. a name that suggest that the applicant enjoys the patronage of the President;
    3. a name that is confusingly similar to what already exists or the same as a well-known name;
    4. offensive or undesirable names. This means that a name should not be in form of an insult as this is against public policy;
    5. deceptive or misleading names; Use of the word Zambia as a prefix
  4. Once the name is accepted, it is automatically reserved for a period of 30 days. After 30 days the name clearance expires.
  5. FEES charged for the process:
    1. Business Name or Local Companies– K83
    2. Foreign Companies– K166


Step 2: Business / Company registrations using new business name at the PACRA Offices

A. Registering a business:

  1. Visit the One Stop Shop for business registration on Lusaka’s Cairo road Kwacha House to finish your business registration. #Here you will apply for
    -tax registration (ZRA),
    -registration as an employer (NAPSA)
    -MSE registration (ZDA)(MSE registration is for micro and small businesses and is optional)
  2. There it will only take you 24 hours to register your business.


B. Company registration


C. Registering a Private Limited Company

  1. The applicant has to approach the PACRA office where they should be able to help you with the request. There they are required to present your payment receipt and filled application forms to the supervisor at the PACRA desk for approval.
  2. Following are the forms that have to be completed and will be availed at the PACRA offices.
    i. Companies Form 3 – Application for incorporation of a Private Limited by guarantee
    ii. Companies Form 5 – Consent to act as Director/Secretary
    iii. Companies Form 11 – Declaration of Compliance
    iv. Standard Articles for Limited by Guarantee
    Form 11 must be commissioned. The forms mentioned may be lodged with articles for a Limited by guarantee.
  3. The prerequisite for registering a private company
    i. Name Clearance – K83
    ii. At least two (2) or more directors:
    iii. Company Secretary
    iv. 4 Copies of the Articles of Association
    v. Minimum nominal capital amount – K15,000
  4. The filing fee is K750 and the process is completed within 24 Hours.
  5. Upon receiving your signed Certificate of Registration after 24 hours from the PACRA desk, you should fill in the “ONE STOP SHOP REGISTRATION FORM” to apply for tax registration (ZRA), registration as an employer (NAPSA) and MSE registration (ZDA). MSE registration is for micro and small businesses and is optional.
  6. Submit the application at the ZRA and NAPSA desks and collect your registration confirmation immediately.

Required Documents on How to register business with ZRA

  • Duly completed forms:
    • Business Form III – Application for Business Name Registration
    • Name Clearance Form
    • Companies Form 2 – Application for incorporation of a Private Limited by shares
    • Companies Form 3 – Application for incorporation of a Private Limited by guarantee
    • Companies Form 5 – Consent to act as Director/Secretary
    • Companies Form 11 – Declaration of Compliance
    • Standard Articles.
    • Standard Articles for Limited by Guarantee
  • Proof payment receipts.
  • Proof of identification document(s)

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