Set up a company in Zimbabwe.
Senior advisory on incorporation, banking and compliance in Southern Africa’s critical-minerals economy. We handle Companies Registry filings, ZIMRA, NSSA, ZIDA Investment Licence and bank introductions — with a fixed quote in 48 hours.
Southern Africa’s critical-minerals frontier.
Zimbabwe holds world-leading reserves of platinum, lithium, chrome and gold. For businesses targeting the global energy transition, agriculture, tourism or SADC trade — and willing to navigate a recovering economy — Harare offers genuine opportunity at a credible entry cost.
Critical-minerals superpower
Largest known lithium reserves in Africa, second-largest platinum reserves globally, plus chrome, nickel, gold and diamonds. Central to the EV battery and clean-tech supply chains for the next two decades.
USD-friendly multi-currency economy
The US dollar is legal tender and widely used alongside the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG). For international businesses, this materially simplifies banking, invoicing and dividend repatriation compared to peer markets.
Highly educated workforce
One of the highest literacy rates in Africa. English is the language of government, business and law. Strong base of engineers, accountants and technical professionals — many trained internationally.
ZIDA one-stop investment shop
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency consolidates investment licensing, sectoral approvals and tax incentives into a single window. Materially faster than the previous fragmented regime.
SADC & COMESA member
Direct preferential access to over 600 million consumers across Southern and East African regional blocs. Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs) with major economies.
Indigenisation rules largely lifted
The 51% local-ownership requirements have been substantially repealed under the "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" policy. 100% foreign ownership now permitted in most sectors — with narrow exceptions in some mining categories.
Choose the right entity. First time.
Under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act 2019 (COBE), Zimbabwe recognises seven structures. For most foreign investors, the Private Limited Company is the right answer. Here are the options that matter, and when each one makes sense.
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
Separate legal entity, limited liability, full operating capacity. The default for foreign investors trading in Zimbabwe.
- Min. 1 shareholder, 1 director (post-COBE)
- 100% foreign ownership in most sectors
- No formal minimum share capital
- Annual audit and filing required
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Shares can be offered to the public and listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) or Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX, USD-denominated).
- Min. 7 shareholders
- Min. 2 directors
- VFEX listing allows USD-denominated trading
- Full audit and disclosure regime
Branch of a Foreign Company
An extension of an overseas parent, registered in Zimbabwe. Useful where the parent wants to operate directly without forming a local subsidiary.
- No separate legal personality
- Parent liable for branch obligations
- Annual filings of parent and branch accounts
- Local representative required
Representative Office
For market research, liaison and promotional activity only. Cannot conduct revenue-generating business or sign contracts.
- No commercial trading
- Lower setup and compliance burden
- Often the first step before a full Pvt Ltd
- Limited tax exposure
What it costs. How long it takes.
Indicative ranges for a foreign-owned Private Limited Company. Final fixed quote depends on structure, shareholders and ongoing support level — we confirm within 48 hours of a discovery call.
Get an estimate in 30 seconds.
Three quick choices. We’ll show you an indicative cost range, monthly support fee and time to live — then send a fixed quote within 48 hours.
Which entity type do you need?
What does your shareholding look like?
How much ongoing support do you need?
From signed engagement to live entity.
The full Zimbabwean registration sequence under COBE 2019. We handle every step — you sign two or three documents and review progress weekly.
Name reservation
Check availability and reserve the proposed company name through the Companies Registry. Two backup names recommended.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
We draft the constitutional documents to match the agreed share structure, director arrangements and business objects under COBE 2019. Certified as needed.
Incorporation filing
Submit the application package to the Companies Registry: MemArts, completed forms, ID for directors and shareholders, evidence of fees paid. Certificate of Incorporation issued on approval.
ZIMRA registration & tax clearance
Apply for the company’s Business Partner Number (BPN) with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, plus Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF 263). Required before any commercial activity or banking.
VAT & PAYE registration
Register for VAT (mandatory above the turnover threshold) and PAYE if employing staff. We file and respond to ZIMRA queries on your behalf.
NSSA registration
Register the company with the National Social Security Authority. Required before payroll runs. Standard contributions: 4.5% employer + 4.5% employee.
Bank account opening
Introductions to banks that actively onboard foreign-owned Zimbabwean entities. USD and ZWG accounts opened in parallel; nostro accounts available for international transfers.
ZIDA investment licence & sectoral permits
Where qualifying — we apply for an Investment Licence with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency to unlock incentives. Sectoral licences (mining, banking, telecoms) coordinated in parallel.
The legal framework that applies.
A summary of the Zimbabwean legislation that governs incorporation, tax, employment, data, environment and intellectual property. We track changes and brief clients ahead of filing deadlines.
Formation & governance
- Companies & Other Business Entities Act, 2019 (COBE) — formation and operation
- ZIDA Act, 2019 — foreign investment framework
Corporate & transactional
- Income Tax Act — corporate income taxation
- VAT Act — value added tax
- Capital Gains Tax Act — CGT regime
Workforce & benefits
- Labour Act, 1985 — contracts and conditions
- NSSA Act — pension contributions
- Occupational Safety & Health Act — workplace standards
Privacy & technology
- Data Protection Act, 2021 — personal data handling
- Regulator: Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ)
Sustainability & permits
- Environmental Management Act, 2002 — protection and EIA
- Regulator: Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
Patents, marks & copyright
- Patents Act
- Trade Marks Act
- Copyright & Neighbouring Rights Act
We’ve actually done business in Zimbabwe.
Senior advisers only
Every Zimbabwe engagement is led by a practitioner who has incorporated, banked and operated in Southern Africa — not by a junior reading the Companies Registry website.
Mining & critical-minerals expertise
We understand the Mines & Minerals Act, the Special Economic Zones regime, and the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive prospecting rights. We tell you what the contract will actually deliver.
USD & multi-currency banking
We know which Zimbabwean banks open meaningful USD accounts for foreign-owned entities, which offer nostro facilities, and where the FX repatriation rules will actually pinch.
Honest advice on jurisdiction
If Zimbabwe isn’t the right answer for your business — if Mauritius, South Africa or Zambia would serve you better — we’ll tell you on the discovery call. No commission gets in the way of the right answer.
Common questions about incorporating in Zimbabwe.
Ready to set up
in Zimbabwe?
Tell us in 25 minutes what you need. We’ll tell you honestly whether Zimbabwe is the right jurisdiction, which structure makes sense, and what it will cost — with a fixed quote in 48 hours.