How to Get a Business License in Botswana
What is a Business License?
Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government.
How to Get a Business License in Botswana
Trading licences can be obtained at the commercial departments of district or town and city councils. Requirements include; forms and an accompanying covering letter outlining business operations in detail. Trading licences vary in fees and duration and an annual fee of 25% of the licence fee is required. Annual proof of compliance with health regulations and filing of annual returns are also required. Trading licences are described in detail in the table below.
Trading licence applications must be accompanied by the following documents/reports:
Appropriate zoning report from physical planner.
An occupation permit or a copy of the title deed showing the land use or change of use will suffice.
Health inspector’s report certifying that the premises comply with public and environmental health standards.
Regulatory inspection report from the Ministry of Health applying to trade in pharmaceutical products or for a pharmacy licence.
Provisional clearance certificate for an agrochemicals licence application issued by the Plant Protection Division in the Ministry of Agriculture. The applicant has to provide proof of relevant background of agrochemicals (e.g. qualification certificates or testimonials).
A clearance certificate from Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) for storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas (refillable fuel canisters) for fuel filling station, general dealer, and hardware store licences.
Certified copies of latest annual returns from the Registrar of Companies & Intellectual Property (RCOIP). Where annual returns are not available, such as the case of a newly registered company, forms showing directors’ allotment of shares and share certificates should be provided.
A copy of certificate of incorporation for a company, or registration certificate for individuals or partnerships.
Proof of availability of business premises (lease, title or deed).
Letter indicating the official company representative including, the representative’s, certified copy of Omang (citizens) and work and residence permits (non-citizens).
Certified copies of valid passport (non-citizens), work and resident permits for shareholders residing in Botswana or certified copies of valid Omang (citizens).
Copy of original licence in case of transfer of a licence.
For liquor licence applications, proof of advertisement in the Botswana Government Gazette is required: usually a stamped receipt showing both the first and second notice of the application, published at least 21 days before the licensing committee meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a business permit in Botswana?
Requirements for a business permit for investors
- The appropriate business permit investor application forms;
- The company share certificate;
- List of Directors;
- The Certificate of Incorporation;
- A Copy of the appropriate business license;
- 2 passport photographs of the applicant;
- A Curriculum Vitae for the applicant;
What is the difference between a business license and a business permit?
In most countries, employees and other workers get permits in order to allow them to work in a certain industry. Licenses, on the other hand, are used to allow businesses to start operating. The issuance of permits and licenses is an essential method for helping states in the regulation of invasive items or services.
How do I get a hawkers license in Botswana?
Apply In-Person
Collect and complete the Application for a Hawker’s or Street-Vendors Certificate Form A, copies of these forms are available at the inquiries desk at any of the Town or District Council commercial affairs offices across the country. These forms are not available online.
Can a foreigner open a company in Botswana?
There are 2 main ways in which a foreign company can set up a place of business in Botswana: incorporate a company in terms of the Companies Act [Cap 42:01] (the Companies Act); or. register as an external company (also referred to as a branch).
What is an example of a business license?
While license rules vary by city and county, some common local business licenses include: Operating licenses. Building permits. Zoning and land use permits.
What is hawker licence?
A Fixed-pitch Hawker Licence authorizes the licensee to hawk at a fixed-pitch. A fixed pitch means any pitch delineated on the ground in any place or street for the use of fixed-pitch hawker licensees.
What is the trade license Act Botswana?
Act 5, 2004, S.I. 21, 2008. An Act to simplify trade licensing procedures; to empower a licensing committee in a council to issue trade licences within the council area; to provide for comprehensive regulation of trade and formatters incidental thereto. This Act may be cited as the Trade Act.
What are the four types of licenses?
There are four types of driving license in India, which are: Learner’s driving license, Permanent driving license, Commercial driving license, and International driving permit.
What is the most common business license?
General business license
A general license is required for you to run your business in almost every state. They’re often issued by the Department of Revenues and Secretary of States—whichever office is in charge of business registrations.
What is the purpose of business Licence?
Business licenses are required by the legislation and administered by various government agencies, statutory bodies and local authorities. Business licenses include registrations, approvals, licenses and permits. The compliance requirements vary by industry, business activity and location.
hoW much is hawker license fee?
Licence Fee
| Types of Food Stalls | Annual Licence fee |
|---|---|
| Food stall within a government hawker centre or in a MOE primary/secondary school or junior college | $13 |
| Food stall within a canteen/eating house/food court or tertiary institution | $32 |
| A market stall within a government market | $13 |
| A market stall within a private market | $32 |