How to Register a Business in Botswana

How to Register a Business in Botswana

What is to Register a Business ?

A business register is a register of enterprises or establishments involved in foreign direct investment (FDI), which is maintained by countries to assist in the compilation of their direct investment data.

How to Register a Business in Botswana

  1. Pick a Relevant Name.
  2. Register with CIPA.
  3. Appoint the Right Company Secretary.
  4. Open a Bank Account.
  5. Register for Botswana Revenue Services (BURS)
  6. Register for PPADB.
  7. Get a Trade License.
  8. Takeaways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner register 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).

How much is to register a company in Botswana?

Fees

DIFFERENT BOTSWANA ENTITY TYPESCOSTDRAFT INVOICE
LLCUS$23,455View invoice PDF
PLCUS$13,505View invoice PDF
BranchUS$15,600View invoice PDF
Representative officeUS$9,850View invoice PDF

How do I register a company online in Botswana?

Process of Registering a Company in Botswana

Search for names can be done online at the database of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. On submission of the application form to the Registrar of Companies, the applicant should receive a reply within 3 days. Once approved, the company name is reserved for 30 days.

Can I do business without registering a company?

Basically, if you’re doing any business are required to register such business either as a Company or a Firm or an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). Instead of going for company registration, you could register the business as a Sole proprietorship.

How do I register my business name online?

Step 2- Log in to the eCitizen Portal

  1. Fill in your full names as they appear on your ID.
  2. Enter your ID number.
  3. Enter your email address.
  4. Enter your phone number.
  5. Activate your account by verifying the link sent to your email address.
  6. Create a password for your eCitizen account.

How much does it cost to register a company?

A company registration is R125 for both private company and non-profit companies registered without members. A private company must have at least one (1) director and a non-profit company must have a minimum of three (3) directors.

Can I register my small business?

As soon as you launch your business, you need to register your company with SARS to get an income tax reference number. If your business is too small you won’t pay tax, but you must still be registered.

What documents are needed to register a company?

All companies should submit a Notice of Incorporation (CoR 14.1) and Memorandum of Incorporation (CoR 15.1 A-E), which includes business-specific information such as the business name, address, etc. For private companies, there will be other supporting documents to submit for registration.

How long does CIPA take to register a company?

This will take 24 hours. Once the application is approved, you will get an sms notifying you of this, as well as an email with your certificate of registration attached. You can go to your dashboard at any time, click on the business name on My Portfolio and request a PDF of the certificate.

How easy is it to start a business in Botswana?

In Botswana, starting a business is a very difficult and time-consuming task. You will need to comply with a number of legal requirements in order to establish and operate a business.