The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) recently issued a public notice for all Tanzania companies and business names that have not yet been registered through the Online Registration System (ORS) to update their records within 90 days from 27 September 2019. In this article, we outline the various requirements and procedures as reiterated by BRELA to facilitate the ORS migration for businesses operating in Tanzania.

The requirements and procedures for updating the records are as follows:

  • The applicant should have the National Identification Number (NIN) which will enable the applicant to create an account with the ORS
  • In case the application is for a company, the applicant also has to have the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each of the directors and the company itself
  • Making sure that all the company records are up to date and in line with the laws and regulations
  • Filling in the consolidated form through ORS and completing all outstanding information and documents such as annual returns and any changes that the registrar has not been notified of. These include changes relating to issues such as directors, company secretary, registered address and share capital
  • Signing of the relevant company forms, the consolidated form and uploading these on to the ORS
  • The information will then be verified and the system will generate a bill in relation to the filing fee to be paid through a bank or mobile transaction

Moreover in regards to the updating of records, BRELA has emphasised the following:

  • Information submitted through the ORS has to match with the records maintained in company's file at BRELA
  • An applicant can update the records personally or use someone with the knowledge of the law in respect of the relevant registrations
  • Ensuring complete information is submitted
  • Working on any corrections when the applications are returned
  • Attaching all the relevant documents/information relating to various changes in the company which were not notified to the registrar
  • Providing correct and thorough information and making sure that BRELA's recommendations are fully addressed to enhance efficiency
  • Creation of an account through ORS should be done by a shareholder or the business name owner and the username and password should be kept safe

Furthermore, BRELA has also issued a public notice stating that an applicant can obtain the National Identification Number (NIN) for creating an account through the ORS system, within 2 days of the applicant having completed and submitted an application to the National Identification Authority (NIDA).

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.