PACRA — the Patents and Companies Registration Agency — is Zambia's business registration authority. If you want to bid on government tenders, supply to large companies, open a business bank account, or simply operate legally, you need to be registered with PACRA.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the different registration types, what they cost, and what you'll need to provide.
ZamBiz can handle your entire PACRA registration — from form preparation to submission and certificate delivery. Starting from K650. Start your registration →
Types of Business Registration in Zambia
PACRA offers four main registration types. Choosing the right one depends on your business structure and what you plan to do.
1. Business Name Registration (Form III)
The simplest form of registration — designed for sole traders and small partnerships. This is the quickest and cheapest option.
- Suitable for: individuals trading under a business name, small shops, freelancers, market vendors
- Not a separate legal entity — you are personally liable for debts
- Can bid on ZPPA tenders up to a certain threshold
- Valid for: 1 year (renewable annually)
2. Private Limited Company (Form 3 — Companies Act 2017)
The most common structure for businesses that want to grow and bid on larger government contracts. A Private Limited Company is a separate legal entity from its owners.
- Suitable for: businesses of any size, professional services, contractors, suppliers
- Shareholders have limited liability (personal assets protected)
- Can bid on tenders of any value
- Minimum 2 directors (at least half must be Zambia residents)
- Requires a Company Secretary
3. Public Limited Company
For larger companies that intend to raise capital from the public or list on the Lusaka Securities Exchange. Not relevant for most SMEs.
4. Foreign Company Registration (Form 38)
For companies incorporated outside Zambia that want to operate in Zambia. Requires a Documentary Agent and at least one local director.
PACRA Registration Costs (2026)
| Registration Type | PACRA Fee | ZamBiz Full Service |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | ~K150 | K650 (includes all preparation) |
| Private Limited Company | ~K600–K1,200 | K1,800 (includes all preparation) |
| Foreign Company | ~K2,000+ | K3,500 |
PACRA fees are set by government and subject to change. ZamBiz service fees include form preparation, name reservation, document handling and follow-up with PACRA.
Documents Required for Registration
Business Name Registration
- Completed Form III (available from PACRA or via ZamBiz)
- Copy of NRC (National Registration Card) or Passport
- Two proposed business names (in order of preference)
- Physical address of the business
Private Limited Company
- Completed Form 3 (Application for Incorporation)
- NRC / Passport copies of all directors and shareholders
- Two proposed company names
- Principal business activity (ISIC classification code)
- Registered office physical address
- Share capital amount and class of shares
- Signed declaration of compliance (by a legal practitioner or director)
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Name reservation — Check that your proposed business name is available and not already taken on the PACRA portal
- Complete the forms — Fill in the relevant registration form accurately
- Prepare supporting documents — Gather NRC copies, addresses and other required information
- Submit to PACRA — Either in person at a PACRA office or online via the PACRA portal
- Pay registration fees — At the PACRA cashier or via PACRA's online payment system
- Collect certificate — Business Names: 3–5 days. Private Limited: 7–14 days
Common rejection reason: incorrectly completed forms or missing information. ZamBiz prepares all forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays.
After Registration — What's Next?
Once you have your PACRA certificate, you'll need several more registrations before you can bid on government tenders:
- ZRA TPIN — Register for a Tax Payer Identification Number (free, done online)
- ZRA Tax Clearance — Annual certificate confirming tax compliance
- NAPSA — National Pension Scheme registration (required if you have employees)
- NHIMA — National Health Insurance registration
- CEEC — Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (optional but gives preference points)
ZamBiz can help with all of these registrations. Contact us via WhatsApp to get started.
How Long Does PACRA Registration Take?
- Business Name: 3–5 business days
- Private Limited Company: 7–14 business days
- Foreign Company: 14–21 business days
These are standard timelines. Delays can occur during peak periods (January–March is busy). Using PACRA's online portal can sometimes be faster than physical submission.
Let ZamBiz Handle Your Registration
We prepare all forms, verify your documents, submit to PACRA and keep you updated throughout. Starting from K650 for Business Names.
Start Your Registration →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a company in Zambia if I'm not Zambian?
Yes. Non-Zambians can be directors and shareholders of Zambian companies. However, at least half of the directors must be resident in Zambia, and the company must have a registered Zambian office address.
What is the minimum share capital for a Private Limited Company?
There is no minimum share capital requirement for a Private Limited Company under the Companies Act 2017. Many companies are registered with K1,000 in share capital.
Can a Business Name bid on ZPPA government tenders?
Yes, Business Names can bid on government tenders, but they may be excluded from larger contracts that require a Private Limited Company structure. Most ZPPA tenders above K500,000 prefer or require company registration.
How do I renew a Business Name registration?
Business Name registrations must be renewed annually through PACRA. Failure to renew means the registration lapses and you lose the legal right to trade under that name.