Business Registration Requirements In Uganda

Business Registration Requirements In Uganda

Business registration means sending in an application with information about the business. For example, a corporation registers with a state by completing Articles of Incorporation.

Business Registration Requirements In Uganda

Search for the business name
Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
Period: 30 minutes Cost: free

Reserve the Business Name
Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
Period: 1 – 3 hrs Cost: UGX 24,000

Obtain Certificate of Incorporation
Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
Period: 4 – 6 hrs Cost: Various options
Notes: Subject to submission of all relevant documents

Obtain an Investment License
Agency: Uganda Investment Authority
Period: 2-5 Days Cost: Free of Charge
Notes: For foreign investors

Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Agency: Uganda Revenue Authority

Period: 1-10 Days Cost: Free of charge but if third party used, agent costs apply

Obtain a Trading License
Agency: Local Municipal Authority/Council Authority
Period: 1 Day Cost: UGX 78,750 – UGX 498,750
Notes: Business premises should be ready for inspection. Expire on 31st December each year

Register with National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
Agency: National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
Period: 1-7 Days Cost: Free of Charge

Make a Company Seal
Agency: Seal Maker
Period: 1 Day Cost: UGX 225,000
Notes: Different from company stamp. Put in secure place and limit access.

How to register a foreign business

A foreign company is one which is incorporated in another country. If such a company wishes to carry out business in Uganda, it must be registered locally. To register a foreign company, the following documents are required for the above process:

  1. Certified copies of Memorandum of Articles of Association/Charter/ Constitution and Certificate from the country of origin duly witnessed.
  2. Registration forms:
    • Form 24 – Particulars of Directors and Secretary
    • Form 13 – Statement of all subsisting charges
    • Form 25 – List of Names and Address of Persons Resident in Uganda authorized to accept service on behalf of the company
    • Form 26 – Address and Principle Office of Company.