How to Register a Company in Malawi

Starting a business in Malawi has become more streamlined with the introduction of the online registration system. This guide walks you through the process of registering your company using the Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS).

Online Registration Process

Company registration in Malawi is now done entirely online through the MBRS portal. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Create an Account

1. Visit the official MBRS website: https://mbrs.gov.mw
2. Click on “CREATE ACCOUNT”
3. Choose between “Citizen” (requires National ID) or “Non-Citizen” (requires Passport number)
4. Complete the registration form with your personal details

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the registration process, make sure you have:

• A digital copy of your ID (National ID or Passport)
• Access to a printer
• Access to a scanner
• Company details including:
  • Proposed company name
  • Details of directors
  • Details of shareholders
  • Business activities

Step 3: Company Incorporation

1. Log in to your MBRS account
2. Select “Company Incorporation” from the services menu
3. Fill in all required fields in the application form
4. The system will auto-generate the following documents as PDFs:
   • Consent and Certificate of Directors
   • Consent of Shareholders
   • Memorandum of Association
   • Articles of Association
5. Print these documents, sign them, and scan them
6. Upload the signed documents back to the system

Step 4: Name Reservation

If you’re not ready to register immediately, you can reserve your company name to prevent others from using it. Note that names containing “MALAWI” require approval from the Office of President and Cabinet.

Step 5: Payment and Certification

1. After completing the application, you’ll receive an Application Number
2. Take this number to FDH Bank at the registration office
3. Pay the registration fee of MK75,000 for a Limited Company
4. Once payment is processed, your status will change to “Registered”
5. Download your Certificate of Incorporation

The entire registration process typically takes about 36 hours to complete.

Registration Fees

The following fees apply for business registration in Malawi (effective from August 13, 2020):

Business Type	Fee
Sole Proprietorship	MK10,000
Partnership	MK10,000
Limited Company	MK75,000
Trustees	MK50,000
Foreign Companies	MK250,000
Renewal (before 30 days from expiry)	MK10,000
Renewal (after 30 days from expiry)	MK30,000

Tax Obligations

After registering your company, you’ll need to register for various taxes:

1. Value Added Tax (VAT)

• Standard rate: 16.5%
• Applies to most goods and services
• Some items are exempt or zero-rated

2. Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

• Employers must deduct income tax from employee earnings
• Rates vary based on income brackets
• Must be remitted to Malawi Revenue Authority

3. Withholding Tax

• An advance payment of income tax deducted from certain payments
• The payer is responsible for withholding and remitting to MRA

Next Steps After Registration

Once your company is registered:

1. Open a business bank account
2. Register with the Malawi Revenue Authority for tax purposes
3. Apply for any necessary licenses or permits specific to your industry
4. Consider registering for TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number)

For more detailed information on tax obligations and business operations in Malawi, visit the Malawi Revenue Authority website.

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This guide is provided by Dzaleka Online Services Team to assist refugee-led organisations and entreprenuers in the registration process. While we strive to provide accurate information, regulations may change. Always verify current requirements with official government sources.