Business laws in Zambia demand having your business or company to be registered with PACRA. Pacra business registration is a must to do task whenever someone wants to do a legal business.
Unfortunately, many found it so difficult because registering business with Pacra online is a challenge due to lack of well outlined procedure. Personally, at first, I paid someone for this same service of Pacra Business Registration without knowing how simple it is.
I have decided to expose this information to the public so that those who may read it could acquire the knowledge and start doing it for themselves. Paying someone is still okay but sometimes the process may be time consuming and costly. So far so good, I have registered many business names and they have obtained their business names and certificates.
What is PACRA?
PACRA, or the Patents and Companies Registration Agency, is part of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry. It was set up by the PACRA Act in 2010, and it still operates under a newer version of that law from 2020. Basically, PACRA helps with two main things: registering businesses and protecting intellectual property (like patents and trademarks). Even though it’s a relatively young agency, it plays a big role in giving people their intellectual property rights and serves as the official place where business and intellectual property information is stored in Zambia.
The Importance of registering your business or local companies in Zambia.
- Your PACRA certificate will be requested when opening a Bank Business account
- If by any chance you want to access a business loan, PACRA certificate is a must
- In a situation where you are involved in some conflict with the law involving your business, a PACRA certificate could save you at a great magnitude. If it is discovered that your business is not registered you could be penalised for illegality activities.
- Creating a trustworthy and good reputation to your customers/clients. Serious and civilised customers/clients can never trust unregistered service.
How to register your business name or company with PACRA
In order to register your name with PACRA follow the following steps given below. Note that this is not a complete procedure, it is just an outline of how the procedure is taken. While you interact with the PACRA self service portal you will get used to it and all will be well. It is also good to note that the Pacra fees are affordable for both locals and foreigners.
1. Visit https://www.pacra.org.zm/
Click on online services page
2. Register your Personal Details:
Using the business or personal active email to register/signup here is the link for signup: https://portal.pacra.org.zm/signup. Let me give you few steps on how to to it through pictorial presentation:
- Click on online services as shown below:
- Choose Pacra portal
- click on create new account/log in if you have an existing account
If your google account is well set up you can ‘continue with’ to make the process more easier.
- Enter your personal details
Remember to save your password and set your Pacra account for automatic log in because you will be login to your account severally until your Pacra Business Registration is completed.
3. Name Clearance
Name clearance is a step where you submit 3 suggested business names (of your choice as shown in the Pacra Business Registration). Here is what it is done:
- Log in to your PACRA account
- Tab on business registration
- Click on name clearance
- Pay K111.20 (use Airtel or MTN money)
- Download the Name Application Form and fill in as shown below:
| 1. | First Name | ||
| 2. | Surname | ||
| 3. | Gender | ||
| 4. | Date of Birth | ||
| 5. | Nationality | ||
| 6. | Identity TypeFor Zambians: NRCFor non-Zambians: NRC/Passport/ Driver’s License/Resident Permit | ||
| 7. | Identity Number | ||
| 8. | Mobile Number Include the international code (e.g. +260 for Zambia) | ||
| 9. | Email Address | ||
| 10. | Physical Address | Plot/House/Village | |
| 11. | Street | ||
| 12. | Area | ||
| 13. | Town | ||
| 14. | Province | ||
| 15. | Country | ||
| DETAILS OF NAME CLEARANCE | |||
| PROPOSED BUSINESS NAMES ( Please refer to Name Clearance Guidelines when proposing names) | |||
| Proposed business names:Maximum of 3 names | 1. | ||
| 2. | |||
| 3. | |||
| The principal business shall be: | Business activity to be classified in accordance with the ISIC Classification. A full list of the trade classification codes is available on our website: www.pacra.org.zm | ||
| Other business activities: | |||
| Name(s) of Promoter(s): | |||
| Nature of PromotersTick appropriate option | Individual/Partnership | ||
| Body Corporate | |||
| Signature of Applicant: Date: | |||
After payment and filling in of details in this form shown above, submit your name clearance application to PACRA attaching it with NRC, TPIN and your Image. The PACRA online representative will go through your Name Clearance Application.
If all is done well, your business name will be approved, if not you will be told to make a revision and resubmit. Once it is Approved proceed to the next step.
4. Register your Business
- You will be given an option for business registration and application form to fill in.
- Pay the money, a fee of K222.40 for business registration.
| Please complete in block letters | Shaded fields for official use only | Certificate No.Reference No. | |||||
| Date and Time | |||||||
| Approved Name of Business: | |||||||
| INDIVIDUAL/ FIRM | |||||||
| 1. | (a) Present Name(s) | ||||||
| (b) Surname(s) of Applicant(s) | |||||||
| (c) Former Name(s) | |||||||
| (d) Age of applicant(s) | |||||||
| 2. | (a) Nationality of applicant(s) | ||||||
| (b) Identity card – – National Registration Card No.(s) | |||||||
| – Passport No.(s) | |||||||
| 3. | (a) Notification address | ||||||
| Telephone/Cell No(s). | |||||||
| Fax No. | |||||||
| Email address(es) | |||||||
| (b) Residential address(es) | |||||||
| IF APPLICANT IS A CORPORATE BODY | |||||||
| 4. | (a) Company name and No. | ||||||
| (b) Business address | |||||||
| (c) Notification/Postal address | |||||||
| (d) Email address | |||||||
| GENERAL INFORMATION | |||||||
| 5. | Type of business or undertaking to be conducted | ||||||
| 6. | Location of proposed business | Plot No. | Is premises owner occupier or rented premises? (state name of the owner, if rented) | ||||
| 7. | Proposed date of commencement of business (dd/mm/yy) | z | |||||
| 8. | Financial year end (dd/mm/yy) | ||||||
| 9. | Have you previously held a certificate of registration which was suspended or cancelled by the Registrar | ||||||
| If yes, specify details:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Reason for cancellation:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… of cancellation:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… | |||||||
| 10. | Do you have a valid registration in respect of any other business name? | ||||||
| If yes, specify details:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Other existing business name:……………………………………………………………………………………………………Date of registration:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. | |||||||
| 11. | Business names previously held by the applicant under the Registration of Business Names Act or similar legislation outside Zambia | Certificate No. | Location | ||||
| 12. | Do you have any interest by way of partnership/directorship/shareholding in any business or occupation other than the one in respect of which the application relates? | ||||||
| If yes, specify details:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Other existing business name:……………………………………………………………………………………………………Date of registration:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… | |||||||
| 13. | STATUTORY DECLARATIONI/We …………………………………………. do solemnly declare as follows:(a) that the information provided in this Form is correct and true; and(b) that my certificate of registration has never been suspended or cancelled; and I /we make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true to the best of my/our knowledge and belief. …………………………………………………. …………………………….. Applicant‘s signature(s) Date | ||||||
| FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Received by: ………………………………………………………………… …………………………..… Officer Date OFFICAL STAMP Receipt No.: ………………………………………………………………… Date Received: ………………………………………………………………Amount Received: ………………………………………………………….Serial No. of application: ………………………………………………….. | |||||||
- Print out the form, fill in all the information, attach your NRC, your portrait image and TPIN then submit via PACRA Business Registration self service portal.
5. Download Your Business registration certificate (the last form to fill during Pacra Business Registration)
After all is done an email address will be sent to you containing the Business Registration Certificate and terms and conditions. Download the copy, print it out and start using it for different purposes. When you register your business online with PACRA, the process of Business TPIN acquisition will be simple, nevertheless, we have a complete guide on registration of both Personal and business TPIN here.
You are likely to receive a Pacra Business registration like this one shown in the image below:
PACRA Business Registration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is PACRA?
PACRA, or the Patents and Companies Registration Agency, is a Zambian government agency under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry. It is responsible for registering businesses, companies, and protecting intellectual property like patents and trademarks.
2. Why is it important to register my business with PACRA?
Pacra Business Registration ensures that you comply with Zambian business laws. It allows you to open a business account, apply for business loans, and helps protect your business from legal issues related to operating without a registered entity.
3. Can I register my Pacra Business Registration online?
Yes, PACRA offers an online portal where you can easily register your business without visiting their physical offices. This same content article gives an outline about it.
4. How do I start the Pacra Business Registration online?
To begin, visit PACRA’s official website, sign up or log in to the PACRA portal, and start the name clearance process by submitting up to three proposed business names.
5. What is name clearance on Pacra Business Registration?
Name clearance is the step in the registration process where you submit potential names for your business. PACRA checks the availability of these names to ensure there are no duplicates or conflicts with existing businesses in and outside Zambia. The Process takes only less than 24 hours.
6. What documents do I need to register my business online with PACRA?
You will need your National Registration Card (NRC) or passport (for non-Zambians), TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), and a portrait image of yourself. Additional forms and documents may be required based on your business or company type.
7. How much does it cost to register a business with PACRA online?
For a simple business or company, the name clearance fee is K111.20, while the business registration fee is K222.40. That’s less than K500.
8. What happens after I submit my application online?
After submitting your application, PACRA will review your documents. If your business name is approved and all details are correct, you will receive a Pacra business registration certificate via email which you provided during the very initial stage(s)
9. Can I download and print my business registration certificate?
Yes, once PACRA approves your application, you will receive your business registration certificate via email, which you can download, print, and use for various purposes. Never fake a Pacra Business Registration Certificate it is a punishable crime.
10. What should I do if my business name is not approved?
if your proposed business name is not approved, PACRA will inform you to make revisions and resubmit your application. Suggestions will also be given to you.
11. Is it mandatory to acquire Pacra Business registration certificate?
Yes, under Zambian business laws, it is mandatory to register your business with PACRA to ensure compliance and avoid future legal penalties.
12. Can I hire someone to work on my Pacra Business Registration Certificate for me?
Yes, while it is possible to hire someone to complete the registration for you, this blog post provides a simple step-by-step guide that allows you to do it yourself and save on costs and time.
13. How long does the online registration process take?
The timeline can vary, but once your application is submitted and approved, you should receive your certificate via email within a few business days. Precisely it takes less than 7 working days.
Conclusion:
Registering your business with PACRA online is not as complicated as it may seem. By following the outlined procedure, you can easily navigate the PACRA registration process without the need to pay for external services. The process involves accessing the PACRA online portal, conducting a name clearance, filling out PACRA forms, and submitting the required documents.
With a few clicks, you can secure your PACRA certificate, which is necessary for business compliance in Zambia. This certificate allows you to open a business account, apply for loans, and avoid potential legal issues. By taking control of the process, you ensure that your business is properly registered with PACRA, safeguarding its future and ensuring compliance with business laws in Zambia. Remember to clear all annual returns in order to avoid your Business from being deregistered.
If any issues may arise at any stage please contact us. We are very ready to help you at zero kwacha cost. Seeing you progressing is our dream and focus. Your comments and contribution are welcome.
