Register a business in Uganda


A. How to register a local business

    1. Search for the business name
      Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
      Period: 30 minutes Cost: free
      Notes: Quick name check – see the main link for naming guidelines
    1. Reserve the Business Name
      Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
      Period: 1 – 3 hrs Cost: UGX 24,000
      Notes: Check the status of name application
    1. Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation
      Agency: Uganda Registration Services Bureau
      Period: 4 – 6 hrs Cost: Various options
      Notes: Subject to submission of all relevant documents
    1. Obtain an Investment License
      Agency: Uganda Investment Authority
      Period: 2-5 Days Cost: Free of Charge
      Notes: For foreign investors
    1. Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
      Agency: Uganda Revenue Authority
      Period: 1-10 Days Cost: Free of charge but if the third party used, agent costs apply
    1. 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
    1. Register with National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
      Agency: National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
      Period: 1-7 Days Cost: Free of Charge
      Notes: Applies to all employers with 5 or more employees
      Forms: Employer registration form, Employee registration form

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

B. How to register a foreign business

A foreign company is one that 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.