How to register a company in Botswana, step by step

Registering a company in Botswana is straightforward when you know the exact sequence. Most people get stuck because they don't know which step comes first, or they show up at a government office without the right documents. This guide fixes that.

Step 1: Reserve your company name

Go to the CIPA portal (cipa.org.bw) and search your proposed company name. If it's available, reserve it. The reservation costs a small fee and lasts 30 days. Choose a name that doesn't conflict with an existing company and doesn't include restricted words like "Bank", "Insurance", or "Government" without the right approvals.

Step 2: Prepare your founding documents

You need a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (Form 2 and Form 3). These set out your company's purpose, share structure, and how it will be governed. Standard templates are available, or you can customise them.

Step 3: Pay the registration fee and submit

The standard registration fee is P360. Standard processing takes 7 business days. You'll submit your forms, pay the fee, and receive a notice when your Certificate of Incorporation is ready.

Step 4: Register with BURS

Within 30 days of incorporation, register your company with BURS for a tax number. This is mandatory. You'll need your Certificate of Incorporation, director IDs, and the company's registered address. The BURS registration is free.

Step 5: Open a business bank account

Take your Certificate of Incorporation, BURS tax number, and director IDs to any commercial bank. You'll need a minimum opening deposit, which varies by bank. This account is where every company transaction should run.

Step 6: Get your trading licence

Apply for a trading licence from your local council — for Gaborone, this is the Gaborone City Council. The licence type depends on your business activity. Most standard trading licences cost between P200 and P1,000 per year.

Once you have all six in place, your company is legally registered and ready to trade. Use the Registration Checklist on this page to track your progress.