How to Register a Company in Uganda
Registering a company in Uganda is a systematic process that involves selecting a company type, choosing a name, preparing documentation, and registering with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and Uganda Revenue Authority. By following this guide and utilizing the provided resources, you should be well on your way to successfully establishing your business in Uganda. Ensure you adhere to the requirements and guidelines to guarantee a seamless registration process and a thriving start for your company in this burgeoning African economy.
Step 1: Choose your company type
The first step in registering a company in Uganda is to choose the type of company you want to register. The most common types are:
- Private Limited Company
- Public Limited Company
- Unlimited Company
- Guarantee Limited Company
- Foreign Company
Step 2: Choose a company name
Before registering your company, you'll need to choose a suitable name. The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has guidelines for acceptable names, which can be found at this link: https://ursb.go.ug/services/business-registration/
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Next, prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents are:
- Articles of Association (for all types)
- Application for Company Registration (for all types)
- These forms can be downloaded from the URSB's website: https://ursb.go.ug/forms/
Step 4: Identify company officers and shareholders
You will need to identify at least one director and one shareholder for all company types. Directors or representatives must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Step 5: Capital requirements
Uganda does not have a specific minimum capital requirement for companies, but the capital should be adequate for the nature of the proposed business.
Step 6: Register your company
Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). This can be done in person at their office or online via the following link: https://ursb.go.ug/services/business-registration/
The fees for registering a company are as follows:
Name Reservation: UGX 20,000 (approximately $5.5)
Registration fee: UGX 20,000 per 100,000 of nominal share capital (approximately $5.5 per $27)
Filing Fee: UGX 25,000 (approximately $7)
Step 7: Register for taxes
After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). This can be done online via the following link: https://www.ura.go.ug
Step 8: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses. Check with the relevant authorities and industry regulators for specific requirements.
Time-frame:
The entire registration process, from preparing documents to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.
