Business Licences in Mozambique
Registration lets a company exist; a licence lets it trade. Most activities need a municipal trading licence, and regulated sectors need ministry authorisation before operations start.
Licensing follows your declared activity codes. Those codes determine which permits apply and whether the premises must be inspected — common in food service, health, education, transport and storage.
Where an inspection applies, the timeline shifts from paperwork to physical readiness. Preparing the premises against the requirements before the visit avoids a failed inspection and a rescheduled return weeks later.
We handle initial applications, inspection scheduling and renewals, and flag in the client portal every activity that needs an additional licence before trading can begin.
Content prepared by the Empresas.co.mz legal team in Maputo.
Licence types
Trading licence
Municipal permit for commercial and service activities.
Operating permit (alvará)
Authorises the activity at the declared premises.
Sector authorisation
Issued by the competent ministry for regulated activities.
Premises inspection
Verification of the site before issuance, where required.
Renewals
Time-limited licences renewed before expiry.
Amendments
Changing location or activity requires updating the licence.
Activities with heavier requirements
Food and beverage
Health requirements and premises inspection.
Health and pharmacy
Sector authorisation and technical standards.
Transport
Licensing tied to fleet and routes.
Construction
Classification and qualification to execute works.
Frequently asked questions
Can we operate while the licence is pending?
No. Trading without the required permit exposes the business to fines and closure of the premises.
How do I know if my activity needs an inspection?
It depends on the declared activity codes. Our registration flow flags activities requiring inspection or an additional licence automatically.
Is a licence valid nationwide?
Trading licences are tied to the place of business. Opening in another municipality requires separate licensing.
Do you manage renewals?
Yes. We track expiry dates and file renewals before they lapse.
Related services
- Commercial and Industrial LicensingObtain your trading licence, industrial permit or sector-specific licence in Mozambique with full legal support.
- Company Registration in MozambiqueRegister your Lda, Unipessoal, sole trader or S.A. in Mozambique online. Name reservation, deed, NUIT and licences handled by our legal team.
- Certificates and Corporate DocumentsRequest commercial registry certificates, tax clearance, certified copies and extracts for your Mozambican company online.
Related guides
- How to Obtain a Trading Licence (Alvará) in MozambiqueRequirements, competent authorities and timelines to obtain a commercial, industrial or services licence in Mozambique.
- Declaration of Commencement of Activity at the Tax AuthorityWhen and how to file the declaration of commencement of activity, VAT regimes and the tax obligations that start from that date.
- One-Stop Shop (BAU) in Mozambique: How It WorksWhat the BAU handles, which documents to bring, how long it takes and how to avoid unnecessary trips when registering your company.
- How Much It Costs to Open a Company in MozambiqueCost structure of company registration in Mozambique: official fees, publication, licensing and professional fees — no surprises.
Starting, registering, investing and doing business in Mozambique
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Start your request online
Submit the request, pay online and track every stage in the client portal. Our legal team handles the rest.