Business Setup in Mozambique
Incorporation is one milestone; being able to invoice, bank, hire and operate legally is another. This page covers the operational setup that follows registration.
After the registry stage, a company becomes functional through four parallel tracks: tax activation, banking, premises licensing and employment. Treating them sequentially is the most common reason a company sits registered but idle for weeks.
Tax activation means the corporate NUIT and a start-of-activity declaration that fixes your tax profile, followed by periodic filing obligations that apply even in months with no revenue.
Employment means written contracts, social security enrolment and compliant payroll from the first hire. Premises licensing means the municipal trading licence and, for many activities, an inspection before opening.
Content prepared by the Empresas.co.mz legal team in Maputo.
Operational checklist
Corporate tax number
NUIT issued after commercial registration is complete.
Start of activity
Declaration that activates the company's tax profile.
Corporate bank account
Opened with registry certificate, articles and representative identification.
Trading licence
Municipal licence for the premises where you operate.
Social security enrolment
Required before staff start work.
Accounting setup
Organised bookkeeping and compliant invoicing from day one.
Ongoing support
Compliance calendar
Filing and renewal dates tracked so nothing lapses.
Corporate changes
Address, management, capital and shareholder updates registered.
Business services
Trademarks, certificates and additional filings as you grow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I invoice before completing tax registration?
No. Compliant invoicing requires the corporate tax number and an active tax profile.
How long does opening a bank account take?
It varies by bank and depends on complete corporate documents and representative identification; plan for it to run in parallel with licensing.
Does a dormant company still file?
Yes. Periodic declarations remain due regardless of turnover.
Do you work outside Maputo?
Yes — Matola, Beira, Nampula, Nacala, Tete, Quelimane, Pemba and other provincial capitals.
Related services
- 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.
- Social Security (INSS) EnrolmentEnrol your company and staff with INSS in Mozambique and hire legally, with payroll guidance included.
- Commercial and Industrial LicensingObtain your trading licence, industrial permit or sector-specific licence in Mozambique with full legal support.
Related guides
- 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.
- Opening a Corporate Bank Account in MozambiqueDocuments required by Mozambican banks, KYC requirements and how to speed up opening your company account.
- INSS Registration and Employee EnrolmentHow to register your company and staff with INSS in Mozambique, monthly contributions and related labour obligations.
- How to Obtain a Trading Licence (Alvará) in MozambiqueRequirements, competent authorities and timelines to obtain a commercial, industrial or services licence in Mozambique.
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.