How to Register a Company in Mozambique
This page focuses on the registry itself — the filings, the certificate that proves your company exists, and the updates required whenever the company changes.
The commercial registry entry is what makes the company enforceable against third parties. Banks, tenders and international counterparties all start from the registry certificate, and they expect it to be recently issued.
Registration is not a one-off event. Changing the registered office, appointing or removing managers, increasing capital, transferring shares or amending the business purpose each require their own filing and, where applicable, publication.
Companies that skip these updates keep operating normally until the moment they need financing or want to bid — and then discover the registry does not match reality.
Content prepared by the Empresas.co.mz legal team in Maputo.
Filings we handle
Incorporation entry
First registration of the company and its bodies.
Registered office change
Updating the official address of the company.
Management changes
Appointment, resignation or removal of managers.
Capital increase
New capital registered and shareholdings updated.
Share transfers
Shareholders entering or leaving, registered and published.
Certificates
Commercial registry certificates for banks and tenders.
When you will need a certificate
Bank financing
Lenders verify management and capital before approval.
Public tenders
Tender documents typically require recent issuance.
Cross-border due diligence
Foreign counterparties start from the registry record.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between registration and tax registration?
The commercial registry identifies the company to third parties; the tax number identifies it to the Tax Authority. Both are required.
Do registry certificates expire?
They do not expire in themselves, but banks and tenders usually require a recently issued copy.
We changed address but never filed. Is that a problem?
Yes. Official notices continue going to the registered address, so obligations can be missed without your knowledge.
Can you fix an out-of-date registry record?
Yes. We review the corporate history and file the missing acts.
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.
- Corporate AmendmentsChange shareholders, share capital, company name, activity or registered office in Mozambique with full legal support.
- Certificates and Corporate DocumentsRequest commercial registry certificates, tax clearance, certified copies and extracts for your Mozambican company online.
Related guides
- Publication in the Boletim da República: What You Need to KnowHow publication of articles of association in the Boletim da República works: process, timings and what to do after publication.
- Company Name Reservation in MozambiqueHow to reserve your company name at the Legal Entities Registry: requirements, certificate validity and common rejection causes.
- 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.
- Articles of Association: How They Are DraftedWhat your company's articles must include in Mozambique: capital, shares, management, financial year and clauses that prevent disputes.
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