Yes, it is. According to the law non-compliance is subject to penalties, fines and up to 6 months imprisonment.
Business or Shop Licences
A business or shop licence is given by a licensing authority as certification that a place of business meets the minimum requirements for safe, healthy and sanitary standards.
Zimbabwean law requires the “licensing of certain trades and businesses carried on in shops, stores and other fixed places of business” Shop Licences Act [Chapter 14:17] / Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15].
According to the Harare (Licensed Premises) (Amendment) By-laws, no person shall carry on any business specified in these by-laws, or use any premises for any purpose-
- unless he or she is the holder of a relevant licence; and
- except on the premises specified in such licence.
What we will do for you:
- Inform you of the licence fee needed for your industry category .
- Inform you of all requirements needed for the process.
- Write and/or fill out any applications needed by the licencing authority.
- Submit the application on your behalf and do any follow-ups needed.
- Collect registration documents.
- Inform you to collect documents or deliver documents if you have ordered delivery services.
What we will do for youAdvantages of a business or shop license:
A business or shop license is needed to be able to do business in Zimbabwe. Chief advantages include:
Compliance with the law
Do business without stress
Avoid fines and penalties
Avoid imprisonment
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements for a business / shop license:
General information:
- Name of applicant (can be an individual or company name)
- Trade name
- Name of person in control
- Telephone / cell No
- Email address
- ID No
- Stand number (please note that stand no is different from street address)
- Street number/ Shop number
- Postal address
- Nature of business trade
Requirements for non-food premises
- Building with approved plans.
- Male and female sanitary fitments.
- Approved means of lighting and ventilation
Approved wall and floor finish. - Operating and storage space.
- Approved waste storage facilities.
A business or shop license usually takes around 7 days (the law provides up to a maximum of 21 days for this to be processed)
The license is valid for a minimum of 12 months but can be up to 5 years as the licensing authority may determine at it’s own discretion.
Some restrictions that come with a license are:
- Renewal of the license upon expiry.
- Ownership of the license is not transferable.
- The license is valid only for the specific business premises for which it is issued.
- The license is valid only for the specific business activities for which it is issued.
- You are obligated to inform the licensing authority in the event of the person in effective control of the business changes.