Obtaining a business license and permit is the process of applying for and receiving the necessary government documents to legally operate a business. The specific requirements for obtaining such documents vary depending on the type of business and the locality. Generally, an application must be filled out and submitted to the appropriate governing body, and any applicable fees must be paid. Once approved, the business will be issued a license or permit that must be renewed annually or periodically.
What Should one do to obtain a business license and permit?
1. Check your local and state requirements:
Before applying for any business license or permit, it is important to research and understand the requirements of your local and state government. Each state and local government has different laws and regulations for businesses.
2. Determine the type of license or permit you to need:
Depending on the type of business you are operating, you may need multiple licenses and permits. Research the types of licenses and permits that may be required to operate your business.
3. Fill out the application:
Once you have determined the types of licenses and permits you need, you can begin to fill out the application. It is important to read all instructions and fill out the application completely and accurately.
4. Gather the required documents:
Most applications will require supporting documents such as financial statements, proof of identity, proof of business address, and other documents.
5. Submit the application and documents:
Once you have completed the application and gathered the required documents, you can submit them to the appropriate government agency.
6. Pay any required fees:
Depending on the type of business license or permit you are applying for, you may have to pay a fee.
7. Wait for approval:
Once you have submitted the application and documents, you must wait for approval. The approval process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the type of license or permit you are applying for.
8. Receive your business license or permit:
After your application has been approved, you will receive your business license or permit. Depending on the type of license or permit, you may need to renew it every year.
NB: These are general requirements but one needs to follow country-specific requirements for obtaining business licenses and permits. The following section shares the necessary steps to follow to obtain a business license and permit in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Obtaining a Business Licence in Tanzania
1. Decide on the type of business license you need.
The type of business license needed depends on the type of business you intend to do. For example, if you plan to start a restaurant, you will need a restaurant license. Other business licenses may include a manufacturing license, import/export license, financial service license, and professional license.
2. Register your business with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA).
You must first register your business with BRELA before you can apply for any licenses. This can be done online or in person at any of the BRELA offices. The required documents include the business name, address, and business plan.
3. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
A TIN is required to pay taxes and to be able to open a bank account. You can obtain a TIN by submitting a completed application form with supporting documents to any TRA office.
4. Submit a business plan to the Tanzania Investment Center (TIC).
The business plan should include information about the business, such as the type of business, location, capital requirements, personnel needs, financial projections, marketing strategy, and any other relevant information.
5. Apply for the relevant license with all the required documents to the TIC.
The application should include all the necessary documents, such as the TIN, business registration certificate, proof of payment of applicable fees, and other documents as needed.
6. Pay the applicable fees.
The fees for a business license vary depending on the type of license and the nature of the business. The fees must be paid before the application is processed.
7. Wait for the TIC to review the application and issue approval.
Once the application is received, the TIC will review it and make a decision. This process can take up to two months.
8. Collect the license from the TIC.
Once the application is approved, the TIC will issue the license. The license must be collected in person at the TIC office.
9. Register with the local government authority (e.g. municipal council).
You must also register with the local government authority, such as the municipal council, to obtain a business license. This can be done online or in person at the local government office.
10. Collect the license from the local government authority.
Once the registration is complete, the local government authority will issue the business license. This must be collected in person at the local government office.