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COMPANY REGISTRATION IN UGANDA | REGISTERING A COMPANY IN UGANDA | REGISTRATION OF A COMPANY IN UGANDA

Company Registration in Uganda - Register a company in Uganda
Company Registration in Uganda - Register a Company in Uganda
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Company Registration in Uganda – Are you looking to register a company in Uganda? Congratulations! we provide professional advice and expertise to local and foreign Investors in various industries. Our goal is to provide valuable services that enable you to start and grow your company in Uganda.

Introduction to Company Registration in Uganda

Registration of a company in Uganda is the formal process of establishing a legal entity to conduct business activities in Uganda. It provides a company with legal recognition, protection, and access to various benefits and business opportunities in Uganda. 

N/B- In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about registering a company in Uganda. We will guide you through the URSB Name Search, the process of registration of a foreign company in Uganda, the types of companies in Uganda, the cost of registration of a company in Uganda, and corporate tax in Uganda. We’ll also assist you in obtaining the necessary permits and navigating through the final stages of tax registration, bank account opening, and obtaining your certificate of incorporation in Uganda. This step-by-step guide is exactly what you need to smoothly navigate the process of company registration in Uganda. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the ins and outs of registration of a company in Uganda is crucial for your company success.

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is a government agency in Uganda responsible for facilitating the registration of businesses, companies, and intellectual property. It offers a name search service to help individuals or businesses check the availability of a proposed name before registering it. This process is useful for ensuring that the name you wish to use is unique and has not already been registered by another entity.
To conduct a name search with URSB, you typically need to:
 
  1. Visit the URSB office or conduct an online search: The Uganda Registration Services Bureau has physical offices where you can request the name search service. The other option is to conduct an Online Name Search through the official URSB website to use their online name search tool, which allows you to check if your desired business or company name is available.
  2. Payment: There is a small fee associated with the name search. Ensure that you are aware of the costs involved before proceeding.
  3. Submit Request: After checking the name availability, you can proceed with registering your business name if it is available.
N/B- It is also important to note that the Registrar of Companies in Uganda is the office responsible for overseeing the registration, regulation, and monitoring of businesses and companies in the country. It operates under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which is a government agency tasked with ensuring compliance with the laws related to business registration, intellectual property, and civil registration in Uganda.
 

Uganda Registered Companies | URSB List of Registered Companies |Types of Companies in Uganda | List of Companies in Uganda

All Uganda Registered companies fall under one of these categories

 1. Sole Proprietorship: A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of business in Uganda. It involves an individual running a business on their own, with no formal legal structure. This means that the owner is personally liable for the entire operation, including debts and liabilities.

2. Partnership: A partnership is a business structure in which two or more persons share ownership of a company. Partnership can be either general partnerships or limited partnerships. In a general partnership, all partners share equal responsibility for the business, whereas in a limited partnership, at least one general partner is in charge of day-to-day operations and one or more limited partners contribute capital but have limited role in business management.

3. Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is a business structure that combines the advantages of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership. An LLC gives its owners limited liability protection, which means they are only liable for the amount of money they invested in the business. Furthermore, an LLC is not required to pay corporate taxes, and the business’s profits and losses can be passed directly to the owners for tax purposes.

4. Public Limited Company (PLC): A public limited company is a type of business registration for companies that desire to raise funds from the general public by issuing shares. The owners of a PLC are limited in liability, while the company’s shares are freely traded on a stock exchange. A PLC must have at least seven shareholders and a board of directors.

5. Non-Profit Company: A non-profit company is a type of business registration meant for groups that do not seek to make a profit. Non-profit organizations are frequently created for charitable or social purposes, and any profits must be reinvested into the organization

NB – At Afrisetup, we have streamlined the registration of a company in Uganda, making it smooth for any business owner seeking to register any type of company. Feel free to engage with us for a better experience.

 

URSB Online Company Registration In Uganda | How To Register A Company In Uganda | Process Of Registering A Company In Uganda | Company Registration Process in Uganda

At Afrisetup, we follow these important steps to assist you with company registration in Uganda, ensuring a smooth and successful process:

  1. Create a Profile on Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) using your ID Number / Passport Number

URSB is the new online platform by the registrar of companies in Uganda to help with all new company registration in Uganda.

  1. Conduct a URSB name reservation.

Here you will be required to add at least 3 company names and then make a payment to reserve the company name. Name reservation takes a Maximum of 3 days.

  1. Add Particulars of the company

Here you will be required to add the company’s physical address, proposed Share capital and shareholders of the company.

  1. Enter particulars of the memorandum and articles of association

Here you will choose whether to adopt the general Memorandum and Articles of association or opt to upload a customized copy

The Memorandum of Association should include the following details: 

• Company name 

• Registered address 

• Object clause 

• Share capital 

• Share class, value, and quantity 

• Subscribers’ information, including their occupation, postal address, and number of shares subscribed (for companies limited by shares) 

• Provision for signatures 

• Date and witness information 

• In the case of a corporate subscriber, the company’s seal must be affixed.

  1. Enter the directors’ details

Here you will be required to add the directors details like Full name, Phone number, ID / Passport number Email and residential Address.

  1. Enter the Official company contacts

Here you will be required to Key in the Company email address and phone number

  1. Download, Sign and upload the registration forms

At this stage you will be required to append a clear signature against your name and then upload the documents back on URSB.

  1. Make Payment and submit he application on URSB

Here you will be required to pay the requisite statutory fees and submit the application. If there are no corrections, the company will be approved in about 7 Days

To have a fully fledged company, you will need to consider the following steps after Registering a company in Uganda:

  1. Company and Directors Tax Registration
  2. Company Bank account opening
  3. Business License Application
  4. Apply for any other industry specific License
 

Requirements for registering a company in Uganda |Requirements to register a company in Uganda | What is required to register a company in Uganda?| Documents required to register a company in Uganda

Before registering a company in Uganda, it is important to note the requirements for company registration in Uganda. Here are some of the requirements for registration of a company in Uganda:
  1. Three preferred names of the proposed company
  2. A Description of the activities of the Business/ Company
  3. Copies of Travel Passport of all the directors and shareholders (An LLC should have at least 2 shareholders)
  4. Passport size photographs of all the directors and shareholders
  5. Postal, Physical and e-mail address, telephone number and occupation of all shareholders/directors of the proposed company
  6. Share apportionment percentage.
NB – For over a decade, we have made the process of company registration hassle-free for both foreign and local investors. Trust us as the go-to company for registration of a company in Uganda.

Company registration fees in Uganda| Fees for registering a company in Uganda | URSB company Registration fees | Cost Of Registering A Company In Uganda| How much does it cost to register an organization in Uganda?

Statutory Fees for a Local company with a share capital of up to UGX 5 Million will cost a Minimum of 20 dollars. 

A company with a share capital more than UGX 5 Million is required to pay registration fees equivalent to 1% of the share capital and a stamp duty of 0.5% of the share capital.

Corporate Tax in Uganda | Taxation for Registered Companies in Uganda

Companies in Uganda are subject to the following Taxes in Uganda

  • Corporate Tax – 30%
  • Value Added Tax – 18%
  • Payroll Taxes – A graduated scale of Between 10 and 40%
  • Withholding Taxes – Between 6 and 20%

Registration of a Foreign Company in Uganda | Registering a foreign company in Uganda | Registration of a foreign company in Uganda 

Uganda, with its strategic location in East Africa, abundant natural resources, and a stable economic environment, offers immense opportunities for foreign investors. Registering a company in Uganda is the first crucial step for any foreign business looking to capitalize on these opportunities.
 

Requirements for registering a foreign company in Uganda 

To register a foreign company in Uganda, the following documents and prerequisites are necessary:
1. Certified copies of the company’s charter or constitution.
2. A list of directors and shareholders, including their contact details.
3. A registered office address in Uganda.
4. Proof of identity for directors (passports or national IDs).
5. A Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the company.
6. Clearance from relevant authorities for specific industries (if applicable).
 

How to Register a Foreign Company in Uganda

 Foreign companies that have already been incorporated in their home countries must follow specific steps to establish a presence in Uganda. To legally operate in Uganda, such companies need to register with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). The following documents are required to register a foreign company:
1. Certified copies of the Memorandum of Articles of Association, Charter, Constitution, and the Certificate of Incorporation from the country of origin, all duly witnessed.
2. Registration forms:
o Form 24: Details of Directors and Secretary
o Form 13: Statement of all current charges
o Form 25: List of names and addresses of persons residing in Uganda who are authorized to accept service on behalf of the company
o Form 26: Address and principal office of the company in Uganda
3. Payment for the registration of the company name in Uganda to ensure the exact name is recorded.
These steps ensure the foreign company complies with local regulations and can legally conduct business in Uganda.
 

Benefits of registering a company in Uganda | What are the benefits of registering a company in Uganda?

Company setup in Uganda offers several advantages, including:

  1. Legal recognition:

Registering a company gives your company legal recognition, which aids in the protection of your brand and assets.

  1. Access to funding:

Company formation in Uganda makes you eligible for loans and investment from financial institutions and other investors focusing on funding companies registered in Uganda.

  1. Reduced personal liability:

By incorporating your company as a separate legal entity, you decrease your personal liability for business debts and obligations.

  1. Credibility:

Once a company is registered in Uganda, you gain trust with customers, suppliers, and partners by demonstrating your dedication to your business..

  1. Tax benefits:

Companies registered in Uganda are eligible for certain tax incentives depending on the industry and hence lowering your tax liability and enhancing your bottom line.

  1. Opportunities for expansion:

Registering a company in Uganda gives you an opportunity to access both the local and regional markets.

Why Choose Us for Company Registration in Uganda

Save you time

We have been in this business for a long time and through our experience we are keen to prepare an submit the right paper work to avoid numerous back and forth with the Registrar of Companies in Uganda

Ease of Compliance:

We help you choose the best type of entity and make sure that you process the right registrations for ease of compliance both in the short and long run

Access to our network of potential clients and partners:

Once you are our client, we are always happy to recommend your company to potential clients and partners and hence making it easy for your business to hit the ground running after the company is setup.

Confidentiality:

All the info received from our clients is only used for Company Registration and we have internal systems to make sure that the info is not disclosed to any unauthorized person.

Conclusion

The process of company registration in Uganda through URSB is simple and takes a short time to complete. Registering a company in Uganda involves a few basic documents, such as the company’s articles of association and memorandum of understanding, as well as a registration fee. To prevent any delays in the registration process, it is crucial to make sure that all necessary documents are submitted and that the registration fee is paid in full. At Afrisetup, we take the lead to ensure that your company has been registered in Uganda successfully and you start your operation as soon as possible.

Contact us today.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Foreign nationals can start a company in Uganda by either incorporating a local company alone or with Ugandan nationals. The incorporation process entails either the shareholders of the foreign entity or the entity itself subscribing to the memorandum and articles of association of the local company.

Yes, foreigners can register companies in Uganda either as sole proprietors, partnerships, or limited liability companies. However, certain sectors may have restrictions or require special permits for foreign ownership.

The process of registering a company in Uganda takes about 7 days to complete. Tax registration and Bank account opening take an additional 14 days making the total 21 working days

Yes, you’ll need to provide a physical address for your company’s registered office in Uganda. This address will be used for official correspondence and legal purposes. We are happy to provide you with a registered address for company setup purposes incase you do not have an address.

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau offers a free online name search tool on its Business Registry Services (BRS) website. Here’s how to use it:
1) Visit the URSB BRS website: [search company name Uganda on the Uganda Registration Services Bureau website at brs.ursb.go.ug]
2) In the “Name to Check” field, enter the company name you want to verify.
3) Click “Check.”

You are required to have at least two shareholders and directors for a Limited company registration in Uganda. 

A Single Member company can have one shareholder and one  director. However you will be required to provide a Nominee Director and an Alternate Director to act on your behalf in case you are incapacitated.

To register this type of company, you will need to first apply for the reservation of its name by clicking on the URSB link and filling out the online form before submitting it.

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is responsible for registering companies in Uganda. It registers all business entities that are required by law, including public and private companies, foreign companies, and legal documents. The URSB’s responsibilities include registering and regulating companies, as well as de-registering companies that fail to meet the required standards.

Yes, you can reserve a company name online in Uganda via the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) website.

Simply follow these steps:

  1. Visit the URSB website
  2. Click on “E-Services”
  3. Choose “Business Registration”
  4. Select “Name Reservation”
  5. Complete the application form.

A TIN is a distinct number issued to every taxpayer by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for the purpose of tax management. Your company will require one to ensure tax compliance. A TIN can be obtained either as an individual or as a non-individual entity (e.g., a company). The application process for a TIN is completed online through the URA website.

In Uganda, a private limited company must have a minimum of one shareholder, with a maximum of 50 shareholders allowed.

In Uganda, the key distinction between a business name and a company is that a company is considered a separate legal entity, whereas a business name refers to the title under which a business operates.

A beneficial owner of a company in Uganda is a natural person who has ultimate control or ownership of the company, or who conducts transactions on its behalf.

Yes, foreign nationals are permitted to register a company in Uganda. To do so, they must:

  1. Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  2. Register the company with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
  3. Submit the following documents:
    • Certified copies of the company’s Memorandum of Articles of Association, Charter, or Constitution from the country of origin
    • Certified copies of the company’s certificate of incorporation from the country of origin
    • Completed application form
    • Form 24, which provides details of the company’s directors and secretary
    • Form 13, listing all existing charges
    • Form 25, including the names and addresses of individuals in Uganda who can accept service on behalf of the company
    • Form 26, stating the company’s address and principal office

4. Pay a registration fee