Business registrations and licensing

Digital ID verifies identity during business registrations and company incorporations through the Online Registration System (ORS) of the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA). The national identification number (NIN) is mandatory for all users to create an ORS account and access business registration services in Tanzania. Shareholders, directors, and business owners must provide their NIN during the registration process for their companies, business names, trademarks, and patents.

For Tanzanian nationals and residents, NIN serves as the primary identity verification mechanism. Directors also require a tax identification number (TIN). The ORS system, launched in January 2018, has digitized all business registration and post-registration services, such as annual returns filing, change notifications for companies, and business license applications.