Business Registration

To register a business in Ethiopia, you must first reserve a company name, obtain a Commercial Registration Certificate from the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (or regional trade bureaus), secure a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and acquire the appropriate operational business license. 

The step-by-step process requires completing these procedures:

1. Reserve a Business Name

Submit at least three proposed business names to the relevant trade bureau or the Ethiopian Investment Commission for foreign investments. Upon approval, your name will be reserved for 30 days.

2. Authenticate Incorporation Documents

If forming a company (like a PLC), draft and authenticate your Memorandum and Articles of Association at the Document Authentication and Registration Agency (DARO), and ensure all required minimum capital is deposited in a local bank. 

3. Obtain a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)

Register with the Ministry of Revenues to receive your TIN. This is mandatory for opening a corporate bank account and conducting legal transactions.

4. Commercial Registration

Submit your authenticated documents, identification documents (e.g., Kebele ID or passport), and the completed application form to the trade bureau to receive your Commercial Registration Certificate. 

5. Obtain a Certificate of Competency (If applicable)

For specialized sectors (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare), obtain a Certificate of Competency from the respective sector regulator, such as the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority. 

6. Acquire a Business License

After obtaining commercial registration (and a Certificate of Competency if needed), submit your application to the same trade bureau to receive your operational Business/Trade License. 

7. Statutory Publication

For incorporated business organizations, you must publish the registration details and formation of the business in a nationally circulated newspaper or the Federal Negarit Gazetta. Do you have any updates?

If you have recently navigated this process and noticed any changes to locations, fees, or operating hours, please share your insights in the comments. Your updates help keep this information accurate and highly valuable for our community.