How do I register a business in Malawi?

Registering a business in Malawi is done through the Companies Registration and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC). As of April 2026, CRIPC replaced the former Registrar General’s Department and now handles all business registrations online.

Business types available

  • Sole Proprietorship — simplest, cheapest, one owner. Most common form.
  • Private Limited Company (Ltd) — best for larger operations or foreign investors.
  • Partnership — two or more owners sharing profits and liabilities.

Three ways to register

  1. Online — through the Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS) at cripc.gov.mw
  2. One Stop Service Centre — at the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) in Lilongwe
  3. In person — submit directly to CRIPC offices in Lilongwe, Blantyre, or Mzuzu

Steps for a Private Limited Company

  1. Create an account — go to cripc.gov.mw and register with your email. You’ll need a working email, internet browser, and printer.

  2. Name search and reservation — check availability through the online portal. Cost: MWK 5,000.

  3. Prepare documents — Memorandum and Articles of Association. You can use a lawyer or download templates from the CRIPC website.

  4. Submit registration — file online or at a CRIPC office. Cost: MWK 25,000–50,000 depending on authorized share capital.

  5. Tax registration — register with the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN). Free.

  6. Business license — obtain from your local district council. Cost varies by business type.

Steps for a Sole Proprietorship

  1. Create an account on cripc.gov.mw
  2. Name search — Cost: MWK 5,000
  3. Submit application — Cost: MWK 5,000–10,000
  4. Get your certificate — issued within days

Timeline

  • Sole proprietorship: 1–2 weeks
  • Private limited company: 2–4 weeks
  • Partnership: 2–3 weeks

CRIPC office locations

  • Central Region: Pagat House, Paul Kagame Road, Lilongwe
  • Southern Region: Fatima Arcade, Haile Selassie Road, Blantyre
  • Northern Region: 1st Floor, Amina House, Mzuzu

Foreign company registration

If you’re registering a company formed outside Malawi (an “external company”), you need to submit additional documents including a certified copy of the foreign company’s certificate of incorporation and a power of attorney authorizing a local representative.

The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) offers a one-stop-shop service that can streamline the process for foreign investors. They handle multiple registrations in one visit.

Yankho Chimango
Yankho ChimangoTravel & Culture WriterYankho is a travel writer and cultural commentator from Blantyre. She covers Malawi's tourism, daily life, and cultural heritage with a focus on practical advice for visitors and diaspora.
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