PACRA Business Name Registration in Zambia: Fees, Form 3 and Online Steps

You can register a business name in Zambia for about K333 in PACRA fees. It takes two steps, name clearance and then BN Form III, either online on the PACRA portal or at any PACRA office.

A business name suits a sole trader or a partnership. Once you're registered, you file a short annual return every year. Fees are from PACRA's fees page, checked October 2026.

PACRA business name fees

A note on the numbers: PACRA's older help articles quote slightly different amounts, such as K222.40 for registration and K111.20 for name clearance and the annual return. The table uses PACRA's current fees and forms page. The portal shows the exact amount before you pay, so check it there.

Business name or limited company?

PACRA's own guide sets out the difference:

A business name suits a sole trader, a small shop, a freelancer or a partnership testing an idea. Choose a limited company if you're taking on investors, signing large contracts or want your home and savings protected from business debts. You can convert later: you file a notice of cessation for the business name (BN Form XIII) and then register a company (PACRA).

Who can register a business name in Zambia

According to PACRA, the applicant must be:

• over 18 years old;
• of sound mind;
• not an undischarged bankrupt.

How to register a business name on PACRA online, step by step

1. Create an account on the PACRA portal or on ZamPortal (eservices.gov.zm).
2. Search first. Use PACRA's business search tool to check that no one else is using your name or something close to it.
3. Apply for name clearance (K120). Choose "business name" as the entity type; you can't register a company with a business name approval. You can propose up to three names in order of preference; if the first is refused, PACRA considers the next.
4. Get your approval. PACRA issues an approved name acceptance letter. The approved name is valid for 30 days.
5. Not ready yet? Reserve it. If you need more time, apply to reserve the approved name (BN Form I, K213.33). PACRA's help pages say a reservation lasts 90 days.
6. Complete BN Form III with the business name, the nature of business, the business address, and the details of each owner or partner. Sign it; the signed form is needed for online and walk-in applications alike.
7. Pay K213.33 through the portal.
8. Download your Certificate of Registration. That's your proof of registration for opening a business bank account, applying for supplier contracts and registering with ZRA.

If your approval expires before you register or reserve the name, you have to apply for name clearance again and pay again.

Choosing a name that gets approved

• Make it distinctive. "Chanda Poultry Supplies" passes more easily than "Best Suppliers".
• Check the register first. A name identical or very similar to an existing business is refused.
• Propose three names. It saves paying for a second name clearance.

After registration: keep the business name active

File an annual return every year

A business name files an annual return (BN Form XIV) every year, within three months after the end of its financial year, according to PACRA's annual return guide. You file it online, and PACRA says the process is completed within 24 hours. The business name must not have been struck off.

Register with ZRA

PACRA registration doesn't settle your taxes. Get your ZRA TPIN, and if you invoice customers, check whether you need to issue ZRA Smart Invoice invoices. If you'll employ staff, deduct PAYE using ZRA's tax bands and register them for NAPSA (see NAPSA partial withdrawal for how the scheme works).

Notify PACRA of changes, and close properly

Moved premises, taken on a partner or changed what you sell? File a change in particulars (BN Form XI, K133.33). When you stop trading, file a notice of cessation (BN Form XIII, K111.80) so the name isn't misused and you avoid penalties.

Getting paid once you're registered

A registered business name lets you open a business bank account in the business name, which is useful when clients pay by bank transfer. If you sell to clients abroad, see Payoneer in Zambia for receiving dollar payments, and Airtel Money charges in Zambia for what local customers' mobile money payments cost. For comparison, see how business name registration works in Kenya on eCitizen. More Zambia guides are on our Zambia page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a business name with PACRA?

PACRA's fees page lists K120 for name clearance and K213.33 for registration on BN Form III, about K333 in total. Older PACRA help articles quote K222.40 for registration, so confirm the amount on the portal before you pay.

What is PACRA Form 3 for a business name?

Business Names Form III is the application for registration (or re-registration) of a business name. You file it after your name clearance is approved, online or at a PACRA office.

How long is a PACRA name clearance valid?

An approved name is valid for 30 days. If you're not ready to register, you can reserve it for longer (PACRA's help pages say 90 days) with BN Form I. If it lapses, you must apply for name clearance again.

Can I register a business name online in Zambia?

Yes. You can apply for name clearance and registration on the PACRA portal (portal.pacra.org.zm) or ZamPortal (eservices.gov.zm), or at any PACRA office.

Do business names file annual returns in Zambia?

Yes. A business name files BN Form XIV every year, within three months after the end of its financial year. PACRA's fees page lists K133.33.

What is the difference between a business name and a company in Zambia?

A business name has no separate legal personality and its owner's liability is unlimited. A limited company is a separate legal person: it can own property and be sued in its own name, and shareholders' liability is limited. Company registration costs from K1,266.67, compared with K213.33 for a business name.

Can I convert my business name into a company?

Yes. File a notice of cessation (BN Form XIII) for the business name, then apply for company name clearance (Companies Form 1, K120) and incorporation (Companies Form 3, from K1,266.67).