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Company Registration — Democratic Republic of Congo
How DRC Businesses Can Register a Company in Zambia (2026)
The DRC and Zambia share the copper-cobalt belt, a 1,930km border, and a booming cross-border economy centred on the Kasumbalesa corridor. Whether you need a stable logistics hub, reliable banking, or a procurement base for DRC-bound goods, M&J Consultants handles your entire PACRA registration — remotely, in 7–10 working days.
DRC & Zambia
Why Congolese Businesses Are Investing in Zambia
The DRC and Zambia sit on the same geological formation — the Central African Copper Belt — and their economies are deeply intertwined. The Kasumbalesa border post between Lubumbashi and the Zambian Copperbelt is one of Africa's busiest land crossings, handling over $5 billion in annual trade, primarily copper, cobalt, and consumer goods moving in both directions.
For Congolese entrepreneurs, Zambia offers critical advantages: a stable banking system with easy access to USD and international transfers, a functioning regulatory environment, reliable infrastructure, and a strategic position as a logistics gateway for DRC-bound imports. Lusaka and Ndola serve as procurement hubs where DRC businesses source mining equipment, vehicles, food products, and construction materials. With DRC passports now visa-free for Zambia since January 2025, the barrier to entry has never been lower.
No DTA in Force
Zambia and the DRC do not have a Double Taxation Agreement. Cross-border payments are subject to Zambia's full 20% domestic withholding tax rates. However, COMESA and SADC trade preferences reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods — a major benefit for the cross-border trade that drives much of the DRC–Zambia commercial relationship. M&J advises on structures to minimise your overall tax burden.
COMESA + SADC Trade Benefits
Both countries are COMESA and SADC members, providing preferential or zero-duty tariff treatment on qualifying goods. The COMESA Simplified Trade Regime at Kasumbalesa further reduces costs for small-scale cross-border traders with consignments under $2,000.
Currency & Banking Stability
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) offers significantly greater stability than the Congolese Franc (CDF). Zambian banks provide reliable international transfers, USD accounts, and trade finance — essential infrastructure that many DRC businesses cannot easily access domestically.
Visa-Free Since January 2025
DRC passport holders can now enter Zambia visa-free for up to 30 days — a major policy shift that has already accelerated Congolese business activity in Lusaka, the Copperbelt, and along the Kasumbalesa corridor.
Investor Essentials
What Congolese Investors Need to Know
Visa & Work Permits
DRC passport holders now enter Zambia visa-free for up to 30 days since the January 2025 policy expansion. This covers business visits, site inspections, and partner meetings. For employment or longer stays, an Employment Permit is required from the Department of Immigration (processing takes 4–8 weeks). Directors who are not resident in Zambia and only attend board meetings typically do not need work permits. M&J handles the full permit application alongside your company registration, and can also assist with business visa extensions for extended stays.
Sector Opportunities
DRC investors are thriving in Zambia's key sectors: mining services (equipment supply, drilling, maintenance — serving the shared Copperbelt), cross-border logistics (freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing), trading and procurement (wholesale of goods destined for DRC markets), agriculture (commercial farming, maize, soya), and real estate (residential and commercial property in Lusaka and Copperbelt towns). Zambia's position as the logistics gateway for DRC-bound goods makes it a natural base for Congolese traders and procurement companies.
Key Regulatory Requirements
DRC companies can register as a Private Limited Company (new Zambian entity with 100% foreign ownership), Branch of Foreign Company (extension of your RCCM-registered entity), or Joint Venture. All registrations go through PACRA. You will need: certified copies of DRC passports or company registration documents (RCCM extracts), proof of registered office in Zambia, and completed PACRA forms. Documents in French will need certified English translations. With no DTA in force, M&J advises on structuring to minimise withholding tax exposure and maximise COMESA trade preferences.
Registration Process
How M&J Registers Your Zambian Company
Free Consultation
We assess your business objectives, advise on the optimal company structure (Private Ltd, Branch, or JV), and confirm document requirements for Congolese nationals.
PACRA Name Search & Reservation
We search and reserve your company name with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency. Takes 1–2 business days. Fee: K50.
Incorporation Filing
We prepare Articles of Association, file incorporation documents with PACRA using your Congolese passport (apostille not required for most countries). 3–5 business days.
Tax & Statutory Registration
We register your company for ZRA TPIN, PAYE, VAT (if applicable), NAPSA, and NHIMA — completing all statutory obligations in one pass.
Bank Account & Operations
We assist with opening a ZMW business bank account and ensure your company is fully operational — typically within 7–10 working days from engagement.
Related Resources
Helpful Tools & Guides
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Congolese national own 100% of a Zambian company?
Yes. Zambia has no minimum local ownership requirement for foreign investors. A DRC individual or company can hold 100% of the shares in a Zambian Private Limited Company. There is no minimum capital investment threshold to register, though capitalisation must be adequate for the intended business activity.
There is no DTA between Zambia and the DRC — how does this affect my taxes?
Without a Double Taxation Agreement, cross-border payments (dividends, interest, royalties, management fees) from your Zambian company to the DRC are subject to Zambia's full domestic withholding tax rate of 20%. You may be able to claim foreign tax credits in the DRC under domestic law, but there is no treaty-guaranteed relief. M&J can advise on corporate structuring to minimise your overall tax exposure and ensure you take full advantage of available COMESA/SADC trade preferences on goods.
How does COMESA membership benefit DRC businesses trading with Zambia?
Both Zambia and the DRC are COMESA members, which means qualifying goods traded between the two countries can benefit from preferential or zero-duty tariff treatment under the COMESA Free Trade Area. This is particularly valuable for mining equipment, agricultural products, and manufactured goods crossing the Kasumbalesa border. COMESA also offers the Yellow Card motor vehicle insurance scheme, making cross-border transport easier and cheaper. The COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR) at Kasumbalesa further reduces costs for small-scale traders.
Is the DRC passport now visa-free for Zambia?
Yes. Since January 2025, DRC passport holders can enter Zambia visa-free for up to 30 days for business visits and tourism. This is a significant improvement — previously, DRC nationals required a visa in advance. The visa-free arrangement makes it much easier for Congolese entrepreneurs to travel to Zambia to scout opportunities, meet partners, and oversee company formation. For employment or longer stays, a work permit or business visa extension is still required.
Can a DRC national open a Zambian bank account?
Yes. Once your company is incorporated with PACRA and has a ZRA TPIN, you can open a ZMW (Zambian Kwacha) business bank account. Banks such as Stanbic, ABSA, Zanaco, and Indo Zambia Bank regularly onboard DRC clients — particularly in Lusaka, Ndola, and the Copperbelt where DRC business activity is concentrated. You will need your passport, proof of Zambian registered office, and company incorporation documents. Many DRC entrepreneurs also maintain USD-denominated accounts for cross-border transactions. M&J assists with bank account opening as part of our registration package.
Get Started
Register Your Zambian Company Today
Tell us about your Democratic Republic of Congo-based business and we'll guide you through the entire Zambian company registration process — from PACRA to bank account.