Starting a business in Zambia: the compliance basics
To start a business in Zambia: register the company with PACRA, register for tax with ZRA (corporate income tax 30% (10% agriculture, 35% telecoms); VAT 16% once over set by ZRA), comply with the Employment Code Act, 2019 if you hire, and meet Data Protection Act, 2021 for personal data.
First compliance steps
- 1 Register the company with PACRA.
- 2 Register for tax with ZRA.
- 3 Register as an employer (NAPSA (5% employer + 5% employee)) and use written contracts if you hire.
- 4 Register for VAT once turnover passes set by ZRA.
- 5 Put a basic Data Protection Act, 2021 framework in place.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a business in Zambia?
Register with PACRA, register for tax with ZRA, and meet labour (Employment Code Act, 2019) and data-protection rules. Confirm specifics with ZRA.
More on Zambia
- Register a company — Zambia
- Company tax — Zambia
- VAT / sales tax — Zambia
- Hiring staff — Zambia
- Data protection — Zambia
- Tax clearance — Zambia
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — Zambia
- Licences & permits — Zambia
- Payroll & employee tax — Zambia
- Importing & customs — Zambia
- Annual returns — Zambia
- Full Zambia compliance guide
Start a business elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with ZRA or a registered professional.