How to Register an NGO in Tanzania - Complete Guide 2026

Starting an NGO in Tanzania is a noble cause, but the registration process can be complex. There are several ways to register an NGO in Tanzania, each governed by specific laws and regulations.

Types of NGO Registration in Tanzania

1. NGO Registration under the NGO Act

This is the primary legal framework for NGOs in Tanzania, governed by the Non-Governmental Organisations Act (Cap. 56 R.E. 2023). NGOs are regulated by the Registrar of NGOs, operating under the Ministry responsible for community development. You can register at different levels:

• District Level – for operations within a single district

• Regional Level – for operations within one region

• National Level – for operations across Tanzania

• International Level – for international NGOs operating in Tanzania

2. Company Limited by Guarantee

Under the Companies Act, Cap. 212 (R.E. 2023) for non-profit or social enterprises.

3. Trust or Society Registration

Governed by the Societies Act, [Cap. 337 R.E. 2002] for trusts and societies.

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Required Documents for NGO Registration in Tanzania

• Completed NGO A Form No. 1 (application form)

• Constitution of the NGO (2 bound copies, format per NGOA Form No. 17 or 18)

• Minutes containing the full names and signatures of the founder members

• Personal particulars of office bearers (Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer with 2 photographs each)

• Registered physical address and location of the head office in Tanzania

• List of founding members and their identification

• Application fee (varies by registration level)

Additional requirements:

• Clear charitable or public-benefit objectives

• Tanzanian representation within governance structures

• Registration with relevant sectoral ministries (health, education, environment, etc.)

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Registration Process

1. Conduct a name search and reserve the NGO name (have at least 2 alternative names)

2. Form a Board of Trustees – equivalent to directors/shareholders, responsible for management

3. Complete and submit the application through the NGOs Information System (NiS) online portal

4. Upload required documents, including the constitution, minutes, and personal details of trustees

5. Pay the application fee based on your chosen registration level

6. Wait for review by the Tanzania National NGO Coordination (TNNC)

7. Receive Certificate of Registration – valid for 10 years (renewable 6 months before expiry)

8. Apply for Certificate of Compliance (NGO A Form No. 3)

Post-Registration Obligations

• Submit audited financial and activity reports annually

• Operate within your constitution

• Notify the Registrar of any changes in constitution or leadership

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Registration Fees and Timeline

Level	Filing Fee	Registration Fee	Stamp Duty	Total
District	TSh 15,000	TSh 25,000	TSh 1,500	TSh 41,500
Regional	TSh 15,000	TSh 40,000	TSh 1,500	TSh 56,500
National	TSh 15,000	TSh 50,000	TSh 1,500	TSh 66,500
International	USD 15	USD 250	USD 2	USD 267

 

Note: Some sources indicate registration costs at district/regional/national levels as TSh 80,000, TSh 100,000, and TSh 115,000 respectively, and international registration at USD 350. Fees may vary based on current regulations.

Annual fees: Each registered NGO shall pay an annual fee of TSh 50,000 (or USD 60 for International NGOs).

Timeline: Registration typically takes 0–30 days. The process involves review by TNNC, and if there are no queries, the NGO is registered and can commence operations.

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Post-Registration Compliance

After registration, you must:

1. Apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)

2. Register employees for statutory contributions (NSSF/WCF)

3. Apply for tax exemptions (not automatic – must be applied for)

4. Secure residence and work permits for foreign staff

5. File annual returns and submit audited reports

 Welcome to Our Office for Your NGO Registrations