Investment process

From company registration to operating licence

Setting up an investment in Uganda follows five steps. The first three must be completed before you start operating. Each step is handled by a different agency, so this page shows who to contact and what to prepare.

Steps: 5
Investment licence fee: Free of charge
Online platform: eBiz

The steps

01
Register your company with URSB
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
Company incorporation is the first step. You reserve a business name, then submit the incorporation documents to receive a Certificate of Incorporation. Companies can be registered as local, public or foreign.
- Reserve a business name. The reservation fee is UGX 35,000.
- Registration fee: UGX 105,000 where nominal share capital does not exceed UGX 5,000,000. Above that, 1.5% of nominal share capital.
- Submit the incorporation documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Source: URSB, business, company and document registration fees
02
Register for tax with URA
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
After incorporation, the company obtains a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from URA before it starts operating.
- Apply for the TIN with your Certificate of Incorporation.
Source: UIA, Getting Started (Investment Process)
03
Apply for the investment licence
Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
Before the company begins operations, it applies for an investment licence (certificate) from UIA. Applying for and processing the licence is free of charge. UIA reports approval within 24 working hours of a complete application, and its service charter commits to 48 hours.
- The licence is the step that grants incentives, so apply before you commence operations.
- Applications can be made online through the eBiz platform.
Source: UIA, how to apply for an investment licence
04
Obtain secondary licences for your sector
Relevant sector regulators
Depending on the activity, the project may need further permits or clearances as it is implemented. Examples given by UIA include mining, air transport, banking and forestry.
- Check with UIA which sector licences apply to your project before you start building.
Source: UIA, Getting Started (Investment Process)
05
Secure work permits for foreign staff
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
Foreign personnel who will work in the business need a work permit. Permits are sponsored by the employing organisation, which needs an organisation code. Applications are made online, and processing times are set by the Directorate, so confirm them when you apply.
- Apply online through the official immigration portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. Beware of imitation sites.
- Upload the required documents and make any payment the application asks for.
- Attend biometric capture at an immigration office with your documents, receipts, approval letter and passport.
Source: Uganda Immigration, work permit services

Prepare before you start

Gather the documents for each step with the document checklist.
Check which incentives apply to your project before you apply for the licence.
Read the investment incentives page, so you know the conditions attached to each one.

Document checklist Investment incentives Start onboarding

Important

This page summarises the process as published by the Uganda Investment Authority. Requirements, fees and timelines can change, and approvals depend on a complete and accurate application. Confirm current requirements with UIA, URSB and URA before you commit capital.

Uganda Investment Authority

OneStop Centre

The steps

Register your company with URSB

Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

Company incorporation is the first step. You reserve a business name, then submit the incorporation documents to receive a Certificate of Incorporation. Companies can be registered as local, public or foreign.

Reserve a business name. The reservation fee is UGX 35,000.
Registration fee: UGX 105,000 where nominal share capital does not exceed UGX 5,000,000. Above that, 1.5% of nominal share capital.
Submit the incorporation documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Source: URSB, business, company and document registration fees

Register for tax with URA

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

After incorporation, the company obtains a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from URA before it starts operating.

Apply for the TIN with your Certificate of Incorporation.

Source: UIA, Getting Started (Investment Process)

Apply for the investment licence

Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)

Before the company begins operations, it applies for an investment licence (certificate) from UIA. Applying for and processing the licence is free of charge. UIA reports approval within 24 working hours of a complete application, and its service charter commits to 48 hours.

The licence is the step that grants incentives, so apply before you commence operations.
Applications can be made online through the eBiz platform.

Source: UIA, how to apply for an investment licence

Obtain secondary licences for your sector

Relevant sector regulators

Depending on the activity, the project may need further permits or clearances as it is implemented. Examples given by UIA include mining, air transport, banking and forestry.

Check with UIA which sector licences apply to your project before you start building.

Source: UIA, Getting Started (Investment Process)

Secure work permits for foreign staff

Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control

Foreign personnel who will work in the business need a work permit. Permits are sponsored by the employing organisation, which needs an organisation code. Applications are made online, and processing times are set by the Directorate, so confirm them when you apply.

Apply online through the official immigration portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. Beware of imitation sites.
Upload the required documents and make any payment the application asks for.
Attend biometric capture at an immigration office with your documents, receipts, approval letter and passport.

Source: Uganda Immigration, work permit services