Company Formation, Regulations

Step-by-Step Company Re-Registration Process in Zimbabwe

Published: 22 October 2025

The company re-registration process in Zimbabwe is a mandatory legal requirement under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act (Chapter 24:31) (COBE Act). It involves migrating old company records to a new digital registry.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the process, which is primarily done through the online portal of the Companies Registry (under the Deeds and Intellectual Property Department, previously DCIP/CIPZ):

Phase 1: Preparation and Compliance Check

Before starting the online application, you must ensure your company is compliant with all statutory obligations.

Step	Action	Key Requirements & Notes
1. File Search	Conduct an initial search at the Companies Registry to confirm your company’s current status and details on file.	This identifies any discrepancies or missing information that needs to be resolved.
2. Clear Annual Returns	Crucially, all outstanding Annual Returns must be filed and all associated penalties settled.	The application will be rejected if your annual returns are not up to date. This is the biggest hurdle for older companies.
3. Prepare Board Minutes & Resolution	The Directors must pass a Board Resolution and prepare the Minutes approving the company’s re-registration under the COBE Act.	This is a mandatory internal secretarial document affirming the decision.
4. Gather & Update Documentation	Collect and update all your company’s core documents and information.	Required Documents include: • Original Certificate of Incorporation. • Current CR5 (Registered Address) & CR6/CR14 (Director/Secretary Details) or their equivalents. • Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A). • Latest filed Annual Return. • Updated shareholder/director details (Full names, ID numbers, Date of Birth, physical address, nationality, email, shareholding). • Proof of physical address (Utility bill, lease agreement, etc.).