Source-cited draft: company formation & entity choice for Malawi (tax year 2025) — rates, thresholds and rules with primary-source citations. Unverified; pending local-accountant review.
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Governing law and general framework
Companies in Malawi are formed under the Companies Act, 2013, administered by the Registrar of Companies (Department of the Registrar General). The private company limited by shares is the most common vehicle for business.Companies Act No. 15 of 2013
Governing law
Companies Act No. 15 of 2013Companies Act No. 15 of 2013 (https://www.icam.mw/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Companies-Act-No-15-of-2013-150dpi.pdf)
Incorporating authority
Registrar of Companies (Department of the Registrar General)Companies Act No. 15 of 2013
Common entity types
Private company limited by shares; public company limited by shares; company limited by guarantee; sole proprietorship; partnership; foreign company (branch) registrationCompanies Act No. 15 of 2013
Minimum share capital (private company)
No prescribed minimum share capital for a private companyCompanies Act No. 15 of 2013 (https://www.lawgratis.com/blog-detail/corporate-law-at-malawi)
Membership limit (private company)
Maximum 50 members; share transfers are restrictedCompanies Act No. 15 of 2013
Minimum directors
At least one director; at least one director ordinarily resident in Malawi ((approx — confirm the resident-director requirement))Companies Act No. 15 of 2013
Incorporation steps
Reserve company name, file the incorporation application (prescribed form) with director/secretary consents, obtain Certificate of Incorporation, then register for TPIN/tax and VAT and any business licencesCompanies Act No. 15 of 2013
Incorporation timeline
Typically a few days to about two weeks once documents are complete (online via the registry portal) ((approx — confirm current processing times))Companies Act No. 15 of 2013
Incorporation / registration fees
Statutory registry fees apply (name reservation plus incorporation fee) ((approx — confirm current MWK fee schedule with the Registrar General))Companies Act No. 15 of 2013
Tax registration after incorporation — VAT registration threshold
Register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) with the MRA; register for VAT if turnover exceeds MK 25,000,000/yearTaxation Act (Chapter 41:01); Value Added Tax Act (Cap 42:02)
Core annual compliance
File an annual return with the Registrar, maintain statutory registers, hold an AGM, prepare financial statements, and file the annual corporate tax return within 180 days of year endCompanies Act No. 15 of 2013; Taxation Act (Chapter 41:01)
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