Registering a business in Somalia

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry runs the Somali Business Registration System (SBRS) at ebusiness.gov.so. Launched in March 2022, it cut registration from nine steps to three and lets you complete the process from any device, with online and mobile-money payment.

Step by step

1. Create an account on ebusiness.gov.so.
2. Reserve your business name.
3. Register the business, entering owners, directors and the business activity, and pay the fee online.
4. Download your documents, including the certificate of incorporation.
5. Apply for sector licences — licences are issued by the relevant ministry for your activity and are renewed annually.
6. Register for tax and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the tax authority.
7. In Mogadishu, check local trading requirements with the Banadir Regional Administration.

Foreign-owned companies

If foreign capital is involved, register the investment with SOMINVEST to obtain a Certificate of Foreign Investment and the protections of the investment law.

Good to know

• The portal publishes current registration and licence fees, laws and user guides.
• Keep certified Somali or English versions of founding documents.
• Somaliland operates its own, separate registration system.

Fees and requirements change; always confirm on ebusiness.gov.so or with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Official resources

• SOMINVEST — Somali Investment Promotion Office (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development)
• Somali Business Registration System (SBRS) — online company registration
• Ministry of Commerce and Industry — licensing and business registration
• Central Bank of Somalia — licensed banks and money-transfer businesses
• Ministry of Finance — tax and customs
• World Bank — Somalia and IMF — Somalia — economic data and reports
• East African Community — regional trade rules