PACRA Fee Calculator
The PACRA Fee Calculator helps entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals estimate statutory filing and registration fees charged by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) in Zambia. Select the type of service—such as company registration, business name registration, or annual returns—to instantly see the estimated fee in Kwacha. Always verify the exact current fees on the official PACRA portal or at a PACRA office, as statutory fees are subject to change.
PACRA Fee Calculator
Select your service and enter details to estimate PACRA fees
| Service Type | Nominal Share Capital (ZMW) |
About This Calculator
This tool provides an estimate of the statutory fees charged by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) for various corporate and business registration services in Zambia. The fees are based on standard rates under the PACRA Act and the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017. Some fees, particularly for company registration and annual returns, may vary depending on the nominal share capital of the entity. This calculator provides a baseline estimate to help you budget for your compliance and registration costs.
What is PACRA?
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) is the government agency in Zambia responsible for the registration of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and business entities. PACRA regulates company formations, business name registrations, and annual compliance filings for all companies and business names operating in Zambia. Maintaining good standing with PACRA is a legal requirement for all registered entities.
PACRA Fee Schedule
PACRA charges statutory fees for the services it provides. The table below outlines the standard estimated fees for common PACRA services. Please note that fees for services involving share capital may increase based on the amount of capital declared.
| Service | Estimated Fee (ZMW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name Search | K50 | Per name searched |
| Name Reservation | K100 | Valid for 90 days |
| New Company Registration (Private Ltd) | K1,100 | Base fee for standard nominal capital |
| Business Name Registration | K500 | Sole proprietorship or partnership |
| Annual Return Filing (Company) | K500 | Must be filed annually |
| Annual Return Filing (Business Name) | K100 | Must be filed annually |
| Change of Directors / Secretary | K200 | Notification of changes |
| Increase in Share Capital | K500 + variable | Depends on the amount of increase |
How to Pay PACRA Fees
PACRA has digitized most of its services, and fees can be paid electronically through the PACRA online portal. Accepted payment methods typically include:
- Mobile Money: Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Kwacha.
- Bank Transfer / Deposit: Payments can be made at designated commercial banks using a payment advice generated by the PACRA system.
- Card Payments: Visa and Mastercard are accepted on the online portal.
Always retain your payment receipt and the system-generated reference number as proof of payment when submitting your documents.
Annual Returns and Late Filing Penalties
Under the Companies Act, every registered company and business name must file an Annual Return with PACRA within 30 days of the anniversary of its incorporation or registration. Failure to file an Annual Return on time attracts a late filing penalty. Continuous failure to file can lead to the company being struck off the register, which means the entity loses its legal status. It is crucial to diarize your annual return due date and file promptly to avoid penalties and maintain the good standing of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PACRA fees the same for all types of companies?
The base fee for registering a standard Private Company Limited by Shares is generally the same. However, if your company has a very high nominal share capital, additional fees may apply. Public companies and companies limited by guarantee may have different fee structures. Always check the specific requirements for your entity type.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company with PACRA?
No, you do not legally need a lawyer to register a company. The PACRA online portal is designed to allow individuals to register their own companies. However, many people choose to use a lawyer, an accountant, or a registered PACRA agent to ensure that the company’s articles of association and other documents are correctly drafted and compliant with the law.
What happens if I don’t file my Annual Return?
If you fail to file your Annual Return, PACRA will impose a late filing penalty. If the failure continues for an extended period, PACRA has the authority to strike your company or business name off the register. A struck-off entity can no longer legally operate, enter into contracts, or maintain bank accounts. Reinstating a struck-off company is a costly and complex legal process.
How long does company registration take?
Once all documents are correctly submitted and fees are paid, standard company registration through the PACRA portal is usually processed within 48 to 72 hours. Name searches and reservations are typically processed much faster, often within a few hours.
Is this calculator official?
No. This is an independent reference tool for estimation and budgeting purposes. Statutory fees are set by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency and are subject to change. Always confirm the exact fee for your specific transaction on the official PACRA portal or at a PACRA office.
This PACRA fee calculator is provided for informational and planning purposes only. Fees, eligibility conditions, and filing requirements are governed by the PACRA Act, the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017, and agency regulations. This tool does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always verify your requirements and exact fees with PACRA or a qualified legal professional.