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Business & Trade

How to Register a Business or Company in Malawi

updated on : Thursday, 1 Oct, 2026 · 2 min read · from 3 official sources

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Table of contents
  • You can register your company online anytime from home or your office through CRIPC's digital platform1
  • Company registration takes 5 working days6
  • CRIPC (Companies Registration and Intellectual Property Centre) is the government agency that handles all business registration in Malawi2
  • You must be legally registered in Malawi to qualify for investment incentives6

Business registration in Malawi is now handled by the Companies Registration and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC), which offers a fast, secure online platform where you can register your company from anywhere.12 The process has been designed to be quick and convenient, eliminating the need to visit offices in person.

How to register

You can register your company entirely online through CRIPC’s digital gateway.1 The registration platform is available anytime, allowing you to complete the process from your office or home at your own pace.1

A credit card authorization form placed on a wooden desk, highlighting business paperwork essentials.
Illustrative photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Processing time

Company registration takes 5 working days.6

What CRIPC administers

CRIPC maintains and administers registries for companies, businesses, registered trusts, movable collateral, and intellectual property rights.2 The organisation was established in 2025 as the successor to the former Registrar General’s Department, taking over its mandate from 1 April 2026.12

Professional setting of a business meeting with individuals signing documents on a conference table.
Illustrative photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Next steps after registration

Once your company is legally registered in Malawi, you become eligible to apply for an Investment Certificate from the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) if you are starting a new or expanding project.6 An Investment Certificate takes 5–10 working days to obtain and can unlock access to various incentives including immigration permits, land acquisition support, utilities connections, and tax benefits.6

Official sources

  1. Malawi's official registrar for business registrargeneral.gov.mw
  2. About Us registrargeneral.gov.mw
  3. Investment Guide MITC mitc.mw · PDF

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.