How to start a business in Mozambique as a foreigner (2026)

Legal framework

Commercial Code (Decreto-Lei No. 1/2022 of 25 May 2022); Investment Law No. 8/2023 of 9 June 2023; Investment Regulations (Decree No. 8/2024 of 7 March 2024); administered by APIEX (Agency for Promotion of Investments and Exports) and Commercial Registry Offices (Conservatórias do Registo Comercial)

Key points: starting a business in Mozambique

1. 01Foreign Ownership

   100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors. Restrictions apply to defence, national security, and certain natural resource activities requiring special governmental approval. Private land ownership is constitutionally prohibited; investors instead obtain land-use rights (DUATs).

   state.gov investmentpolicy.unctad.org

2. 02Governing Law & Authority

   The Commercial Code (Decreto-Lei No. 1/2022) governs company formation and structure. Investment Law No. 8/2023 (effective September 2023) and its Implementing Regulations (Decree No. 8/2024 of 7 March 2024) govern FDI incentives and guarantees. APIEX is the primary investment promotion authority for projects up to approximately USD 100 million.

   investmentpolicy.unctad.org investmentpolicy.unctad.org

3. 03Registration Steps & Timeline

   Typically 5-7 procedures: (1) name reservation at Commercial Registry, (2) notarised Articles of Association, (3) capital deposit in a Mozambican bank, (4) Commercial Registry filing for provisional entry, (5) publication in the Boletim da República, plus sectoral licensing if applicable. The process takes 10-30 days and can be completed at BAU one-stop-shop offices or via the E-BAU online portal.

   investmentpolicy.unctad.org state.gov

4. 04Minimum Capital

   No statutory minimum paid-up capital is required to form a Sociedade por Quotas (LDA). However, to qualify for profit-repatriation and capital-export protections under the Investment Law, foreign investors must commit a minimum of MZN 6.5 million (~USD 100,000); a minimum of MZN 7.5 million in own capital is required to access the full suite of tax incentives.

   investmentpolicy.unctad.org investmentpolicy.unctad.org

5. 05Documentation & Language Requirements

   All company documents must be in Portuguese. Foreign documents require an apostille under the Hague Convention and a certified Portuguese translation. Foreign shareholders must present a valid passport or DIRE (residence permit). AML and beneficial-ownership disclosure requirements were tightened in 2024-2025, increasing identity and source-of-funds scrutiny during registration and bank onboarding.

   lexafrica.com state.gov

6. 06Investment Certificate & Incentives

   Qualifying FDI projects registered through APIEX receive an investment certificate, which must be presented to access tax incentives, profit-transfer guarantees, and protection against expropriation without compensation. Sectors such as natural resources, energy, and large infrastructure require additional environmental licensing and may be subject to enhanced FDI screening.

   investmentpolicy.unctad.org state.gov

Sources

1. 1.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/mozambique/
2. 2.investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-laws/laws/366/mozambique-investment-law-2023
3. 3.investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-policy-monitor/measures/4325/approves-a-new-law-to-foster-
4. 4.investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-policy-monitor/measures/3706/mozambique-raises-minimum-cap
5. 5.investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-policy-monitor/measures/2462/mozambique-shortens-the-busin
6. 6.lexafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mozambique-Business-Guide-2025.pdf
7. 7.trade.gov/mozambique-country-commercial-guide