Company Secretarial Services

Good corporate housekeeping is the foundation of every well-run company. FIN & LAW provides complete company secretarial services to companies operating in Tanzania - from incorporation and post-registration compliance through to board support, statutory filings and corporate changes - so that our clients remain in good standing with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and every other relevant regulator.

We act as named company secretary for local subsidiaries of multinational groups, domestic enterprises and non-profit organisations. Our team maintains statutory registers, prepares and files annual returns, convenes and minutes board and shareholder meetings, and manages changes to directors, shareholders, share capital and registered particulars with accuracy and speed.

Because we sit within a full-service law firm, our secretarial work is informed by corporate, tax and regulatory advice under one roof - clients get more than filings; they get early warning of compliance risk and practical guidance on governance.

What We Do

• Company incorporation, branch registration and post-registration compliance
• Named company secretary services for local and foreign-owned companies
• Maintenance of statutory registers and minute books
• Preparation and filing of annual returns and statutory notices with BRELA
• Board and shareholder meeting support - notices, agendas, minutes and resolutions
• Changes to directors, shareholders, share capital and company particulars
• Corporate health checks and legal-standing audits
• De-registration, striking off and voluntary winding-up support

Typical Matters

• Incorporation of companies and registration of business names with BRELA
• Maintenance of statutory registers, minute books and company records
• Filing of annual returns and statutory forms
• Organisation of board and general meetings and preparation of minutes
• Advisory on directors’ duties and corporate compliance obligations
• Changes to share capital, directors, shareholders and company particulars

Frequently Asked Questions

What are company secretarial services and does my company need them?

Company secretarial services cover the administrative and compliance duties that keep a company in good legal standing, such as maintaining statutory registers, preparing board and shareholder resolutions, and filing annual returns with the registrar. In Tanzania, private companies are generally expected to keep proper statutory records and file returns on time, so having a competent company secretary or an outsourced provider helps avoid penalties and governance gaps.

What statutory records must a company keep?

A company is typically required to maintain a register of members, a register of directors and secretaries, minute books for board and general meetings, and records of charges over its assets. Keeping these accurate and up to date is important both for compliance and for events such as due diligence, financing, or a change of ownership.

What happens if annual returns are not filed?

Late or missed filings can attract penalties and, in persistent cases, may expose directors to liability or place the company at risk of being struck off the register. Regular, timely filing is the simplest way to keep the company active and in good standing.

Can secretarial functions be outsourced?

Yes. Many companies outsource the secretarial role to a professional firm, which can be efficient for smaller businesses or foreign-owned entities that do not have in-house governance staff. This is general information only and not a substitute for advice on your specific circumstances.