This article presents a comprehensive overview of the average costs involved in creating and maintaining a standard company structure in Mozambique in 2025. The focus is on Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.), the most common form of limited liability company in the country, with detailed figures drawn exclusively from official sources and economic datasets.
Typical Company Creation Costs in Mozambique
Setting up a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Mozambique generally involves several fixed and variable expenses, each regulated or influenced by public fees and professional services. Below, you will find an itemized breakdown of these costs as of 2025.
| Item | Amount (MZN) | Amount (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 5,000 MZN | ~$78 |
| Commercial registry fee | 1,000 MZN | ~$16 |
| Publication in Official Gazette (Boletim da República) | 3,000 MZN | ~$47 |
| Notary fees | 1,000 MZN | ~$16 |
| Legal/lawyer assistance (average) | 1,000 MZN | ~$16 |
| Total Average Cost | 11,000 MZN | ~$172 |
*USD conversions estimated at 1 USD ≈ 64 MZN (April 2025).
The total upfront cost for establishing a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Mozambique averages around 11,000 MZN (~$172). This cost primarily covers regulated requirements such as the minimum capital and fees for registration, publication, and professional legal support.
Ongoing Company Maintenance Costs
Annual maintenance is a crucial consideration for any business in Mozambique. These ongoing costs primarily include statutory compliance, professional services, and renewals, and may vary depending on the scale and complexity of your activities.
| Item | Annual Cost (MZN) | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual accounting services | 5,000 MZN | ~$78 |
| Annual tax declaration fee | 1,000 MZN | ~$16 |
| Business license renewal (Alvará) | 2,000 MZN | ~$31 |
| Optional legal/lawyer retainer (average) | 7,000 MZN | ~$109 |
The typical annual maintenance cost ranges from a minimum of 6,000 MZN (~$94) for companies handling only mandatory requirements, up to a maximum of 15,000 MZN (~$234) if you retain ongoing legal counsel and opt for more comprehensive professional services. This variance allows for flexibility depending on the size and risk profile of your business.
Cost Overview Table
| Cost Category | Average Amount (MZN) | Average Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Creation (one-time) | 11,000 MZN | ~$172 |
| Annual Maintenance (min – max) | 6,000 – 15,000 MZN | ~$94 – ~$234 |
All figures are based on regulatory requirements and observed market rates in Mozambique for 2025.
Official Sources for Company Formation and Maintenance Costs
Figures in this guide are compiled from official government statistics and internationally recognized economic studies. For further details or confirmation, consult Mozambican government sources:
Pro Tips for Managing Company Setup and Ongoing Costs in Mozambique
- Prepare all company documentation and required identification in advance to reduce delays as notarial and registry offices will not proceed with incomplete files.
- Choosing a reputable accounting provider can help optimize annual expenses and avoid late filing penalties—pricing varies, but bundling services may provide efficiencies.
- If your business is small or low-risk, review whether a continuous legal retainer is necessary or if legal services on demand are more cost effective.
- Check annual updates from government portals to stay aligned with potential fee changes, as publication or license renewal costs are subject to periodic adjustment.
In summary, starting and running a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Mozambique requires a relatively modest upfront investment and manageable yearly fees, especially when compared with certain neighboring markets. The transparency and stability of most fees allow for predictable budgeting. Be mindful, however, that optional services – especially ongoing legal assistance – can significantly affect the total maintenance expenditure. Staying well-organized and using local experts can help streamline compliance and cost control.