Conduct a company name search and apply for business registration
Agency: One-stop Business Facilitation Center (OBFC)
A certified proof of address and a certified copy of a proof of identity are required.
Certification is done at OBFC for a cost of R2 per page. At the end of the process, the company registration clerk delivers an advice form, which states the R530 registration fee to be paid.
Services are entirely online but clients can still register their businesses in person at the OBFC.
Time and cost: 7 days, LSL 2 per page to certify the documents
Pay the registration fee at the Accounting window, Submit the receipt and Obtain company registration documents and TIN number
Agency: One-stop Business Facilitation Center (OBFC)
The entrepreneur receives 1 receipt which will be scanned and uploaded in the his/her depository account that will enable submission of applications.
Time and cost: 1 day (simultaneous with previous procedure), LSL 500 for a domestic company + LSL 30 for search of company name
Establish sub-lease agreement and register in Deeds Registry
Agency: Deeds Registry and the Land Administration Authority
All sublease agreements for longer than 3 years must be registered in the Deeds Registry after obtaining Ministerial Consent to the sublease. Accordingly, if any new business enters into a sublease agreement for longer than 3 years, ministerial consent must be obtained and should be registered in the Deeds Registry within 3 months. Ministerial consent and subsequent registration can take between 3 months to 3 years. Usually, however, agreements are entered into for 3 years less 1 day, which does not require registration or any formalities except the formal stamping of the agreement according to the Stamp Duty Order.
Fee schedule for stamp duty on agreements:
- Up to 5 years: 0.5%.
- 5–10 years: 0.8%.
- 10–20 years: 1%.
- Over 20 years: 1.4%.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Apply for an operational license
Agency: Ministry of Trade and Industry
It is required to submit the sublease or lease, certified passport copies all of directors, and the health certificate. Cost varies depending on the activity.
Time and cost: 7 days, no charge
Pay the operational license fee at the Accounting window, Submit the receipt and Obtain the operational license
Agency: One-stop Business Facilitation Center (OBFC)
The entrepreneur receives 2 receipts: one for his/her records and another to be submitted to the Company registration window. The cost of the business license will depend on the type of activity.
Time and cost: 1 day (simultaneous with previous procedure), LSL 650 for a retailer of domestic goods
File for workman’s compensation with an insurance company
Agency: Insurance company
Workman’s compensation insurance must be taken out with a private insurance company registered in Lesotho. The cost of insurance depends on the number of employees and the level of risk.
On another note, the “pay as you earn” (PAYE) tax is payable to the Lesotho Revenue Authority, by completing a monthly form that states employee names and details.
Time and cost: 1 day (simultaneous with previous procedures), no charge
