Private Business Corporation (PBC) Registration in Zimbabwe

A Private Business Corporation is a business entity type designed for smaller businesses, with members holding a percentage interest in the corporation instead of shares.

Partzile Compliance Hub registers PBCs through the same guided flow used for companies, adapted to member and contribution particulars.

• Small businesses and family businesses wanting a simpler structure
• Sole traders formalising into a registered entity
• Groups of members who prefer member interests to shareholding

• Up to five proposed names for a name search
• Full particulars of each member, including residential address and date of birth
• Each member's percentage interest and contribution
• The principal place of business and registered address
• The nature of the business

• Identity documents for each member
• Proof of the business address
• Signed declarations produced by the platform

1. 1Name searchSubmit up to five preferred names and pay the search fee.
2. 2Capture membersEnter member particulars, contributions and percentage interests.
3. 3Upload documentsAttach identity and address documents.
4. 4Review, pay and submitYour compliance officer reviews the file, the fee is paid, and the registration is lodged.

Private Business Corporations are provided for in the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31], and the prescribed CR forms under S.I. 46 of 2020 apply.

What is the difference between a PBC and a company?

A PBC is member-based with percentage interests, while a company has shareholders, directors and a company secretary. A PBC is generally simpler to administer.

Do PBCs file annual returns?

PBCs have their own statutory filing obligations, including periodic returns. Partzile supports these filings through the statutory returns module.

Can a PBC be converted later?

Conversions between entity types are provided for by the Registry; speak to a compliance officer about your situation.