ZRA Registration
The Tax Administration and Procedure Acts No 7 of 2009 Sec 5 (2) requires a person to apply for registration to the Commissioner within fifteen days from the date of commencing the business.
A ZRA Registration Number is also known as a Zanzibar Taxpayer Number (ZTN). A ZTN is a unique digital number assigned by the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) to anyone who needs to pay taxes or conduct business transactions in Zanzibar.
The easiest way to get your ZRA registration number is to apply online through the ZIDRAS Taxpayer portal.
Online registration
- Visit the official ZRA website at portalzidras.zanrevenue.org/register
- Follow the prompts for ZTN registration. Look for a "Apply for ZRA Reference Number" link or a similar option.
- Fill in your personal details, including your full name, physical address, and contact information.
- Provide identification details, such as your Zanzibar ID Card, Tanzania National ID card (NIDA) number or passport number.
- Review the application for accuracy and submit it.
- Application letter for registration
- A copy of Memorandum and Article of Association
- A copy of Title deed for the premises or lease agreement of which stamp duty has been paid.
- A copy of TIN
- A copy of Certificate of incorporation/Compliance.
- If the business is governed by recognized body, a letter from the Body governing the activity.
- Identification Card of at least two directors (For resident a copy of NIDA)
- Business License
- Copy of Identification Card for each Partner.
- If the business is governed by recognized body, a letter from the Body governing the activity.
- A copy of valid Business License.
- A copy of TIN’s for each Partner
- A copy of Title deed for the premises or lease agreement of which stamp duty has been paid.
- A copy of Partnership Deed Agreement
- Application for Registration Form
- Copy of Identification Card of the business owner.
- A copy of valid Business License.
- A copy of TIN Certificate.
- A copy of Title deed for the premises or lease agreement of which stamp duty has been paid.
Any trader with turnover (sales per year) that exceeds Tanzania Shillings Five million (5,000,000/=) is required to register in ZRA as a taxpayer.
There are several kinds of taxes where the taxpayers should collect and pay depending on the business or turnover of the business.
Tax Filling and Returns
To file tax returns you must login using ZIDRAS Taxpayer Portal. The process requires you to have a Zanzibar Taxpayer Number (ZTN) and a password to access the portal.
Step 1: Register for a ZTN (skip this step if you have ZTN)
- If you do not have a ZTN, you must register. Your ZTN is a unique number assigned by ZRA that is necessary for all tax-related transactions.
- You can apply for a ZTN online through the ZRA portal.
- For registration, you will need personal details and an official identification document, such as a Zanzibar ID, Tanzania National ID card (NIDA) or a passport.
- Business License and Other Document as directed at ZIDRAS Taxpayer Portal
Step 2: Access the Digital Service Taxation Portal (ZIDRAS)
- Once you have your ZTN, follow these steps to access the portal:
- Go to the ZRA website and click on E-Services "ZIDRAS TP" or go directly to https://portalzidras.zanrevenue.org/.
- Enter your ZTN and password to sign in. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Your Password?" link to reset it.
Step 3: File your Tax Return
- The filing process will vary depending on the specific tax type, but the general steps are as follows:
- Navigate to the E-Filling on Menu . Follow the instructions to file your Return based on Tax type.
Step 4: Pay your tax liability
- Generate a payment reference: The ZRA portal will generate a payment reference number, also known as a control number, for you to use when making a payment.
- Pay through a bank: You can pay your tax bill through online banking, using the payment reference number to ensure the payment is credited to your tax account.
- Receive confirmation: The ZRA will send you a confirmation once the payment has been successfully processed.
Log in to the ZIDRAS portal. Go to the ZIDRAS taxpayer login page at portalzidras.zanrevenue.org/ and enter your login credentials.
Step 1: Open your account and navigate to the main Menu.
Step 2: From the menu options, click on Tax Clearance.
Step 3: On the Tax Clearance page, select the Request option.
Step 4: On the top-right corner, click Create New Request.
Step 5: Enter all the necessary details in the form provided.
Step 6: After completing the form, click Submit to finalize your request.
Driving and Road License
Driver’s License Information
1. Minimum Age Requirements for Driving
Under Section 83 of the Road Transport Act, a driving licence will only be issued to applicants who meet the minimum age requirement for the relevant vehicle class.
Minimum Age by Licence Class:
- Class M: 16 years – Motorcycles/mopeds
- Class A, B1, C1: 18 years – Light motorcycles and light motor vehicles
- Class B, C, D1, E: 21 years – Light vehicles, heavy vehicles, minibuses, trailers
- Class D: 25 years – Public service vehicles
- Class G: 25 years + ability to operate all vehicle classes
Driving Experience Requirement:
Applicants for classes C, D, and E must have a minimum of two (2) years driving experience.
2. Applying for a Driving Licence
Application Process:
- Submit application to ZRA.
- Use the prescribed form and include all required particulars.
Required Documents:
(a) Certificate of Competence:
- Must be issued after passing a driving test within one year.
OR
(b) Valid Foreign or International Driving Permit:
- Must match vehicle class.
- Issued while applicant was not a permanent resident of Zanzibar.
- From a country party to the 1949 or 1968 Road Traffic Convention.
3. Issuance of a Driving Licence
- Licence issued upon approval and payment of prescribed fee.
- Authorizes driving only for specified vehicle classes.
4. Duplicate Licences
- Issued if original is lost, defaced, or mutilated.
- Original must be returned if later found.
5. Revocation of Driving Licence
May be revoked due to disease or disability that endangers public safety.
- Holder must be given notice of intention.
6. Driving Licence Fees
6.1 Learner’s Licence Fees:
- New Learner’s Licence: 20,000 TZS
- Renewal: 20,000 TZS
6.2 New Issue or Renewal of Driving Licence:
- 1 year: 30,000 TZS
- 2 years: 45,000 TZS
- 3 years: 60,000 TZS
- 5 years: 75,000 TZS
6.3 Other Licence Services:
- Duplicate Licence: 20,000 TZS
- Add/Delete Vehicle Class: 20,000 TZS
6.4 Exchange of Foreign or Paper Licence:
- 1 year: 40,000 TZS
- 2 years: 50,000 TZS
- 3 years: 65,000 TZS
- 5 years: 80,000 TZS
How to Request a Road License Through the ZIDRAS Taxpayer Portal
The Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) continues to enhance service delivery through the Zanzibar Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (ZIDRAS). Taxpayers can now conveniently apply for a Road License online without visiting ZRA offices. Follow the simple steps below to complete your application quickly and securely.
Step 1: Log In to the ZIDRAS Taxpayer Portal
To begin your application, access the ZIDRAS Taxpayer Portal using your internet-enabled device.
- Enter your Reference Number and Password in the login fields.
- Click “Sign In” to open your taxpayer dashboard.
Step 2: Access the Road License Module
Once you are logged in:
- Locate the main navigation menu on the left-hand side of your dashboard.
- Click on the “Road License” module to expand the available options.
- Select “Request Road License” to begin the application process.
Step 3: Enter Your Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Details
You will be prompted to provide the identification details for the vehicle you wish to license.
- In the designated field, enter the Motor Vehicle or Motorcycle Registration Number accurately.
- Confirm that the information entered is correct before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Submit Your Road License Request
After entering your vehicle details:
- Click the “Submit Road License Request” button.
- The system will process your request and your request will be forwarded to ZARTSA for issuance of road license.
Need Assistance?
If you encounter any difficulties while using the ZIDRAS portal, the ZRA support team is ready to assist. Visit your nearest ZRA office or contact the ZRA helpdesk for guidance.
Motor Vehicle Registration Procedure
1. Access the Online Registration Portal
All new motor vehicle registration applications must now be submitted online through the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) website at portalzidras.zanrevenue.org
Steps:
- Visit the website and click on Login.
- Enter your Username — this is the Reference Number of the registering person.
- Enter your Password and complete the CAPTCHA verification.
- An OTP (One Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number, email, or both. Enter the OTP to proceed.
- After successful login, navigate to the Motor Vehicle Registration section.
- Click on New Registration.
- Enter the Chassis Number and TANSAD Number (the chassis number must have been pre-approved by ZBS).
- The system will process your application automatically.
- If approved, a Control Number will be issued to the applicant for payment and further processing.
2. Documentation and Verification
Before applying, ensure that you have valid identification and supporting documentation. These are required for verification and fraud prevention.
- Acceptable Documents to Confirm Identity
- You must produce at least one original document from each of the following categories:
- Proof of Identity:
- National Identity Card and Zanzibar national ID
- Passport, Residents permits (for foreigners)
3. Vehicle First Registration Fee
Vehicles registered and taxed for the first time on ZRA records are required to pay the following fees:
| Type of Vehicle | Registration Fee (TZS) |
| Motor Vehicle | 130,000 |
| Tricycle or Motorcycle | 75,000 |
Exemptions
- Vehicles registered under the disabled exempt taxation class
- Vehicles imported under the personal export or new means of transport schemes
- Visiting forces vehicles
- Vehicles under the direct export scheme
- TIC-exempt vehicles
4. Change of Ownership
For Individuals
- Sales Agreement
- Deed of Gift or Mortgage Deed (if applicable)
- Lawyer’s VFD Receipt
- Tax Reference Number of the Buyer
For Limited Companies
- Sales Agreement
- VFD Receipt for Sale
- Lawyer’s VFD Receipt
- Tax Reference Numbers for both Buyer and Seller
In Case of Untraceable Sellers
- Sales Agreement endorsed by a Lawyer
- Affidavit of Ownership
- Lawyer’s VFD Receipt
- Confirmation from BPRA
5. De-registration and Other Services
- De-registration (for scrapped, stolen, or fire-damaged vehicles)
- Export Clearance for vehicles leaving the country
- Blocking/Unblocking of vehicles at the owner’s request
Tax Calendar
| MONTH | YEAR | DUE DATE | MONTH | YEAR | DUE DATE | |
| July | 2025 | 21-07-2025 | January | 2026 | 20-01-2026 | |
| August | 2025 | 20-08-2025 | February | 2026 | 20-02-2026 | |
| September | 2025 | 22-09-2025 | March | 2026 | 20-03-2026 | |
| October | 2025 | 22-10-2025 | April | 2026 | 20-04-2026 | |
| November | 2025 | 20-11-2025 | May | 2026 | 20-05-2026 | |
| December | 2025 | 22-12-2025 | June | 2026 | 22-06-2026 |

