Developer’s license
  1. Incorporate or register a company with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) for the sole purpose of developing a Free Zone in Uganda.
  2. Submit a duly filled application formal Application form to be accompanied by the following documents: Proof of payment of Application fee; Agreement establishing a free zone where several developers are establishing a free zone; Feasibility Study or Business Plan; Master Plan including the Marketing Plan; Environment Impact Assessment Clearance; Project Plan for establishing the Free Zone with clear indicators and timelines; Memorandum and Articles of Association; Certificate of Incorporation/ Registration; A copy of Resolution filed with the Registrar of Companies altering Memorandum of Association to provide for Development within a Free Zone (For already existing Companies); Tax Clearance Certificate, where applicable; other documents that the Authority may consider necessary.
  3. The Evaluation Committee scrutinises the Application and prepares a detailed report within Thirty (30) working days from receipt of the application.
  4. Upon being satisfied with the Application, the Authority writes a Recommendation Letter to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to prepare a Statutory Instrument which is then sent to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic  Development to declare the area a Free Zone.
  5. The Authority then notifies the Applicant of the decision to grant the Licence and payment of the prescribed fee.
  6. The Licencee is required to start operations within 12 months from the grant of the Licence.
Fees
  • Application fee to establish a free zone under regulation 6(4), s 25 of the Free Zones Act (Developer’s licence) – USD $250
  • Annual licence payment – USD $5,000 
Operator/Manager’s license
  1. Incorporate/Register a company with URSB for the sole purpose of operating or managing a Free Zone in Uganda.
  2. Submit a duly filled Application Form accompanied by the following documents: Proof of payment of Application fee; Feasibility Study/Business Plan; Master Plan including the Marketing Plan; Project Plan for operating or managing the Free Zone with clear indicators and timelines; Memorandum and Articles of Association; A copy of Resolution filed with the Registrar of Companies altering Memorandum of Association to provide for Operation within a Free Zone (For already existing Companies); Certificate of Incorporation/ Registration; Tax Clearance Certificate, where applicable; and other documents that the UFZA may consider necessary.
  3. The Evaluation Committee the Application and prepares a detailed report within Thirty (30) working days from receipt of the application.
  4. Upon being satisfied with the Application, the Authority writes a Recommendation Letter to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to prepare a Statutory Instrument which is then sent to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic  Development to declare the area a Free Zone.
  5. The Authority then notifies the Applicant of the decision to grant the Licence and payment of the prescribed fee.
  6. Commencement of activities is only after issuance of a Certificate of Conformity by the Commissioner General (Uganda Revenue Authority) stating that all conditions for keeping records and security of custom goods, among others, has been complied with
  7. The Licencee is required to start operations within 12 months from the grant of the Licence.
Fees
  • Application fee for free zone operator’s licence or manager’s licence under regulation 15(2), s. 38 of the Free Zones Act – USD $250
  • Annual licence payment – USD $1,000

The Authority works with the Developer/Operator/Manager throughout this process.