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How to register a company in South Sudan

Last checked: 20 October 2026 · Start a business

Companies in South Sudan are formed under the Companies Act 2012 2. The Directorate of Business Registrations at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs registers them 1. Founders reserve a name, deliver a memorandum and articles to the Registrar and receive a certificate of incorporation 2. In May 2019 the World Bank counted 12 procedures and 13 days in Juba, with an incorporation fee of SSP 39,000 4. The company must then register for tax and get a TIN 5.
Law
Companies Act 2012 2
Registry
Directorate of Business Registrations, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs 1
Name reservation
30 days, extendable to a maximum of 60 days 2
Incorporation fee (May 2019)
SSP 39,000 4
Time in Juba (May 2019)
12 procedures, 13 days 4
Minimum paid-in capital (May 2019)
None 4

The law and the registry

The Companies Act 2012 covers the formation, registration, management and winding up of companies. It repealed the Companies Act 2003 3.

The ICNL library lists the Act as published by the Ministry of Justice in Juba on 21 February 2012 2. The FAOLEX record says the Act entered into force on signature by the President and gives that date as 30 March 2012 3.

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs runs a Directorate of Business Registrations under the Office of the Chief Registrar. Its strategic plan, dated 19 January 2022, says company and partnership registration is done electronically and a business can be registered within a day or two 1. The plan says the Wau registry is operating and the Malakal registry was looted and destroyed 1.

Types of company

  • Private company: 2 to 50 members, not counting employee members. Its articles must restrict share transfers and bar public invitations to subscribe 2.
  • Public company: at least 7 members, with no maximum 2.
  • Names: a private limited company ends in "Limited" or "ltd". A public company ends in "Public Limited Liability Company" or "PLC" 2.
  • Foreign companies: Sections 360 to 375 cover their registration. Section 362 requires a name reservation before doing business 2.

Documents for the Registrar

  • A memorandum in English giving the company name, a registered office in South Sudan and the objects of the company 2.
  • The memorandum must be dated and signed by each subscriber in front of at least one witness 2.
  • Articles of association. They are required for companies limited by guarantee and unlimited companies, and optional for companies limited by shares 2.
  • The Registrar assigns a registration number and issues a certificate of incorporation, which is conclusive evidence of compliance 2.

Steps recorded in Juba

The World Bank recorded these steps for a limited liability company in Juba. Its data runs to 1 May 2019, so current fees may differ 4.

StepAgencyTimeCost
Reserve the company name 4Business Registry 41 day 4Included in step 3 4
Prepare company documents with a lawyer 4Law firm 41 day 4SSP 2,500 4
Pay fees and get the certificate of incorporation 4Business Registry 42 days 4SSP 39,000 4
Get an operating licence 4Government of Jubek State 42 days 4SSP 5,000 4
Get a trading licence 4The Payam 42 days 4SSP 1,800 4
Register with the Ministry of Finance and get a TIN 4Ministry of Finance 47 days 4No charge 4
Register with the Chamber of Commerce 4Chamber of Commerce 47 days 4SSP 1,950 4
Register with the Ministry of Labour 4Ministry of Labour 41 day 4No charge 4

After incorporation

The Taxation Act 2009 requires registration with the tax administration before a business starts trading. Each taxpayer receives a tax identification number for returns and transactions 5. Failing to apply within one month of becoming liable carries up to five years in prison, a fine of up to SDG 50,000, or both 5.

The registry strategic plan says companies are expected to file annual returns on time and many do not. It says dormant companies may be struck off or penalized 1.

On 21 October 2024 the Minister of Investment, Dhieu Mathok, said a one-stop shop for registration had not been set up and that he wanted the Ministry of Justice, tax, customs and trade offices brought together, as reported by Obaj Okuj 6.

Common questions

How long does it take to register a company in South Sudan?

The World Bank recorded 13 days for all steps in Juba in May 2019 4. The Ministry of Justice registry plan of January 2022 says a business can be registered within a day or two 1.

How much does company registration cost in South Sudan?

The World Bank recorded an incorporation fee of SSP 39,000 in Juba in May 2019, plus licence and chamber fees 4. Section 385 of the Companies Act deals with fees 2.

Is there a minimum share capital?

The World Bank recorded no paid-in minimum capital for a limited liability company in Juba in May 2019 4.

How many members does a private company need?

A private company has from 2 to 50 members under section 8 of the Companies Act 2012 2.

Can a foreign company register a branch?

Yes. Sections 360 to 375 of the Companies Act 2012 cover foreign companies, and section 362 requires a name reservation before doing business 2.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

  1. Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Strategic Plans for the Directorate of Registration of Businesses (19 January 2022)
  2. Ministry of Justice: The Companies Act 2012, copy held by the ICNL library (21 February 2012)
  3. FAOLEX via UNEP LEAP: Companies Act 2012, legislation record (30 March 2012)
  4. World Bank: Doing Business 2020, economy profile of South Sudan, data to 1 May 2019 (2019)
  5. Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Taxation Act 2009, full text (2009)
  6. Eye Radio, as reported by Obaj Okuj: Investment minister to set up one-stop shop to ease investors registration (21 October 2024)

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