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Business & Trade

How to Get or Renew a Business Licence in Malawi

updated on : Monday, 9 Nov, 2026 · 2 min read · from 3 official sources

A friendly shopkeeper stands behind shelves of homemade preserves.
Photo: Demetra Ioannidou / Pexels
Table of contents
  • Business licences for food, liquor and nursery schools are obtained from the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services at Lilongwe City Council Civic Offices5
  • Licences for hotels, retailers, wholesalers, contractors and other general businesses are obtained from the Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Trade at Chidzanja House Offices5
  • Operating without a valid business licence is illegal and can result in business closure8
  • Lilongwe City Council now issues licences through an automated system with barcoded licenses for improved accountability6

In Lilongwe, applications depend on your business type. For food, liquor and nursery school licences, visit the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services at Civic Offices, Room No 305.5 For hotels, rest houses, lodges, retailers, wholesalers, travellers, contractors, manufacturing and other general licences, go to the Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Trade at Chidzanja House Offices, Room No 8.5

The licensing system

Lilongwe City Council operates an automated business licensing system called the Automated Revenue Management Information System (ARMIS), which came into operation on 9 November 2020.6 Each licence has a barcode for tracking and accountability purposes.6

Bustling local market scene with fresh fruits and vegetables and diverse people engaging in commerce.
Illustrative photo by Pramod Tiwari on Pexels

Important information

Operating or trading without a valid business licence is illegal, and non-compliance attracts stiff penalties, which may include closure of your business premises.8 It is your responsibility to renew your licence before expiry.

Contact details

For further information about business licensing in Lilongwe, contact the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services or Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Trade: Cell: +265 999 616 962, +265 888 920 619, +265 991 781 802, +265 993 286 1698

Official sources

  1. Notice on renewal of business premises licences for 2020/2021 financial year lcc.mw
  2. Automated business premises licensing system lcc.mw · archived copy
  3. Notice on renewal of Business Premises Licences for 2021/2022 Financial year lcc.mw

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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