Skip to main content
About

Tourism & Wildlife

How to License or Grade a Tourism Business in Malawi

updated on : Saturday, 7 Nov, 2026 · 2 min read · from 3 official sources

Rustic safari lodges surrounded by rocky landscape and desert vegetation, perfect for an adventurous retreat.
Photo: Reto Wiezel / Pexels
Table of contents
  • All tourism operators must be registered with the register of companies and Malawi Revenue Authority before applying for a license1
  • Tourism licenses are issued by the Department of Tourism after inspection to check your business meets minimum standards under the Tourism and Hotels Act1
  • Hotel and restaurant grading costs Mk100,000 per star applied for, and the Department takes a maximum of 3 weeks to assess your property1
  • It is against the laws of Malawi to operate a tourism business without a license from the Board3

To operate a tourism business legally, you must first register your establishment with the register of companies and Malawi Revenue Authority.1 Once registered, collect a license application form from the Department of Tourism and submit it with your completed form.1 Your establishment will then undergo an inspection to check that it meets the minimum requirements and standards set out in the Tourism and Hotels Act.1

If your business satisfies the standards, the Department will recommend it for licensing.1 If it does not meet standards, the establishment may be recommended for re-inspection after 30, 45, 60 or 90 days depending on the inspection findings, or in worse cases recommended for advisory or closure.1

Grading Your Hotel or Restaurant

If you want your hotel or restaurant to receive a star grading, collect an application form from the Department of Tourism.1 The application fee depends on the number of stars you are applying for: each star costs Mk100,000.1

Once you submit your completed form, the Department assembles a team of assessors who will evaluate your property.1 The assessment takes at least three days for a proper evaluation of the accommodation unit, and the Department takes a maximum of 3 weeks before the property is assessed.1

Elegant hotel lobby with an express checkout desk, lamp, and signage, conveying luxury and convenience.
Illustrative photo by Yizi Zeng on Pexels

Where to Apply

Contact the Department of Tourism at Tourism House, off Convention Drive, Private Bag 326, Lilongwe 3.4 You can reach them by phone on +265 (0) 1 775 499 or 772 702, by email at info@visitmalawi.mw, or call the TNM toll-free line 437 (reachable Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm).4 WhatsApp contact is +265 984 222 272.4

Tourism Development Certificates

If you are planning a new tourism development project, you can apply for a Tourism Development Certificate.1 Submit your application to the Department of Tourism with a project proposal or business plan, proof of land ownership, certified architectural drawings (approved by city or local authorities), a certificate of business registration, and an environmental impact assessment report where required.1

Official sources

  1. Department Of Tourism visitmalawi.mw
  2. MINISTRY OF TOURISM PRESS RELEASE CHRISTMAS visitmalawi.mw · PDF · archived copy
  3. Wildlife visitmalawi.mw · PDF · archived copy

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.

Back to top