Includes steps involved in establishing a local office
Last Published: 8/5/2019

The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) is a GKoE agency created to promote, attract and assist the establishment of both local and foreign enterprises. EIPA is the logical first point of contact for a new business in Eswatini.  The following are EIPA’s guidelines for establishing operations in Eswatini:

  1. Business Registration: EIPA facilitates the registration of the company through legal practitioners (Companies Act of 1912).  Costs range from $100 – $200.

  2. Immigration: EIPA handles the applications for entry permits on behalf of the investor.  Medical certificate, certificates of association, share certificates, bank statements, police clearances and two passport size photos are required.  Permit fees range from $25 for up to 12 months to $250 for five years.

  3. Trading Licenses: EIPA will also handle this application (Trading Licenses Order No. 20 or 1975).  The cost of the license is $45.

  4. Utilities Services: Applications are handled by EIPA.

  5. Environmental Compliance: All non-service related businesses are required by law to apply for approval from the Eswatini Environmental Authority, a process that EIPA fully facilitates.  All waste-creating industries are required by law to undertake an environmental impact assessment.

  6. Factory Inspectorate and National Provident: Law requires these registrations.  The registration process is facilitated by EIPA.

Foreign investors have encountered some difficulties working with EIPA and with GKoE regulations outside of EIPA’s scope.  A study by USAID’s Regional Office for Southern Africa (available at: http://mbabane.usembassy.gov/local_links.html) outlines many step-by-step procedures related to employing, reporting, locating, and operating in Eswatini.
Two common problems noted are:

  1. Trading License/Entry Permit:  The current procedures require a Trading License to obtain an Entry Permit, while simultaneously requiring an Entry Permit to obtain a Trading License.  In practice, an investor must negotiate with both the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to reach an agreement as to which permission will be granted first.

  2. Entry Permit Review: Some investors complain that the review of applications for employee Entry Permits can vary; thus, employers cannot predict if and when an employee will be able to work legally in the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Mbabane is working with EIPA and the GKoE in general to clarify the issues raised in the “Eswatini Investor Roadmap.”  As circumstances change, this document will be updated accordingly.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.