Direct answer: Some activities require sector approval, minimum capital, experience or a specially qualified location before operations begin. A poor activity description can leave you with an incorporated company that cannot obtain its operating license.

Practical steps

• Describe the actual activity and revenue sources.
• Identify the regulator and official classification.
• Check ownership, management, experience and capital conditions.
• Obtain prior approval where required.
• Align the company’s objects and complete licenses.

Documents and issues to settle

• Activity and operating plan.
• Owner and manager details.
• Capital plan.
• Premises documents.
• Approvals from the competent authority.

Common mistakes

• Copying a competitor’s activity wording.
• Taking a long lease before confirming premises suitability.
• Assuming every activity permits unrestricted foreign ownership.
• Confusing preliminary approval with the final operating license.

Frequently asked question

Does commercial registration authorize operations?

Not always. A regulated activity may also need sector licenses and premises or operating permits.

Next step

Review the activity, ownership, funding and licenses before committing. See our company formation service and related legal articles.

Source and legal review

Primary official source: GAFI Investor Services Center Guide. Reviewed by legal consultant Tarek Ibrahim on 4 October 2026. Recheck current requirements before filing.