Lilongwe business licence 2026
How to get or renew a business premises licence from Lilongwe City Council, and the fee for every one of the 307 business types in the council’s 2026 schedule, from a K20,000 township barbershop to a K9.95 million private market.
- Apply + inspect: K50,000
- From K20,000 a year
- Renew every year
Quick answer: Any business that trades from premises in Lilongwe needs a business premises licence from Lilongwe City Council, renewed every year. You pay a K10,000 application fee and a K40,000 inspection fee, the council inspects the premises, then you pay the licence fee for your type of business: for example K20,000 for a barbershop in a THA category B area, K100,000 for a tuck shop selling food, K300,000 for a shop in town. Food and liquor businesses pay extra licence parts on top. Fees below are from the council’s 2026 gazette.
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How to get a business licence in Lilongwe
The steps come from LCC’s Business Premises Licensing By-laws (2018) and its notices; the fees from the 2026 gazette.
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Apply online, or get the paper form
Online: LCC’s Digital Services Portal (the ‘Client Self Service Portal’ link on lcc.mw) lets you apply for, renew or terminate a business licence. Tap Register, create an account, then choose Business License. The same portal handles building permits, burial services and billboards.
On paper: apply to the council’s Licensing Officer on the business premises licence form. It asks for your name and nationality, the business name, the area, plot number and street, your phone and email, and the nature of the business.
At the last renewal notice the council published, food, liquor and nursery school forms came from the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services (Civic Offices, Room 305), and shops, wholesalers, lodges, hotels, contractors, manufacturers and other general licences from the Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Trade at Chizanja House (Plot No 8). Phone ahead to confirm: 0884 823 555.
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Pay K50,000 to apply and have the premises inspected
The 2026 gazette sets a K10,000 application fee and a K40,000 inspection fee. The by-laws say no licence is issued until the council has inspected the premises and certified them fit, so keep the place clean and ready. The council can set conditions (repairs, equipment); you have 14 days to accept, withdraw or appeal.
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Pay the licence fee for your business type
Find your line in the fee list below. Pay through the council’s approved payment platforms and keep the receipt: the council has warned the public not to deal with people who claim to act for it. Food businesses pay a food licence on top of the premises licence, bars and bottle stores a liquor licence.
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Collect the licence and put it on the wall
Since November 2020 LCC prints licences from its automated revenue system (ARMIS) with a bar code that proves it is genuine, and said licences are ready within 24 hours of payment (LCC). The licence must be displayed where customers and inspectors can see it.
Not a Malawian citizen? The by-laws say the council will not license you unless you hold a valid Business Residence Permit under the Immigration Act.
Renewing your Lilongwe business licence
A licence lasts one year. Renewal uses the same form: write your old licence number on it.
Pay the renewal fee for your business type before the licence runs out. The council’s old licences ran to 30 June; councils now work on an April to March year (Blantyre and Mzuzu licences ran out on 31 March 2026), and LCC’s 2026 fees started on 1 April 2026. Check the expiry date printed on your licence.
Lost or damaged licence? A replacement costs K45,000, as long as the licence is still valid. Moving premises or selling the business needs a new licence: licences are not transferable.
- Application fee
- K10,000
- Inspection fee
- K40,000
- Replacement
- K45,000
- New fees from
- 1 April 2026
Licence fees for common small businesses
Total per year, from the 2026 gazette. CBD is the Central Business District; THA is a Traditional Housing Area, which the council grades A or B. Ask which grade your area is.
- BusinessPer year
- Hawker or tuck shop (food)K100,000
- Shop in a THA, category B (food)K50,000
- Shop in a THA, category A (food)K150,000
- Barbershop or salon, THA category BK20,000
- Barbershop or salon, THA category AK100,000
- Mobile money agent, townshipK40,000
- Mobile money agent, CBDK60,000
- Restaurant, THA category BK60,000
- Khonde tailor in a townshipK130,000
- Internet cafe or printing, THA category BK40,000
- Car wash, THA category BK20,000
- Kabaza (bicycle taxi)K120,000
- Minibus owner, 1 to 5 vehiclesK150,000
- Taxi owner, 1 to 5 vehiclesK120,000
- Bottle storeK351,000
Every Lilongwe business licence fee for 2026
All 76 groups in Part VIII of the gazette. Tap a group to open it. Amounts are the total for a year; where a business pays two or three licences (premises, food, liquor), the split is underneath.
Abattoir / Slaughter House
- Abattoir / Slaughter HouseMade up of K2,100,000 + K500,000K2,600,000
Administrative Office
- Administrative Office (Office Support System)K200,000
Advertising Companies
- Advertising CompaniesK420,000
Agro-Dealer
- Agro-dealer – Premier (Large Scale)K750,000
- Agro-dealer – Standard (Small Scale)K210,000
Auctioneers / Estate Agents
- Auctioneers/Estate Agents – CompaniesK350,000
- Auctioneers/Estate Agents – IndividualK150,000
Barbershop
- Barbershop – Central Business DistrictK150,000
- Barbershop/ Salon – THA category AK100,000
- Barbershop/ Salon – THA category BK20,000
Beauty Parlour / Massage / acupuncture / Salon
- Beauty Parlour – IndividualK130,000
- Beauty Parlour – OrganizationK200,000
Betting
- Betting – BranchK300,000
- Betting – Corporate officeK750,000
- Betting – KiosksK150,000
Bookshop
- BookshopK125,000
Carpentry & Joinery
- Carpentry & Joinery – CompaniesK420,000
- Carpentry & Joinery – IndividualK120,000
Carwash
- Carwash – Premier (CBD)K150,000
- Carwash – Standard THA category AK120,000
- Carwash – Standard THA category BK20,000
Casino
- CasinoK1,800,000
Ceramic Manufactures
- Ceramic Manufacture – AssociationsK100,000
- Ceramic Manufacture – CompaniesK1,000,000
- Ceramic Manufacture – THA category AK200,000
- Ceramic Manufacture – THA category BK50,000
Clearing & Forwarding Agents
- Clearing & Forwarding AgentsK560,000
Contractors
- Drilling CompaniesK1,000,000
- Mining or Exploration CompaniesK2,450,000
- Unlimited CategoryK2,100,000
- Up to K100,000,000.00 CategoryK750,000
- Up to K10,000,000.00 CategoryK315,000
- Up to K200,000,000.00 CategoryK1,050,000
- Up to K500,000,000.00 CategoryK1,500,000
- Up to K50,000,000.00 CategoryK450,000
Curios
- CuriosK130,000
Decoration, Events Planners, MC’s and DJs
- Decoration, Events Planners, MC’s and DJsK105,000
Driving Schools
- Driving SchoolsK350,000
Dry Cleaning Services- (Laundry)
- Laundry – CompaniesK210,000
- Laundry – IndividualK130,000
- Office Cleaning ServicesK375,000
Equipment, Plant & Machinery
- Industrial – Companies Importing and selling/hiringK750,000
- Industrial – Franchise holders of the manufacturing CompaniesK2,100,000
- Industrial – Individuals Importing and selling/hiringK315,000
Events Facility (Garden, Halls, Marquees)
- Events Garden – Premier (CBD & Low & Medium Density Areas)K750,000
- Events Garden – Standard (High Density Areas)K300,000
Filling Station
- Filling Station per pumpK130,000
Financial Institutions
- Commercial Banks – AgencyK2,450,000
- Commercial Banks – BranchK4,900,000
- Commercial Banks – CorporateK7,350,000
- Discount HouseK2,100,000
- Forex BureauK2,100,000
- Insurance Company – AgencyK450,000
- Insurance Company – BrokerK1,050,000
- Insurance Company – InsurerK7,500,000
- Leasing and Finance – BranchK1,500,000
- Leasing and Finance – CorporateK2,100,000
- Micro-Finance – BranchK525,000
- Micro-Finance – Corporate OfficeK1,050,000
- Money Transfer – E-Money – AgentK70,000
- Money Transfer – E-Money – Agent – Local TownshipsK30,000
- Money Transfer – E-Money – BranchK750,000
- Money Transfer – E-Money – Corporate OfficeK1,500,000
- StockbrokerK2,100,000
Fitment Centres
- Fitment CentreK250,000
Food Manufacturing and Processing
- Any Other Food ProductMade up of K1,800,000 + K100,000K1,900,000
- BakeriesMade up of K2,500,000 + K100,000K2,600,000
- Bottled WaterMade up of K1,800,000 + K100,000K1,900,000
- BreweriesMade up of K2,800,000 + K100,000K2,900,000
- DairiesMade up of K2,800,000 + K100,000K2,900,000
- RefineryMade up of K1,800,000 + K200,000K2,000,000
- Small Scale ConfectioneryMade up of K850,000 + K60,000K910,000
- Unprocessed MilkMade up of K100,000 + K40,000K140,000
Food Vending
- Bakeries Outlets – Large ScaleMade up of K200,000 + K125,000K325,000
- Bakeries Outlets – Small ScaleMade up of K70,000 + K80,000K150,000
- Butcheries – CBDMade up of K105,000 + K100,000K205,000
- Butcheries – THA category AMade up of K70,000 + K60,000K130,000
- Butcheries – THA category BMade up of K50,000 + K30,000K80,000
- Food Canteen, Fresh Food ShopMade up of K70,000 + K30,000K100,000
- Restaurants – CBDMade up of K205,000 + K120,000K325,000
- Restaurants – THA category AMade up of K70,000 + K40,000K110,000
- Restaurants – THA category BMade up of K30,000 + K30,000K60,000
- Takeaway and Coffee Shop – CBDMade up of K105,000 + K100,000K205,000
- Takeaway and Coffee Shop – Local TownshipsMade up of K70,000 + K80,000K150,000
Fumigation and Pest Control
- Fumigation – Large Scale – OrganisationK210,000
- Fumigation – Small Scale – IndividualK130,000
Funeral Parlour & Morgue
- Funeral Parlour & MorgueK500,000
General and Food Retailers
- Hawkers, Tuck ShopMade up of K70,000 + K30,000K100,000
- Other Retail shops – Central Business DistrictMade up of K200,000 + K100,000K300,000
- Other Retail shops – THA category AMade up of K100,000 + K50,000K150,000
- Other Retail shops – THA category BMade up of K30,000 + K20,000K50,000
- Retailers – Megastores (Superette etc) – Central Business DistrictMade up of K470,000 + K130,000K600,000
- Retailers – Megastores (Superettes etc) – TownshipsMade up of K250,000 + K150,000K400,000
- General and Food Wholesalers – Central Business DistrictMade up of K470,000 + K230,000K700,000
- General and Food Wholesalers – Distributors/SuppliersMade up of K470,000 + K180,000K650,000
- General and Food Wholesalers – TownshipsMade up of K200,000 + K100,000K300,000
General Retailers
- Retailers – Central Business DistrictK200,000
- Retailers – Hawkers THA category AK40,000
- Retailers – Hawkers THA category BK20,000
- Retailers – Local Centres (High Density)K100,000
- Retailers – Local Centres (Low & Medium Density)K150,000
General Wholesalers
- General Wholesalers – Central Business DistrictK420,000
- General Wholesalers – Distributors/SuppliersK420,000
- General Wholesalers – TownshipsK210,000
Gymnasium
- Gymnasium – Central Business DistrictK400,000
- Gymnasium – TownshipsK200,000
Hatcheries
- HatcheriesK2,100,000
Horticultural / Forestry
- Forestry – Large ScaleK450,000
- Forestry – Medium ScaleK150,000
- Forestry – Small ScaleK120,000
Hotels (Accommodation Only)
- 1-2 Star HotelK560,000
- 3-4 Star HotelK1,000,000
- 5 Star HotelK1,400,000
- UncategorizedK280,000
Hotels (Accommodation & Restaurant)
- 1-2 Star HotelMade up of K560,000 + K100,000K660,000
- 3-4 Star HotelMade up of K1,000,000 + K200,000K1,200,000
- 5 Star HotelMade up of K1,400,000 + K300,000K1,700,000
- UncategorizedMade up of K280,000 + K60,000K340,000
Hotels (Accommodation, Restaurant & Bar)
- 1-2 Star HotelPremises, food and liquor: K560,000 premises + K100,000 food + K130,000 liquorK790,000
- 3-4 Star HotelPremises, food and liquor: K1,000,000 premises + K200,000 food + K130,000 liquorK1,330,000
- 5 Star HotelPremises, food and liquor: K1,400,000 premises + K300,000 food + K260,000 liquorK1,960,000
- UncategorizedPremises, food and liquor: K280,000 premises + K60,000 food + K65,000 liquorK405,000
Information Communication Technology
- Telecommunication Companies – BranchK4,200,000
- Telecommunication Companies – CorporateK6,300,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Distributors (mobile money shops)K210,000
- Telecommunication Companies – ICT Consultancy/ ICT Solutions ProvidersK1,500,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Internet Cafe/Typing & Printing Centre CBDK150,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Internet Cafe/Typing & Printing Centre THA category AK60,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Internet Cafe/Typing & Printing Centre THA category BK40,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Internet Service ProviderK1,500,000
- Telecommunication Companies – Site OfficeK1,050,000
- Telecommunication Companies – TowerK630,000
Information Communication Technology- Mobile money
- CBD agentK60,000
- CBD Super agentK210,000
- THA agentK40,000
- THA Super agentK100,000
Inn, Lodge, Motel, Guest House & Rest houses
- Accommodation and Restaurant – CBDMade up of K210,000 + K100,000K310,000
- Accommodation and Restaurant – Local TownshipsMade up of K150,000 + K60,000K210,000
- Accommodation Only – CBDK210,000
- Accommodation Only – Local TownshipsK150,000
- Accommodation Restaurant and Bar – CBDPremises, food and liquor: K210,000 premises + K100,000 food + K95,000 liquorK405,000
- Accommodation, Restaurant and Bar – Local TownshipsPremises, food and liquor: K150,000 premises + K60,000 food + K65,000 liquorK275,000
Landscapers
- Landscaping companies – Large ScaleK750,000
- Landscaping companies – Medium ScaleK210,000
- Individuals providing landscaping servicesK140,000
- Plant nurseriesK140,000
Liquor Trading and Operations
- Grade A Bar – GoldMade up of K105,000 + K300,000K405,000
- Grade A Bar – PlatinumMade up of K140,000 + K300,000K440,000
- Grade A Bar – PremierMade up of K280,000 + K546,000K826,000
- Grade A Bar – SilverMade up of K100,000 + K200,000K300,000
- Grade B Retail Liquor ShopsMade up of K175,000 + K200,000K375,000
- Grade C – Hotel/CasinoK420,000
- Grade C – Lodges and MotelsK200,000
- Grade D – RestaurantK210,000
- Grade E – ClubMade up of K210,000 + K210,000K420,000
- Grade F – CabaretsMade up of K70,000 + K130,000K200,000
- Grade G – TheatersMade up of K70,000 + K120,000K190,000
- Grade H – Bottle StoresMade up of K140,000 + K211,000K351,000
- Grade I – (Nature Sanctuary and Recreation Parks)Made up of K105,000 + K250,000K355,000
- Grade J – International Bus StationMade up of K140,000 + K250,000K390,000
- Grade J – Local Bus StationMade up of K70,000 + K130,000K200,000
- Grade J – Railway StationMade up of K70,000 + K130,000K200,000
- Grade TA – Air TerminalsMade up of K140,000 + K250,000K390,000
- Manufacturing Licences – Commercial Brewers Licence (Translucent)Made up of K700,000 + K1,050,000K1,750,000
- Manufacturing Licences – Distillers LicenceMade up of K3,500,000 + K400,000K3,900,000
- Manufacturing Licences – Opaque Beer Brewer LicenceMade up of K500,000 + K1,200,000K1,700,000
- Manufacturing Licences – Wine MakerMade up of K1,350,000 + K200,000K1,550,000
- Opaque beer Licence – Retailers LicencePremises, food and liquor: K150,000 premises + K160,000 food + K40,000 liquorK350,000
- Opaque beer Licence – Wholesalers LicenceMade up of K140,000 + K300,000K440,000
- Wholesale Licences – Agents LicenceMade up of K140,000 + K500,000K640,000
- Wholesale Licences – Wholesalers Liquor LicenceMade up of K215,000 + K400,000K615,000
Manufacturing / Processing Factories / Industries
- Manufacturing – Assembling/PackagingK750,000
- Manufacturing – HeavyK4,200,000
- Manufacturing – LightK2,100,000
Milling Companies
- Large Scale (Industrial)K2,100,000
- Medium ScaleK500,000
- Rice/Maize Millers and SellersK150,000
Motorcycle dealers
- Motorcycle dealersK750,000
Motor Vehicle dealers
- Agents dealing in Importing and selling second-hand vehiclesK700,000
- Companies Importing and selling second-hand vehiclesK700,000
- Individuals Importing and selling second-hand vehiclesK200,000
- Individuals Importing and selling second-hand vehicles – AssociationsK70,000
- Selling – Franchise holders of the manufacturing Companies Large ScaleK7,500,000
- Selling – Franchise holders of the manufacturing Companies Medium ScaleK2,100,000
Motor vehicle / automobile Workshops
- Class A (CBD)K500,000
- Class B (Medium Density)K250,000
- Class C (Local Townships)K150,000
Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres
- Motor Vehicle Inspection CentresK1,500,000
Operation of Amusement Machines
- Amusement or Entertainment Places (Outdoor)K600,000
- Amusement Parks/Play CentresK500,000
- Clubs, Bars and Bottle StoreK105,000
Petroleum Depot
- Petroleum DepotK7,500,000
Photography
- Photography (Individual)K120,000
- Photo StudiosK210,000
Premises for skilled labour services
- Skilled labour (welding, plumbing, repairs, shoe maker and similar) – THA category AK130,000
- Skilled labour (welding, plumbing, repairs, shoe maker and similar) – THA category BK40,000
Printing & Publishing
- Printing and Publishing – Corporate OfficeK420,000
- Printing and Publishing – Distribution CentresK200,000
- Screen Printers (Banners/Billboards/T-shirts etc)K420,000
Private Education Institutions
- Nursery Schools – Class A (International Syllabus)K420,000
- Nursery Schools – Class B (Local Syllabus, in Low and Medium Density Areas)K210,000
- Nursery Schools – Class C (Local Syllabus, in High Density Areas)K130,000
- Primary Schools – Class A (International Syllabus)K525,000
- Primary Schools – Class B (Local Syllabus, in Low and Medium Density Areas)K315,000
- Primary Schools – Class C (Local Syllabus, in High Density Areas)K150,000
- Secondary Schools – Class A (International Syllabus)K1,500,000
- Secondary Schools – Class B (Local Syllabus, in Low and Medium Density Areas)K1,050,000
- Secondary Schools – Class C (Local Syllabus, in High Density Areas)K300,000
- Tertiary – Class A (Offering up to Degree)K2,025,000
- Tertiary – Class B (Offering up to Diploma)K1,500,000
- Tertiary – Class C (Technical College)K420,000
Private Market
- class AK9,950,000
- class BK5,950,000
- class CK3,550,000
Private Media Houses
- Digital TV Service ProvidersK1,500,000
- Print Media – Distribution CentersK300,000
- Print Media – Production CentersK450,000
- Radio – Community RadioK225,000
- Radio – National RadioK420,000
- TelevisionK1,450,000
Private Medical Facilities
- Clinic – AdmissionK900,000
- Clinic – Mobile ClinicsK300,000
- Clinic – Outpatient Services (OPD) – (High density areas)K300,000
- Clinic – Outpatient Services (OPD) – PremierK600,000
- Clinic – Wellness Centers (physiotherapy)K300,000
- Dental Clinic – Premier (Low density areas)K525,000
- Dental Clinic – Standard (High density areas)K300,000
- Drug Store (Medicine)K150,000
- Food Supplements (Herbals) – Large ScaleK250,000
- Food Supplements (Herbals) – Medium ScaleK400,000
- HospitalK1,050,000
- Laboratory – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)K525,000
- Laboratory – Other LaboratoryK300,000
- Optical ServicesK150,000
- Pharmacy – RetailK150,000
- Pharmacy – Wholesalers, Distributors & SuppliersK420,000
- Skin Clinic, (Eye/Ear etc)K300,000
- Veterinary ClinicsK300,000
Private Public Service Vehicle Terminus
- Vehicle TerminusK525,000
Solid waste
- Class AK600,000
- Class BK300,000
Liquid waste (onsite Sanitation)
- Class AK350,000
- Class BK100,000
Professional Consulting Firms
- Accounting & Auditing FirmK525,000
- Any Consulting FirmK525,000
- Architectural FirmK525,000
- Engineering FirmK525,000
- Law FirmK525,000
- Surveying FirmK525,000
Recording Studios
- Recording StudiosK150,000
Recruitment / Employment Bureau
- Recruitment/Employment Bureau – Large Scale – OrganisationK400,000
- Recruitment/Employment Bureau – Small Scale – IndividualK130,000
Repairing of electrical, electronic, telecommunication and domestic appliances
- IndustrialK525,000
- Small ScaleK150,000
Security Companies
- Security Company – Premier (International)K750,000
- Security Company – Standard (Local)K420,000
- Security – Tracking/Alarm Services (CCTV etc)K350,000
Steel / Welding / Fabrication Workshop
- Large ScaleK1,000,000
- Medium ScaleK500,000
- Small ScaleK200,000
Tailoring and Knitting
- Companies (Specialized in tailoring/knitting)K430,000
- Khonde tailors/knitters and those located in townshipsK130,000
- Tailoring and Knitting – Located in major trading CentersK150,000
Timber
- Timber – ProcessingK1,000,000
- Timber – SellingK250,000
- Timber – Selling AssociationsK100,000
Timber Workshops
- Large ScaleK1,000,000
- Medium ScaleK500,000
- Small ScaleK200,000
Toilet Operator
- Mobile Toilet OperatorsK350,000
- Private Toilet OperatorK200,000
Tour Guides
- Tour GuidesK150,000
Transporters (Haulage, Buses & Taxis)
- Bicycle Taxi (Kabaza)K120,000
- Buses (>40 Seater) – 1 to 5 vehiclesK300,000
- Buses (>40 Seater) – 5 to 10 vehiclesK450,000
- Buses (>40 Seater) – 10 to 20 vehiclesK750,000
- Buses (>40 Seater) – over 20 vehiclesK1,125,000
- Car Hire – 1 to 5 vehiclesK225,000
- Car Hire – 5 to 10 vehiclesK375,000
- Car Hire – 10 to 20 vehiclesK750,000
- Car Hire – over 20 vehiclesK1,125,000
- Lorries – 1 to 5 vehiclesK225,000
- Lorries – 5 to 10 vehiclesK300,000
- Lorries – 10 to 20 vehiclesK450,000
- Lorries – over 20 vehiclesK750,000
- Minibuses (<40 Seater) - 1 to 5 vehiclesK150,000
- Minibuses (<40 Seater) - 5 to 10 vehiclesK300,000
- Minibuses (<40 Seater) - 10 to 20 vehiclesK450,000
- Minibuses (<40 Seater) - over 20 vehiclesK750,000
- Taxis – 1 to 5 vehiclesK120,000
- Taxis – 5 to 10 vehiclesK150,000
- Taxis – 10 to 20 vehiclesK225,000
- Taxis – over 20 vehiclesK300,000
- Tri Cycle and Motorcycle – 1 to 5 vehiclesK120,000
- Tri Cycle and Motorcycle – 5 to 10 vehiclesK130,000
- Tri Cycle and Motorcycle – 10 to 20 vehiclesK500,000
- Tri Cycle and Motorcycle – over 20 vehiclesK300,000
- Trucks (Wet & Dry) – 1 to 5 vehiclesK375,000
- Trucks (Wet & Dry) – 5 to 10 vehiclesK750,000
- Trucks (Wet & Dry) – 10 to 20 vehiclesK1,125,000
- Trucks (Wet & Dry) – over 20 vehiclesK1,500,000
Travel Agents
- Travel AgentsK300,000
Traveler’s License / Couriers
- Couriers – BranchK200,000
- Couriers – CorporateK400,000
Video show room / video rent
- Video show room/video rentK140,000
Warehouses
- Warehouses – Class A (Industrial)K450,000
- Warehouses – Class B (Commercial)K250,000
Transport licences go by fleet size (the gazette writes ‘1<5’, ‘5<10’). Some lines look odd, for example motorcycle fleets of 10 to 20 pay more than fleets over 20: that is how the gazette prints them. Parking for your vehicles is separate: see our Lilongwe parking fees guide.
Rules and penalties
From the 2018 by-laws.
Running a business from premises without a valid licence is an offence, and the council can close the premises. Breaking the by-laws or ignoring a council notice carries a penalty (the 2018 by-laws set K2,000 plus K200 a day, or up to six months in prison), and the council may suspend or revoke the licence. Fees are not refunded when a licence is suspended or revoked.
Do not use licensed premises as living or sleeping quarters. Keep them clean: the council may inspect at any reasonable time. Giving false information on the form means the licence is refused, or revoked later.
- Display
- Where customers can see it
- Transfer
- Not allowed
- Revocation notice
- 14 days
- Appeal
- To the Minister, within 30 days
Lilongwe City Council links
Lilongwe business licence FAQ
How much is a business licence in Lilongwe?
It depends on the business: from K20,000 a year (a barbershop or car wash in a THA category B area) to millions for banks and factories. On top, a new applicant pays K10,000 to apply and K40,000 for the inspection.
How do I get a business licence in Lilongwe?
Fill the council’s business premises licence form, pay the application and inspection fees, let the council inspect the premises, pay the licence fee for your business type and collect the bar-coded licence.
Can I apply for a Lilongwe business licence online?
Yes. LCC’s Digital Services Portal (selfservice.ircsdigital.com, linked from lcc.mw) lets you register, then apply for, renew or terminate a business licence.
How long does it take?
LCC said in 2020 that licences are ready within 24 hours of payment, once the premises have passed inspection.
Do I need a separate food or liquor licence?
Yes, if you sell food or drink. The gazette adds a food licence (and a liquor licence for bars) to the premises licence; the totals in our list already include them.
Can a foreigner get a business licence in Lilongwe?
Only with a valid Business Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration, according to the council’s by-laws.
Can I use my licence at a new shop?
No. A licence covers one set of premises and is not transferable. Apply again for the new premises.
Related guides
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GuideBlantyre business licence2026/27 fees, pay at Civic Offices
GuideMzuzu business licenceForms, renewal, FDH deposit
GuideLilongwe city rates2026 rates, 60 days to pay
GuideBlantyre city ratesTHA K30,000, bank accounts
GuideLilongwe building permitK400 a square metre, 30 days
GuideMzuzu building permitPlans, fee formula, inspections
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GuideNational IDNeeded for most applicationsSources: Lilongwe City Council fees and charges, Malawi Government Gazette, 20 March 2026 (General Notice No. 22, Part VIII, effective 1 April 2026) and the council’s licences and permits schedule; Business Premises Licensing By-laws 2018; LCC on automated licensing (2020) and its 2021 renewal notice, all on lcc.mw. Checked October 2026.
