Two new decrees speed up business start-up through digital filing, with licences in as little as two hours or one business day.
On 27 July, Mozambique published two decrees that together reshape how businesses enter the market. Decree No. 40/2026 revises the Mere Prior Notification regime, and Decree No. 41/2026 replaces the Simplified Licensing framework. Both reflect a push toward digital, risk-based regulation.
Decree 40/2026: Mere Prior Notification
This decree replaces Decree No. 27/2023. Entrepreneurs can lawfully begin low-risk activities simply by filing a declaration, with no prior approval from the Administration and post-registration inspection replacing prior licensing. Key points:
- It applies to activities classified as low risk under the updated CAE-based annex.
- The certificate is issued within a maximum of 2 hours of online submission via e-BAU, and businesses can start operating before it is formally issued.
- Certificates are valid for 3 years and renewable. Material changes (address, closure, operating hours) must be reported within 15 business days.
- Micro-enterprises and micro-industries are exempt from all related fees.
Decree 41/2026: Simplified Licensing
This decree replaces Decree No. 39/2017 and extends simplified licensing to a wider range of low- and medium-impact activities across nine sectors: Agriculture, Commerce, Communications, Construction, Culture, Industry, Fisheries, Services and Tourism.
- Applications are filed digitally through e-BAU, with electronic signature and interoperability across public registries and tax systems.
- Licences are issued within a maximum of one business day and are valid for 3 years, renewable, with a streamlined “averbamento” process for ownership, name or location changes.
- Most covered activities are exempt from Environmental Impact Study requirements. Category C screening still applies to a limited list, such as carpentry, block manufacturing, wood panels and plastic packaging.
Transition
Holders of licences issued under the previous regime have a 12-month grace period, free of charge, to regularise their status.
What this means for clients
For new entrants, particularly SMEs and service providers, time-to-market falls materially. The first step is confirming whether Simplified Licensing or Mere Prior Notification applies to the intended activity. For existing licence holders, the priority is checking current status and planning the transition inside the grace period. We can assess eligibility, prepare the required filings and manage the transition of existing licences.
