Forming a company in Senegal costs less than people think, but the total exceeds the registration fees alone. Between capital, an optional notary, registry fees, publication and support, the real budget varies with the form chosen. Here is the line-by-line detail, in FCFA, indicative for 2026.
Which legal form to choose?
The form choice drives capital, liability and cost. The three most common forms for micro and small businesses:
| Form | Partners | Minimum capital | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUARL | 1 (single-member) | 100,000 FCFA | limited to contributions |
| SARL | 2 and more | 100,000 FCFA | limited to contributions |
| GIE | 2 and more | none (0 FCFA) | unlimited and joint |
Indicative 2026 amounts; SARL/SUARL capital was lowered to 100,000 FCFA, but the actual amount should be consistent with the activity.
Registration fees at the one-stop shop (APIX)
APIX centralises the formalities. The basic registration cost is deliberately low to encourage formalisation.
| Item | Indicative cost (FCFA) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| One-stop-shop registration | 25,000 to 50,000 | APIX flat fee |
| Registry / RCCM fees | included or extra | depends on file |
| NINEA (tax identifier) | free | issued together |
| Establishment declaration | included | at the counter |
Deed and articles fees
This is where cost varies most. Articles can be private (cheaper) or notarised (mandatory in some cases, or reassuring).
| Articles option | Indicative cost (FCFA) | When |
|---|---|---|
| Private deed | 0 to 50,000 | simple drafting |
| Notarised deed | 100,000 to 300,000 | by capital and notary |
| Legal advisory fees | 50,000 to 200,000 | optional |
| Registration of articles | variable | registration duties |
Publication and ancillary formalities
A few mandatory or recommended fees round out the budget.
| Item | Indicative cost (FCFA) | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Legal notice / publicity | 20,000 to 50,000 | recommended |
| Trade register (RCCM) | included in APIX | mandatory |
| Company stamp | 5,000 to 15,000 | practical |
| Domiciliation (if needed) | 30,000 to 100,000 / month | optional |
Total budget by form
Summary of realistic ranges to get started, excluding paid-up share capital.
| Form | Low budget (FCFA) | Comfort budget (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| GIE | 50,000 | 150,000 |
| SUARL (private deed) | 75,000 | 250,000 |
| SARL (private deed) | 100,000 | 300,000 |
| SARL/SUARL (notarised deed) | 250,000 | 600,000 |
Timelines
Formalisation via the one-stop shop is fast when the file is complete.
| Step | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|
| Complete file submission to APIX | day 0 |
| RCCM registration | 1 to 3 days |
| Obtaining NINEA | included, a few days |
| Opening a bank account | 1 to 2 weeks |
Worked example: a digital SUARL
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A freelancer formalising as a SUARL, private deed articles, capital 100,000 FCFA.
- One-stop-shop registration: 30,000 FCFA
- Private deed articles (template): 0 FCFA (self-drafted) or 40,000 with support
- Legal notice: 30,000 FCFA
- Stamp: 10,000 FCFA
- Capital deposited: 100,000 FCFA (stays in the company, not a lost expense)
- Total fees (excluding capital): about 70,000 to 110,000 FCFA
- Overall budget with capital: about 170,000 to 210,000 FCFA
Illustrative figures.
After formation: do not forget
Registration is only a start. Also plan for: a tax declaration of existence, IPRES/CSS registration if hiring, and the business license in the first year.
| Post-formation obligation | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tax declaration of existence | from start-up | DGID |
| IPRES / CSS registration | on hiring | if employees |
| Business license (patente) | annual | sometimes exempt year 1 |
| SYSCOHADA accounting | ongoing | mandatory |
Honest disclaimer
APIX fees, notary fees and registration duties change and depend on the file. This article gives indicative 2026 ranges. Before forming, validate your structure with a legal adviser or chartered accountant, and confirm fees with APIX.
FAQ
What is the minimum capital for a SARL in Senegal?
It was lowered to 100,000 FCFA for both the SARL and the SUARL, but the amount should remain consistent with the activity.
Does a GIE have a minimum capital?
No, a GIE can be formed without capital, but members have unlimited and joint liability.
How long does formation via APIX take?
With a complete file, RCCM registration is often done in 1 to 3 working days.
Are notarised articles mandatory?
Not always. Private-deed articles suffice in many cases and cost less; a notary remains useful depending on the structure.
What total budget should I plan for a simple SUARL?
Excluding capital, plan for about 70,000 to 250,000 FCFA depending on whether you draft yourself or use an adviser.
Let's talk about your project. Kolonell supports founders launching their digital business in Senegal. Write to us on WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
