The verdict in three sentences
Since the OHADA reform, the minimum capital for a SARL has dropped to 0 FCFA in Ivory Coast: you can register with a symbolic 5,000 FCFA. The real cost therefore comes not from capital but from the one-stop-shop fees (35,000 to 80,000 FCFA), the RCCM, the DGI tax number and domiciliation. In practice, an entrepreneur in Abidjan completes the file for 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA all-in and receives documents in 3 to 7 days, not 24h.
The line-by-line cost of a SARL at CEPICI
CEPICI (Centre for the Promotion of Investments in Ivory Coast) is the one-stop-shop. Here is the realistic 2026 breakdown for a standard multi-member SARL in Abidjan.
| Item | 2026 amount (FCFA) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CEPICI one-stop-shop fee | 35,000 - 80,000 | Depends on capital and company type |
| RCCM registration | 15,000 | Trade register |
| Tax number (DCF/DGI) | 5,000 | 5-day lead time |
| Deposited capital (symbolic) | 5,000 - 100,000 | Free since OHADA |
| Notary fees (articles) | 0 - 50,000 | Optional if private deed |
| Domiciliation Zone 4 / Plateau | 25,000 - 50,000 /month | If no own premises |
| Turnkey total | 120,000 - 200,000 | Excluding recurring domiciliation |
Since 2014, a SARL's articles can be drafted as a private deed (no notary), saving up to 50,000 FCFA. A notary remains advisable above 10,000,000 FCFA of capital or with in-kind contributions.
Physical desk vs e-CEPICI: the 2026 comparison
CEPICI rolled out an online platform. Here is how it compares to the physical Plateau desk in Q1 2026.
| Criterion | Abidjan Plateau desk | e-CEPICI (online) |
|---|---|---|
| Official advertised time | 24h | 24h |
| Real observed time | 3 - 7 days | 2 - 5 days |
| Document submission | In person, queue | PDF upload |
| Payment | Cash / cheque | Mobile money / card |
| File tracking | Phone / on site | Online dashboard |
| Best for | In-kind contributions, complex cases | Standard complete file |
The documents are the same: national ID or passport of partners, proof of address, signed articles, minutes of the constitutive meeting, non-conviction declaration and the CEPICI form. An incomplete file is the number-one cause of delay: check every document before submitting.
Mini case study
Kouassi, launching a delivery company in Abidjan-Cocody, registers a SARL with a partner. He chooses private-deed articles (0 FCFA notary), a symbolic 100,000 FCFA capital and Zone 4 domiciliation at 30,000 FCFA/month. His setup budget: 80,000 FCFA desk + 15,000 RCCM + 5,000 tax + 100,000 capital = 200,000 FCFA, plus 30,000 FCFA monthly domiciliation. File submitted on a Monday, he collects his RCCM the following Thursday, i.e. 4 working days.
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| Track | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase websites | 15 % | 5 % maintenance |
| E-commerce (Wave/OM) | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
On a 500,000 FCFA showcase site, that is 75,000 FCFA upfront plus 5 % on recurring maintenance. No investment, no technical skill required: you introduce, we deliver, you get paid.
FAQ
What is the minimum capital for a SARL in Ivory Coast in 2026?
The legal minimum is 0 FCFA since the OHADA reform: you can register with a symbolic 5,000 FCFA. A credible capital (100,000 to 1,000,000 FCFA) is still advised to reassure banks and suppliers.
How long does it really take to register a SARL at CEPICI?
CEPICI advertises 24h, but the real observed time is 3 to 7 working days at the desk and 2 to 5 days via e-CEPICI, provided the file is complete at submission.
Is a notary mandatory for the articles?
No. Since 2014, SARL articles can be drafted as a private deed, saving 30,000 to 50,000 FCFA. A notary remains recommended for in-kind contributions or large capital.
Is a bank account mandatory to create the SARL?
A professional bank account is required to deposit capital and run the business, but with symbolic capital it can be opened in parallel with registration, without blocking the RCCM.
What is the all-in total for a SARL in Abidjan?
Expect 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA all-in (desk, RCCM, tax, symbolic capital), excluding recurring domiciliation of 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA/month in Zone 4 or Plateau.
Let's talk about your project. New SARL registered: give it a website that converts, or become a referrer and earn 15 %. 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.
