The problem from Montreal
Ibrahima, a chartered accountant who has been living in Côte-des-Neiges for seven years, calls us on a Wednesday evening: "Mohamed, I want to open a SARL in Dakar before year-end, but I can't take three weeks off to go sign at the notary's office." The scenario is textbook. Of the twenty-five to thirty thousand Senegalese living in Canada — most of them in Montreal — many have an entrepreneurial project back home, often real estate, agribusiness or import-export. But the idea of burning unpaid leave on OHADA paperwork blocks the project for years.
In 2026, it's no longer necessary. The procedure runs remotely, as long as you respect a precise sequence: notarized power of attorney in Canada, law firm in Dakar, capital deposit, trade register filing. Here's how we handled ten diaspora files over the past six months.
Step 1 — Power of attorney from Ottawa or Montreal
The Senegalese embassy in Ottawa issues notarized powers of attorney within a few days. Official 2026 rates: between 75 and 200 CAD depending on complexity. The honorary consulate in Montreal can authenticate some documents, but for a power of attorney meant to incorporate a company, Ottawa is mandatory — either in person or by registered mail with prepaid return.
The document must name a local agent (usually the lawyer, sometimes a trusted cousin) and list the authorized acts: signing the articles of association, opening the bank account, depositing capital, requesting the trade register filing. A vague power of attorney will be rejected by the notary.
Step 2 — The Dakar law firm
This is the most strategic line item. A serious Dakar firm bills between 1,000 and 2,000 EUR (1,450 to 2,900 CAD) for a turnkey SARL: drafting articles, capital deposit, RCCM trade register filing, NINEA tax number, official gazette publication. Allow four to six weeks.
| Item | Cost FCFA | Cost CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa embassy power of attorney | 50,000-130,000 | 75-200 |
| Turnkey law firm | 650,000-1,300,000 | 1,450-2,900 |
| Minimum SARL share capital | 100,000 | 225 |
| RCCM + official gazette fees | 65,000-90,000 | 145-200 |
| Average total | 900,000-1,600,000 | 2,000-3,500 |
Step 3 — Bank account and capital deposit
The minimum share capital of an OHADA SARL is 100,000 FCFA — symbolic, but mandatory. These funds must transit through a blocked account at a Senegalese bank (Ecobank, SGBS, BICIS, Orabank). Without physical presence, account opening goes through the local agent and requires a complete KYC file: notarized passport copy, Canadian proof of residence, enhanced due diligence. Two to four weeks of friction.
Step 4 — Mistakes to avoid
Aïssatou, a nurse in Laval, had her articles drafted by a "lawyer friend" who wasn't actually registered with the Dakar bar. Three months later the RCCM rejected the file. Redoing everything costs more than paying a real firm from day one.
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Another trap: appointing a local manager who doesn't have a personal NINEA. The file will be blocked at the tax counter. Always verify.
FAQ
Do you need a business visa to manage a Senegalese SARL?
No. A Senegalese diaspora member, even with dual nationality, can be a manager without a specific visa. A Senegalese ID card or passport is enough.
How long to get the NINEA?
Four to eight weeks after a complete file is submitted to the CGU (Unified Management Centre).
Can the procedure be done 100% online?
No. The notarized power of attorney and bank KYC still require a physical step in Canada (embassy) and in Senegal (agent).
What's the number one risk?
Picking an underqualified agent. Prefer a bar-registered lawyer over a personal contact, however trusted.
Conclusion
Setting up a company from Montreal in 2026 costs roughly three thousand Canadian dollars, takes six weeks, and zero Air Canada flights. The real investment is choosing the right local firm. If you'd like us to help structure your file and shortlist lawyers, message us on WhatsApp at +221 77 596 93 33 or via our free quote.
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.
