Creating a business in Senegal remotely in 2026: what really changed
Ten years ago, creating a company in Senegal from Paris meant: take a week off, run between four administrations, pay lots of "facilitations." In 2026, that's no longer true. APIX (Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Works) has streamlined the single window. SARL creation in 24-72 administrative hours, signable remotely via notarial power of attorney.
But "streamlined" doesn't mean "you can do it alone from London without error." Here is the 2026 method.
H2: Choosing the right form — SARL, SARLU, SAS, EI
Sole proprietorship (EI). Simple, fast, no legal entity. For very small activity (consultant freelancer, trader). Not suitable for diaspora who wants to structure.
SARLU (single-member SARL). Single partner. Ideal diaspora wanting full control. Minimum capital 100,000 FCFA (can go up to 1 million depending on notary). Limited liability to contributions.
SARL. Minimum 2 partners (max 100). Ideal family or diaspora + local partner. Minimum capital 100,000 - 1,000,000 FCFA.
SAS / SASU. More flexible statutorily (custom clauses: approval, pre-emption, etc.). Free capital. Higher creation cost. Recommended for startups or structures with future external investors.
H2: The 6 APIX 2026 steps
- Company name reservation. Via APIX online (apix.sn). Cost: 5,000 FCFA. Delay 24h.
- Articles drafting. By notary (fees 250,000 - 700,000 FCFA depending on SARL/SAS) or APIX template (free but limitations).
- Capital deposit at bank. Blocked account BHS, CBAO, Ecobank or Société Générale Senegal (SGS). Blocking certificate issued.
- RCCM registration. Trade and Personal Property Credit Register. Cost: 25,000 FCFA. Delay 48h via APIX.
- NINEA. National identification number for companies and associations. General Directorate of Taxes and Domains. Delay 5-10 days.
- IPRES, CSS, Labor Inspectorate affiliation. Mandatory from first employee. Delay 7-15 days.
Typical total: 7-21 calendar days, 350 KFCFA - 1.5 M FCFA depending on form and accompaniment.
H2: Detailed costs 2026
| Item | SARLU | SARL | SAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Notarized articles | 280,000 | 350,000 | 700,000 |
| Min. share capital (blocked) | 100,000+ | 100,000+ | 100,000+ |
| RCCM registration | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Legal publication (Soleil, etc.) | 35,000 | 45,000 | 65,000 |
| NINEA + IPRES + CSS | free | free | free |
| Accompaniment fees | 250,000 | 350,000 | 600,000 |
| Total startup | ~700 KFCFA | ~900 KFCFA | ~1.5 M FCFA |
H2: Tax and accounting — the real diaspora subject
Corporate income tax (IS). 30% on profits. Quarterly installments.
VAT. 18% standard. Mandatory if turnover > 50 million FCFA (services) or 100 million FCFA (trade).
Patente. Annual local tax based on turnover + premises rental value. 200 KFCFA - 2 M FCFA depending on size.
Single Global Contribution (CGU). Simplified regime if turnover < 100 M FCFA and certain conditions. 5-10% of turnover.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Social charges (CSS, IPRES, allowances). About 23-25% of gross salary employer + 11-13% employee share.
Accountant. Mandatory in fact from SARL/SAS. 2026 rates: 200 KFCFA/month (very small structure) to 1.5 M FCFA/month (SME). Binational firms (Mazars, Deloitte, FFA Juridique): 1.2-3.5 M FCFA / year.
FAQ
Can I really create a Senegal SARL without coming physically?
Yes 100%. Notarial power of attorney signed at your notary in Paris/London (legalized + apostille). You mandate a firm or lawyer in Dakar. They handle all APIX procedures in your name. You receive RCCM + NINEA + articles by scan + DHL courier.
Who are the best diaspora firms for company creation in Dakar?
Frequently recommended firms: FFA Juridique, Geni & Kebe, Houda Law Firm, AOC Conseil, SCP Mame Adama Gueye. Quote 350 KFCFA - 1.2 M FCFA for full turnkey SARL. Request 2-3 quotes.
Is a professional bank account mandatory?
Yes. You choose BHS, CBAO, Ecobank, SGS, or partner digital bank (cf diaspora bank account article). Opening requires articles + RCCM + NINEA + manager ID + headquarters address proof.
What if I no longer reside in Senegal? Can I be manager?
Yes. Manager can reside abroad. But practical advice: have a co-manager or operations director residing for urgent signatures, bank, suppliers. Otherwise: special power of attorney to a trusted local agent.
How long is new company patente exemption kept?
2026: first year patente exemption (first 12 months). Partial IS exemption for 3-5 years if priority sector (agriculture, industry, ICT) and obtaining Senegal Investment Code (CIS) approval via APIX.
Is a physical headquarters required in Senegal?
Yes for RCCM. Solutions: (1) Dakar coworking office rental (50 KFCFA-200 KFCFA/month — Jokkolabs, La Fabrique, CTIC, WIC Center); (2) domiciliation at accounting firm (30-80 KFCFA/month); (3) at relative/relative with certificate (free but less clean).
Let's talk about your case
If you want to create your SARL, SARLU or SAS in Senegal from Europe in 2026 and have a single field contact in Dakar, we can shape your file. 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.
