The verdict in three sentences
A tech freelancer in Senegal can work legally from 15,000 to 90,000 FCFA in compliance fees, depending on whether they pick a sole proprietorship or a SUARL. The key is not the structure but the ability to bill cleanly and collect from foreign clients in hard currency via card or mobile money. Started well, a Dakar tech solopreneur can target daily rates of 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA depending on expertise.
Status options for a freelancer
Three paths exist, from lightest to most protective. Here are the 2026 markers (order of magnitude).
| Option | Compliance cost | Taxation | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | 15,000–30,000 FCFA | Income tax / CGU | Start, small income |
| SUARL | 50,000–90,000 FCFA | Corporate tax (IS) | Established freelancer, B2B |
| Umbrella / third-party structure | Commission on revenue | Handled by carrier | Quick test, no company |
Many start as a sole proprietorship then switch to a SUARL once they sign institutional or foreign clients demanding solid invoicing.
Billing and collecting internationally
The make-or-break for a tech freelancer is foreign clients who pay well. Here are the 2026 collection markers.
| Channel | Indicative fees | Delay | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| International bank transfer | Fixed fees + FX | 2–5 days | Large contracts |
| Card via gateway (Stripe etc.) | ~ 2.9% + fixed fee | Near-instant | International clients |
| Mobile money (Wave/OM) | Reduced commission | Instant | Local/regional clients |
| Freelance platforms | 5–20% commission | Per platform | One-off gigs |
Above a certain revenue, VAT (18%) liability becomes mandatory: better to anticipate it so you don't erode your margin when you regularize.
Turn your network into income: Kolonell referral partner
A tech freelancer constantly meets project owners who need a website, a store or a platform. Rather than building everything alone, become a Kolonell referral partner (apporteur d'affaires): you earn 15% on a showcase-site sale + 5% recurring, 12% on e-commerce, 10% on marketplace and 8% on institutional. A designer who brings three showcase clients at 500,000 FCFA thus generates 225,000 FCFA in commissions without writing a line of code, on top of their own gigs.
Mini case study
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Sofia, a freelance developer in Dakar, mainly bills two European clients. She gets compliant as a sole proprietorship for 25,000 FCFA, collects via a card gateway (about 2.9% fees) and Wave for local clients. On a 2,000,000 FCFA contract, the card fee costs her about 58,000 FCFA, easily absorbed by the rate. In parallel, she refers a restaurateur to Kolonell for a 500,000 FCFA site and earns 75,000 FCFA + 5% recurring as a referral partner.
FAQ
Do you need a company to freelance in Senegal?
Not necessarily. A sole proprietorship is enough to start and bill legally. A SUARL becomes useful to protect yourself and reassure B2B clients.
How do you collect from foreign clients?
Via a card gateway (around 2.9% fees), an international transfer, or a freelance platform. Mobile money stays ideal for local and regional clients.
When does VAT start applying to me?
As soon as your revenue exceeds the simplified-regime threshold. Under the real regime, you then charge 18% VAT and remit it.
What daily rate should you target in tech?
As a 2026 order of magnitude, 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per day depending on expertise (dev, design, data, marketing) and client type.
Can you combine freelancing and referral work?
Yes. It is actually complementary: you bill your gigs and earn commissions on the web projects you refer to Kolonell.
Let's talk about your project. Whether you want a website or referral income, we build it with you. 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.
