The verdict in three sentences
For most creations, APIX is faster; but for foreign companies, SCIs, GIEs and especially statutory changes, filing directly at the Dakar Commercial Court registry remains the reference route. Expect a minimum of 60,000 FCFA (registrar fees 40,000 + JOAO publication 15,000 + legalisation 5,000) and a real time of 5 to 10 days, versus 24 to 72h via APIX. Good news: the OHADA RCCM extract is free since 2023.
Real Dakar registry fees in 2026
The Dakar Commercial Court registry receives filings Monday to Friday, 8am-1pm. Here is the schedule observed in 2026 for common operations.
| Operation | 2026 fee (FCFA) | Real time |
|---|---|---|
| SARL registration (registrar fees) | 40,000 | 5 - 10 days |
| JOAO publication | 15,000 | Included |
| Signature legalisation | 5,000 | Day 0 |
| Articles amendment | 25,000 | 5 - 8 days |
| Registered-office transfer | 30,000 | 5 - 8 days |
| Manager change | 20,000 | 5 - 8 days |
| OHADA RCCM extract | Free | Immediate |
The all-in minimum for a direct registration is therefore about 60,000 FCFA, excluding notary fees and articles registration duties (25,000 FCFA), which apply as with APIX.
APIX vs direct registry: which to choose?
Both routes lead to the same RCCM but serve different needs. This table helps decide.
| Criterion | Via APIX (PCE) | Direct Dakar registry |
|---|---|---|
| Real time | 24 - 72h | 5 - 10 days |
| Registration cost | 62,500 FCFA | ~60,000 FCFA |
| NINEA included | Yes, free | No, separate step |
| Foreign companies | Limited | Yes, suited route |
| Statutory changes | Partial | Yes, main route |
| Specific SCI / GIE | Variable | Yes |
| Tracking | One-stop-shop | Registry directly |
In short: for a standard SARL/SAS creation, APIX is faster and includes the free NINEA. For a change, registered-office transfer, manager change or atypical structure, the direct registry is often unavoidable.
Mini case study
Ibrahima, manager of a construction SARL in Dakar, must change manager and transfer his registered office from Pikine to Plateau after a buyout. He goes via the direct registry: 20,000 FCFA (manager change) + 30,000 (office transfer) + 15,000 (JOAO publication) = 65,000 FCFA. The registry processes the file in 7 working days, and he downloads his new OHADA RCCM extract for free. None of these operations went through APIX in his case.
Turn your clients into income with Kolonell
Notaries, accountants, lawyers: you take companies to the registry every day. After registration or an amendment, many of these businesses need a website or a management tool. The Kolonell business referrer program pays you for every successful introduction.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
| Track | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase websites | 15 % | 5 % maintenance |
| E-commerce (Wave/OM) | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
An institutional file at 8,000,000 FCFA earns you 640,000 FCFA (8 %). A simple showcase-site referral at 1,200,000 FCFA is 180,000 FCFA (15 %). You introduce the client, we handle everything else.
FAQ
Can you register at the RCCM without going through APIX?
Yes. Filing directly at the Dakar Commercial Court registry is a legal, complete route, especially useful for foreign companies, SCIs, GIEs and statutory changes.
How much does a direct registration at the Dakar registry cost?
The minimum is about 60,000 FCFA: 40,000 registrar fees, 15,000 JOAO publication and 5,000 legalisation, excluding articles registration duties.
Is the RCCM extract paid in 2026?
No. Since 2023, the OHADA RCCM extract is free and can be obtained quickly, easing banking and administrative steps.
How much does a statutory amendment or office transfer cost?
Expect about 25,000 FCFA for an articles amendment, 30,000 for an office transfer and 20,000 for a manager change, plus 15,000 publication.
What is the real time at the registry versus APIX?
The direct registry takes 5 to 10 days, versus 24 to 72h via APIX. You choose the registry for cases APIX does not handle in its one-stop-shop.
Let's talk about your project. Freshly registered or amended company: let's give it a digital showcase, or become a referrer and earn up to 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.
