Registering a Business with CAC in Lagos: 2026 Guide

The verdict in three sentences

Registering a company through Nigeria's CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) in Lagos is now largely online, but still takes 1 to 2 weeks for a Private Limited Company and costs roughly 20 000 to 60 000 NGN. By contrast, Senegal's APIX one-stop shop issues a SUARL or SARL in 24 to 72 hours for 25 000-100 000 FCFA. The hard decisions are strategic, not administrative: entity type, capital and tax regime must fit your model before you file.

Steps and documents

Whichever country you pick, the flow is standardized. In Senegal it runs through the Business Creation Support Bureau (BCE) at APIX in Dakar; in Nigeria through the CAC portal.

Usual documents: ID or passport of shareholders, proof of registered office (lease or attestation), the single BCE/CAC form, and signed articles for a multi-partner company. A single-shareholder company uses simplified statutes.

Costs and entity choice: Dakar vs Lagos

Cost depends mainly on entity type and share capital. Under OHADA reforms, a SARL no longer needs high minimum capital: a symbolic 100 000 FCFA is often enough. In Lagos, fees are paid in naira.

These are 2026 order-of-magnitude figures, excluding legal or notary fees for high capital.

Mini case study

Awa, a marketing consultant in Dakar, wants to invoice clients cleanly. She sets up a SUARL with 100 000 FCFA capital. Setup cost: about 35 000 FCFA in BCE fees and stamps, pack collected in 48 hours. On her first invoice of 750 000 FCFA, the structure pays for itself more than twenty times over, and she moves to the simplified real tax regime to deduct expenses. Three months later she hires and activates the social registration she obtained at launch.

Earn by referring Kolonell

Many newly registered founders need a website or online store right after incorporation. As a Kolonell referral partner, you turn that network into income: 15 % commission on a showcase site + 5 % recurring on maintenance, 12 % on e-commerce, 10 % on a marketplace and 8 % on institutional projects. You bring the need, we deliver, you get paid.

FAQ

How long does APIX registration take in 2026?

Typically 24 to 72 working hours once a complete file is submitted at the BCE. Delays almost always come from a missing item like proof of office.

SARL or SUARL, which one?

A SUARL suits a solo founder; a SARL applies with several partners. Both protect personal assets and start at 100 000 FCFA capital.

What is the real setup cost?

Between 25 000 and 100 000 FCFA in official fees depending on entity type, excluding advisory fees. Budget for a website too, to look credible from day one.

How does it differ from CAC registration in Lagos?

The Nigerian CAC process is longer (1-2 weeks) and paid in naira, but opens Africa's largest market. Senegal stays unbeatable on speed and its true one-stop shop.

Do I need an accountant from the start?

Not strictly, but bookkeeping avoids tax penalties. Under the real regime an SME often spends 50 000-150 000 FCFA/month on a firm.

Let's talk about your project. Whether you're newly registered or a referral partner, we take you from showcase site to online store. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.