The verdict in three sentences
In Senegal, company formation goes through APIX's one-stop shop, which issues the RCCM and NINEA in 24 to 72 hours for 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA for a SUARL. A formalized business introducer invoices cleanly, earns client trust, and collects commissions without friction. The only real remaining delay is opening the corporate bank account, which takes one to two weeks.
How much it costs and how long it takes
The APIX one-stop shop centralizes registration. The figures below are a 2026 order of magnitude depending on legal form and support chosen.
| Step | Delay | Cost (2026 order of magnitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 24 h | 5,000 FCFA |
| RCCM registration | 24-48 h | included at the desk |
| Getting the NINEA | 24-72 h | included |
| SUARL creation (full file) | 24-72 h | 25,000-50,000 FCFA |
| SUARL minimum share capital | — | 100,000 FCFA |
| Corporate bank account opening | 1-2 weeks | 0-25,000 FCFA |
| Accountant support (option) | variable | 50,000-150,000 FCFA |
Legal forms and starting taxation
The form determines liability and tax. Here are the 2026 benchmarks.
| Form | Min. capital | Liability | Common tax regime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | Unlimited | Flat rate / CGU |
| SUARL (single member) | 100,000 FCFA | Limited to contributions | Simplified actual |
| SARL (several members) | 100,000 FCFA | Limited to contributions | Actual |
| SAS | 100,000 FCFA | Limited | Actual |
A young company may benefit from partial exemptions depending on activity and zone. Digitalization is partial: part of the file is filed online, the final signature is often still in person.
Becoming a Kolonell business introducer once formalized
Once you hold your RCCM and NINEA, you can invoice commissions fully legally. The Kolonell business-introducer program rewards every client you bring, across the whole range.
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| Segment | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | — |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
On a showcase site sold for 500,000 FCFA, you earn 75,000 FCFA immediately, plus 5% on recurring maintenance. Two or three deals a month build a serious side income.
Mini case study
Fatou, a consultant in Dakar, creates her SUARL at the APIX desk for 35,000 FCFA and waits a week for her bank account. The following month she refers two merchants to Kolonell: a showcase site at 500,000 FCFA (75,000 FCFA commission) and an e-commerce store at 1,200,000 FCFA (144,000 FCFA at 12%). Total: 219,000 FCFA in commissions, more than six times the cost of her formalization, in the first month.
FAQ
How much does it really cost to start a company in Senegal in 2026? Budget 25,000 to 50,000 FCFA for a SUARL at the APIX desk, plus 5,000 FCFA for name reservation. With accountant support, add 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA.
Do you really need 100,000 FCFA of capital? Yes, that is the minimum share capital for a SUARL or SARL. A sole proprietorship requires no capital but exposes your personal assets.
How quickly is my company operational? The RCCM and NINEA come out in 24 to 72 hours. The real bottleneck is the corporate bank account, which takes one to two weeks.
Can I invoice introducer commissions without being formalized? It's risky and not credible. With a NINEA, you issue professional invoices and secure your 15% on Kolonell showcase sales.
Are there exemptions for young companies? Yes, depending on activity and zone, a young company can obtain relief. Check your eligibility when you file at APIX.
Let's talk about your project. Get formalized, then join the Kolonell introducer program and turn your contacts into commissions. 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.
