The verdict in three sentences
In Senegal, APIX (BCE — Business Creation Bureau) centralizes every formality: RCCM, NINEA, tax and social registration in a single pass. For a SARL without in-kind contributions, expect 48 to 72 hours and a realistic total cost in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA depending on whether you use a notary. The sole proprietorship (EI) is the fastest and cheapest, but a SARL protects your personal assets — almost always the right call once you invoice seriously.
Legal forms and their costs (2026 ballpark)
The legal form drives capital, liability and taxation. Since the OHADA reform, a SARL's minimum capital is freely set (often symbolic, from 100,000 FCFA), which has democratized incorporation.
| Form | Minimum capital | Liability | Notary | Setup cost (2026 est.) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship (EI) | None | Unlimited (personal assets) | No | 25,000 – 50,000 FCFA | 24–48 h |
| Single-member SARL (SUARL) | Free (from 100,000 FCFA) | Limited to contributions | Optional | 50,000 – 120,000 FCFA | 48–72 h |
| Multi-member SARL | Free (from 100,000 FCFA) | Limited to contributions | Recommended | 80,000 – 180,000 FCFA | 48–72 h |
| SAS / SASU | Free | Limited to contributions | Recommended | 150,000 – 400,000 FCFA | 3–7 d |
| GIE (economic interest group) | None | Joint among members | No | 25,000 – 50,000 FCFA | 24–72 h |
Private-deed articles (no notary) are allowed for low-capital SARLs, which sharply cuts the bill. A notary becomes essentially unavoidable for in-kind contributions, SAS structures and multi-partner setups with shareholder agreements.
The steps at the APIX one-stop shop
The process is now largely digital on the APIX online platform, with physical submission of certain supporting documents.
| Step | What is delivered | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Account creation and file submission | Filing receipt | Day 0 |
| 2. Drafting / validating articles | Registered articles | Day 0–1 |
| 3. RCCM registration | RCCM number | Day 1–2 |
| 4. NINEA assignment | NINEA tax ID | Day 1–2 |
| 5. Establishment declaration (labor/IPRES/CSS) | Social receipts | Day 2–3 |
| 6. Document collection | Complete file | Day 2–3 |
Documents to prepare: copy of national ID or passport of partners, proof of business address (lease, attestation or domiciliation contract), articles of association, completed APIX form, and capital deposit where applicable.
Mini case study
Fatou, a marketing consultant in Dakar, is torn between an EI and a SUARL. As an EI she would pay roughly 35,000 FCFA and start within 48h, but would expose her personal assets. She picks the SUARL with 100,000 FCFA capital and private-deed articles: total cost ≈ 90,000 FCFA, three-day timeline. For 55,000 FCFA more she shields her personal property and gains credibility with enterprise clients who require a company RCCM — a trade-off she judges profitable from her very first 1,500,000 FCFA contract.
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FAQ
How long does it really take to create a SARL at APIX in 2026?
The one-stop shop advertises 48 to 72 hours for a complete file with no in-kind contributions. In practice, plan 3 to 5 business days including document prep and domiciliation.
What is the minimum capital for a SARL in Senegal?
It is freely set in the articles since the OHADA reform, often from 100,000 FCFA. Higher capital strengthens your banking credibility but is not a legal requirement.
Are NINEA and RCCM issued together?
Yes — that is the point of the APIX one-stop shop: RCCM (trade registry) and NINEA (tax ID) are assigned in the same process, generally within 48 to 72 hours.
Do I have to use a notary?
Not for a low-capital SARL with private-deed articles. A notary remains recommended for SAS, in-kind contributions and multi-partner structures, costing roughly 100,000 to 300,000 FCFA.
Once registered, what do I need to sell online?
A website or e-commerce store with Wave and Orange Money payments: Kolonell delivers showcase sites from 250,000 FCFA and e-commerce stores from 1,000,000 FCFA, ready for the Senegalese market.
Let's talk about your project. You have just created your company and need a website that converts from day one. 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.
