The verdict in three sentences
In Senegal, APIX centralizes every company-registration formality in a one-stop shop that issues the NINEA and RCCM in 24 to 72 hours for most files. The real cost of an LLC (SARL) in 2026 is around 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA in official fees, excluding notary or advisory fees. The hard part is not administrative but strategic: picking the right legal form and submitting a complete file the first time.
The APIX one-stop-shop steps
The process has been heavily streamlined. In practice, the entrepreneur goes through five steps, several handled in parallel by APIX:
- Drafting the articles of association — business purpose, capital, share split and management.
- Filing the file at the one-stop shop (in person or online) with ID, proof of business address and signed articles.
- Trade registry (RCCM) registration.
- Getting the NINEA (tax ID) issued by the tax authority via the shop.
- Legal publication and collection of the filing receipt.
| Step | Document produced | Indicative delay 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | Availability certificate | Instant to 24 h |
| Articles filing | Registered articles | 24 h |
| RCCM registration | RCCM number | 24–48 h |
| NINEA assignment | Tax ID | 24–72 h |
| Full file collection | Receipt + NINEA + RCCM | 48–72 h |
Real cost by legal form
The minimum capital for an LLC has been lowered to encourage formalization: there is no longer a rigid floor and a symbolic capital of 100,000 FCFA is common. Here is a 2026 order-of-magnitude of costs and features.
| Legal form | Minimum capital | Setup cost (order of magnitude) | Delay | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | 15,000–30,000 FCFA | 24–48 h | Unlimited (personal assets exposed) |
| SUARL (single member) | 100,000 FCFA | 50,000–90,000 FCFA | 48–72 h | Limited to contributions |
| SARL (multiple partners) | 100,000 FCFA | 60,000–120,000 FCFA | 48–72 h | Limited to contributions |
| SA (corporation) | 10,000,000 FCFA | Quote (notary) | 1–2 weeks | Limited to contributions |
Notary fees are only mandatory in certain cases (in-kind contributions, SA). For a standard SARL, a private deed is often enough, which lowers the bill.
Mini case study
Awa, who runs a cosmetics shop in Dakar, wants to move from the informal sector to a SUARL so she can sign with suppliers and charge VAT. She plans: 100,000 FCFA of capital (deposited and recoverable), 70,000 FCFA of setup fees via the one-stop shop, and 40,000 FCFA of support for the articles. Startup total: 210,000 FCFA, of which 100,000 remain her working capital. She gets her NINEA and RCCM in three days and can now bid on tenders that require an RCCM number.
A pro website from day one
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Once the RCCM is in hand, credibility runs through an online presence. At Kolonell, a Starter showcase site starts at 250,000 FCFA and turns a fresh registration into a real sales tool: services page, contact form, WhatsApp button and local Dakar SEO.
FAQ
How long does an APIX registration really take in 2026?
For a complete file and a simple SARL, count 24 to 72 hours. Delays almost always come from missing documents (address proof, uncertified ID copy).
What is the minimum capital for an LLC?
In practice, 100,000 FCFA is enough. There is no longer a high mandatory floor, which makes the SARL accessible to small structures.
Is a notary mandatory?
No for a standard SARL by private deed. A notary becomes necessary for an SA or for in-kind contributions that must be valued.
Are the NINEA and the RCCM the same thing?
No. The RCCM is the trade registry entry; the NINEA is the tax ID. The one-stop shop issues both in the same journey.
Can you register a company 100% online?
A large share of the steps is digital, but some documents may still require an in-person visit depending on the company type.
Let's talk about your project. We support you from APIX registration to the website that lands your first contracts. 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.
