Registering a Company via APIX in Senegal: Steps, Costs, Delays 2026

The verdict in three sentences

Starting a company in Senegal goes through the APIX one-stop shop, which bundles RCCM registration, NINEA tax ID and filings into a single procedure. Expect 24 to 72 hours and a realistic total cost of 10,000 to 100,000 FCFA depending on the form chosen (sole proprietorship, single-member LLC or LLC). For a referral partner or freelancer, a sole proprietorship or SUARL is enough in 90% of cases to invoice legally.

The steps at the APIX one-stop shop

The process is now largely digital via the APIX platform, though collecting final documents stays physical for many entrepreneurs. Here is the typical flow with 2026 delay estimates.

The official delay communicated stays at 48 to 72 hours for simple forms, but an incomplete file (unverified address, poorly drafted articles) stretches everything.

Costs and capital by legal form

The amounts below are 2026 orders of magnitude; APIX has sharply cut fees in recent years, and some sole-proprietorship formalities are nearly free or symbolic.

The 100,000 FCFA capital for an LLC is not a fee: it is a contribution that stays your money, deposited then released. The real costs are drafting fees, registration and publication.

Required documents

• Copy of national ID card or passport of the partner(s)
• Proof of registered-office address (lease, bill, attestation)
• Signed articles of association (for SUARL/SARL/SAS)
• Sworn statement of no conviction
• Completed APIX single form

Mini case study

Fatou wants to become a digital marketing consultant in Dakar and invoice clients. She picks the SUARL: 100,000 FCFA capital (recovered on her business account), setup costs estimated at 70,000 FCFA, 3-day delay. Within a week she has her RCCM, her NINEA and a business bank account. She can now issue compliant invoices and sign a referral-partner contract with an agency like Kolonell.

FAQ

How long does it really take to start a company?

Officially 48 to 72 hours at the APIX one-stop shop. In practice, count a week including opening the bank account (2 to 5 extra days).

What is the realistic total cost?

From ~10,000 FCFA for a sole proprietorship to ~100,000 FCFA for an LLC, excluding share capital. The 100,000 FCFA capital stays your money.

Do I need 100,000 FCFA of locked capital?

For SARL and SUARL, yes, that is the legal minimum. But this money is deposited then usable by the company — it is not a lost expense.

Sole proprietorship or SUARL to start?

The sole proprietorship is cheaper and faster, but your personal assets are not protected. The SUARL separates your liability and looks more serious to big clients.

Can I become a referral partner without a company?

For modest amounts, a sole proprietorship is enough. As soon as you regularly invoice commissions to agencies, a SUARL is recommended for credibility and taxation.

Let's talk about your project. Once registered, launch your referral activity with Kolonell and earn commissions on every web project you bring in. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.