The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, APIX's one-stop shop in Dakar centralizes NINEA, RCCM and tax registration, delivering them in 48 to 72 hours for a complete file. The SUARL (single member, limited liability) and the SARL (two members or more) protect your personal assets, unlike the sole proprietorship. Budget a ballpark of 25,000 to 100,000 FCFA in fees depending on the form and whether you use a notary, with freely set share capital.
SUARL, SARL or sole proprietorship: the comparison
The legal form dictates your liability, your taxation and your credibility with banks. The sole proprietorship is fastest but exposes your personal assets. The SUARL and SARL create a separate legal entity.
| Criterion | Sole proprietorship | SUARL | SARL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of members | 1 | 1 | 2 or more |
| Liability | Unlimited (personal assets) | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions |
| Minimum capital | None | Free (often 100,000 FCFA) | Free (often 100,000 FCFA) |
| Setup fees (2026 ballpark) | 25,000 – 40,000 FCFA | 50,000 – 90,000 FCFA | 60,000 – 100,000 FCFA |
| Notarized statutes | Not required | Recommended | Recommended |
| Bank credibility | Low | Good | Very good |
For a digital business that will sign B2B contracts or raise funds, the SUARL is the best speed/protection trade-off in 2026.
The steps and documents at the one-stop shop
The APIX journey is linear. You reserve the name, file the statutes, provide ID and proof of registered office, then collect NINEA and RCCM in one place.
| Step | Document / action | Indicative 2026 timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name reservation | Prior-use search | A few hours |
| 2. Drafting statutes | Signed statutes (notary or private deed) | 1 day |
| 3. Filing the dossier | ID, office, statutes, M0 form | 1 day |
| 4. NINEA issuance | Tax identification number | 48 – 72 h total |
| 5. RCCM issuance | Trade register registration | Included |
| 6. Business bank account | Opening to collect legally | 3 – 10 days |
The business bank account is not issued by APIX but remains essential to invoice and collect online payments compliantly.
Mini case study
Fatou launches a digital content agency in Dakar. She chooses a SUARL with a symbolic capital of 100,000 FCFA. Her APIX fees come to 75,000 FCFA, plus 40,000 FCFA for private-deed statutes, i.e. 115,000 FCFA all in. Within 3 business days she holds NINEA and RCCM, and opens her business account the following week. Thanks to limited liability, an unpaid client invoice can never reach her family home.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
How long to register a company at APIX in 2026?
48 to 72 hours for a complete file at the one-stop shop, excluding the bank account opening which takes an additional 3 to 10 days.
What minimum capital for a SUARL or SARL?
Capital is free since the OHADA reform: many founders set a symbolic 100,000 FCFA, but no floor amount is required.
Do I need a notary?
Not mandatory for a simple SUARL/SARL: statutes can be a private deed. A notary (150,000 FCFA and up) becomes useful for in-kind contributions or complex structures.
Are NINEA and RCCM enough to collect online?
They are essential but not sufficient alone: you also need a business bank account and a Wave/Orange Money merchant contract to collect legally.
How does becoming a Kolonell referral partner work?
You introduce a client, we convert them, you earn a commission: 15% + 5% recurring on a showcase site, 12% e-commerce, 10% marketplace, 8% institutional. No cap, paid at closing.
Let's talk about your project. We build your professional site the moment your RCCM is in hand, and you can also become a Kolonell referral partner (15% + 5% recurring). 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.
