Registering a business with CAC Nigeria: steps, timelines and real cost in 2026

The verdict in three sentences

Registering a business to sell digital services is fast and cheap in both countries: Senegal's APIX registers a SARL in 48 hours online for about 25,000 FCFA, tax ID and trade registry included. In Nigeria, the CAC registers a Ltd in 3 to 7 days for 15,000 to 25,000 NGN. In both cases, the real cost isn't the registration but opening the business bank account and staying tax-compliant.

The 5 steps at Nigeria's CAC (and Senegal's APIX)

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) centralizes company registration in Nigeria; APIX's business creation desk (BCE) does the same in Senegal. Here is the 2026 path, a Nigeria-side estimate.

For a business name (sole proprietor) the cost drops further. A Ltd is advisable once you invoice recurring clients or target institutional contracts that require a legal entity.

Senegal vs Nigeria: the 2026 comparison

A founder torn between the two markets should compare cost, delay and tax. 2026 orders of magnitude.

Senegal wins on the speed and simplicity of the APIX one-stop shop. Nigeria offers a larger market but a multi-desk administration. Always check current VAT thresholds: below them, you don't charge VAT, which simplifies your first referral or freelance invoices.

From registration to your first referral income

Once your business is created, you can invoice your commissions cleanly. That helps if you become a referral partner for Kolonell: you issue an invoice in your name for your commissions (showcase 15% + 5% recurring, e-commerce 12%, marketplace 10%, institutional 8%), paid via Wave. A Ltd or a sole proprietorship with a tax ID is more than enough to start and legally collect your first 225,000 FCFA per month.

Mini case study

Seynabou, a developer in Dakar, wants to launch her digital-services activity and become a partner on the side. She registers a SARL at APIX: 25,000 FCFA, NINEA obtained in 2 days. Total launch cost, bank account included: about 60,000 FCFA. In the first month, she signs 2 showcase sites for Kolonell (2 × 75,000 = 150,000 FCFA in commission) and invoices cleanly through her SARL. Her startup investment is paid back in under two weeks.

FAQ

How much does a Ltd really cost at the CAC in 2026? Count roughly 15,000 to 25,000 NGN in registration fees, RC Number and TIN included, via the online portal. Add the variable cost of opening a corporate bank account.

Sole proprietorship or Ltd to start? A business name is cheaper and enough for a freelancer or partner. A Ltd protects your personal assets and reassures institutional clients.

Is a tax ID required to invoice? Yes, the TIN (Nigeria) or NINEA (Senegal) is your essential tax identifier for legal invoices. It's issued free during registration within 1 to 5 days.

What is the VAT threshold? In Senegal, the 2026 order of magnitude is around 50,000,000 FCFA annual turnover; Nigeria has its own VAT threshold. Below it you generally invoice without VAT — confirm the current figure with the tax authority.

Let's talk about your project. Set up your structure then become a Kolonell partner to invoice your first commissions. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.