The verdict in three sentences
In Cote d'Ivoire, CEPICI (Investment Promotion Center) is the one-stop shop that bundles RCCM, DFE (Tax Existence Declaration) and CNPS registration into a single file in Abidjan. For a SARL or SARLU, incorporation is advertised at 24 to 72 hours, with a realistic total cost in the range of 30,000 to 150,000 FCFA depending on the form and notary use. Cote d'Ivoire is known for some of the shortest timelines in the OHADA zone — a real edge for time-pressed founders and the diaspora.
Legal forms and costs (2026 ballpark)
As in Senegal, the OHADA reform liberalized the SARL minimum capital, now freely set in the articles.
| Form | Minimum capital | Liability | Notary | Setup cost (2026 est.) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | Unlimited | No | 15,000 – 40,000 FCFA | 24–48 h |
| SARLU (single-member) | Free (often from 100,000 FCFA) | Limited to contributions | Optional | 30,000 – 100,000 FCFA | 24–72 h |
| SARL (multi-member) | Free (often from 100,000 FCFA) | Limited to contributions | Recommended | 60,000 – 150,000 FCFA | 48–72 h |
| SAS | Free | Limited to contributions | Recommended | 150,000 – 350,000 FCFA | 3–7 d |
| Foreign branch | Per parent company | Per parent company | Yes | 200,000 – 500,000 FCFA | 5–10 d |
For low-capital SARLs, articles can be drawn up by private deed, avoiding notary fees. CEPICI also offers a fully online path for many formalities.
CEPICI vs APIX: which one-stop shop for which profile?
Both one-stop shops share the same logic, with a few nuances in timelines, terminology and taxation.
| Criterion | CEPICI (Cote d'Ivoire) | APIX (Senegal) |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised SARL timeline | 24–72 h | 48–72 h |
| Tax ID | DFE / Taxpayer account | NINEA |
| Trade registry | RCCM | RCCM |
| Social body | CNPS | IPRES / CSS |
| Minimum SARL capital | Free (≈ 100,000 FCFA) | Free (≈ 100,000 FCFA) |
| Private-deed articles | Yes (low capital) | Yes (low capital) |
| Online platform | Yes (CEPICI online) | Yes (APIX online) |
In both countries, the same currency (FCFA) and harmonized OHADA law ease cross-border expansion. A Senegalese founder expanding to Abidjan finds a very familiar legal structure.
Mini case study
Ibrahim, an Abidjan-based e-commerce seller, wants to formalize his business. As a sole proprietor he would spend about 25,000 FCFA, but his B2B clients demand a company invoice. He chooses a SARLU with 100,000 FCFA capital and private-deed articles: cost ≈ 70,000 FCFA, two-day timeline. With his RCCM and DFE, he lands a 3,000,000 FCFA supply contract he could never have signed informally — the extra 45,000 FCFA investment is repaid on the very first order.
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FAQ
How fast does CEPICI register a SARL?
The one-stop shop advertises 24 to 72 hours for a complete file. In practice, plan 2 to 4 business days including document prep and domiciliation in Abidjan.
What is the difference between SARL and SARLU?
A SARLU has a single shareholder (single-member); a SARL has several. Both limit liability to contributions, with capital freely set, often from 100,000 FCFA.
What is the DFE?
The Tax Existence Declaration is the company's tax registration with the Ivorian administration — the functional equivalent of Senegal's NINEA — issued within the CEPICI process.
Can the diaspora register remotely via CEPICI?
Yes, part of the process is digital, but a power of attorney and a local business address remain required. Many founders use a representative or a domiciliation company in Abidjan.
And to sell online in Cote d'Ivoire after registration?
Kolonell builds e-commerce stores with Wave and Orange Money payments from 1,000,000 FCFA, and showcase sites from 250,000 FCFA, tailored to the Ivorian market and diaspora.
Let's talk about your project. Your company is registered at CEPICI: let's move to a site that turns visitors into customers. 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.
