The verdict in three sentences
The GUCE in Kinshasa (One-Stop Business Creation Desk) has drastically cut delays and costs, with a stated target of 3 business days to create a company. The DRC, an OHADA member, issues the RCCM and the tax number in a single centralized file. Fees are denominated in USD, the business reference currency: budget realistically 120 to 400 USD depending on form and support.
The GUCE, DRC's flagship reform
Before the GUCE, creating a company in Kinshasa took weeks and was very expensive. The one-stop desk merged the steps: notarial work, registry (RCCM), tax (tax number / NIF) and publication. The SARL falls under OHADA law, with capital now accessible to small structures. Amounts below are in dollars, converted to FCFA for indication (1 USD ≈ 600 FCFA).
| Item | 2026 detail (order of magnitude) |
|---|---|
| One-stop shop | GUCE Kinshasa |
| Regional framework | OHADA |
| Target delay | 3 business days |
| Fee currency | USD |
| Documents | RCCM, tax number |
| Common forms | SARL, SARLU, sole proprietorship |
Costs and steps in detail
The GUCE publishes official schedules per legal form. The SARLU (single-member) is popular with sole entrepreneurs wishing to limit liability.
| Step | Estimated 2026 cost (USD) | FCFA equivalent | Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | ≈ 40 to 80 USD | 24,000 to 48,000 FCFA | 3 days |
| SARL / SARLU registration | ≈ 120 to 250 USD | 72,000 to 150,000 FCFA | 3-5 days |
| Statutes / notarial at GUCE | Included in schedule | — | — |
| Tax number | Included | — | — |
| Ancillary fees | 20 to 80 USD | 12,000 to 48,000 FCFA | — |
| Realistic SARL total | 120 to 400 USD | 72,000 to 240,000 FCFA | 3-7 days |
The Kolonell referral program
Kinshasa is a huge market for digital platforms. The Kolonell referral program rewards every introduction. For a multi-vendor marketplace, the commission is 10%; on a platform billed at 5,000,000 FCFA, you earn 500,000 FCFA. A single good referral can exceed several months of ordinary income.
| Division | Referrer commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
Mini case study
Patrick, a developer in Kinshasa, creates his SARLU at the GUCE in three days for 200 USD (≈ 120,000 FCFA). He then introduces an ambitious entrepreneur to Kolonell for a marketplace billed at 5,000,000 FCFA. His referrer commission: 10% = 500,000 FCFA, more than four times the cost of setting up his own company. He reinvests the gain in his development business.
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FAQ
Does the GUCE really hit the 3-day target?
It is the stated target for standard, complete files. In practice, expect 3 to 7 business days depending on desk load and file nature.
Why are fees in USD in the DRC?
The dollar is the business reference currency in the DRC. GUCE schedules are denominated in USD; we give an indicative FCFA equivalent.
What is a SARLU?
It is the single-member SARL: one partner, limited liability. Ideal for a sole entrepreneur wanting to protect personal assets.
What documents do you get?
The RCCM and the tax number, issued together by the one-stop desk, along with the registered statutes.
Can a foreigner create a company in Kinshasa?
Yes. The GUCE welcomes foreign investors; some regulated activities require additional sector authorizations.
Let's talk about your project. Register your company in the DRC, then become a Kolonell referrer on the Congolese market. 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.