Register a company online via CEPICI in Ivory Coast in 2026

The verdict in three sentences

In 2026, registering a company online in Ivory Coast through the CEPICI one-stop shop is fast: expect 24 to 72 hours once the file is complete. The cost ranges from 25,000 FCFA for a sole proprietorship to around 100,000 FCFA for a limited company (SARL) with support. The real challenge isn't speed but the choice of legal form and getting tax-compliant from month one.

Steps and timelines at the one-stop shop

The CEPICI portal centralizes registration: you no longer run between the registry, the tax office, and social security. The 2026 process breaks down as follows.

The tax ID and the RCCM (Trade and Personal Property Credit Register) are the two essential documents to open a business bank account and invoice legally.

Cost and capital by legal form

The budget depends directly on the structure chosen. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude.

Since the OHADA reform, the minimum capital for a SARL is symbolic (100,000 FCFA), making it accessible even on small budgets while protecting personal assets.

Mini case study

Awa, who runs a cosmetics shop in Abidjan, generates 1.8 million FCFA in monthly revenue and wants to formalize. As a sole proprietor she pays 35,000 FCFA to register but exposes her personal assets. Choosing a single-member SARL at 80,000 FCFA, she protects her assets and gains banking credibility: her bank grants a 500,000 FCFA overdraft two months later, impossible without an RCCM. The extra 45,000 FCFA is recovered from the very first cash facility.

FAQ

How long does it really take to register via CEPICI in 2026?

With a complete file, the RCCM number comes out in 24 to 48 hours and the tax ID in 24 to 72 hours. Delays almost always come from missing documents, not from CEPICI processing.

Is starting capital mandatory?

For a sole proprietorship, no capital is required. For a SARL, the minimum capital is a symbolic 100,000 FCFA since the OHADA reform, which keeps it accessible.

When must I charge VAT?

VAT in the WAEMU zone is 18% and becomes due depending on your tax regime and revenue. Under the actual-profit regime it applies from the first invoice; confirm your threshold with the tax office.

Can I do it all alone or do I need support?

The portal is built for self-registration, but support (15,000-40,000 FCFA) prevents errors in bylaws and tax choices that are expensive to fix later.

Is the tax ID enough to sell online?

The tax ID and RCCM let you invoice legally and integrate a professional Wave or Orange Money payment, essential for a credible online store.

Let's talk about your project. We support you from CEPICI registration to a ready-to-sell online store with Wave and Orange Money payments. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.