The verdict in three sentences
A referral agent or freelancer who wants to invoice cleanly must register, and the APIX one-stop shop makes this fast (often 24-72h) and inexpensive. The real choice isn't "register or not" but which form: sole proprietorship, SUARL or SARL, depending on your revenue and need for protection. Well chosen, your structure lets you collect referral commissions fully legally and sign with large accounts.
Three legal forms compared
For a referral agent or small agency, three forms cover the essentials. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude (exact official costs depend on the file).
| Form | Share capital | Setup cost | Delay | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | Lowest | 24-72h | Solo agent, startup |
| SUARL (single shareholder) | Flexible (often symbolic) | Moderate | 48-72h | Freelancer wanting protection |
| SARL (multiple partners) | Flexible | Higher | 72h+ | Multi-partner agency |
The sole proprietorship is simplest and cheapest, but it doesn't separate your personal assets from the business. The SUARL/SARL protects your assets and reassures large clients.
What the one-stop shop delivers
APIX's value is bundling several steps into one pass. Here's what you get and the indicative taxation by regime.
| Item obtained | Role | Indicative tax regime |
|---|---|---|
| NINEA | National tax identifier | Mandatory to invoice |
| RCCM | Trade register | Proof of legal existence |
| CGU regime | Small revenue (simplified) | To start light |
| Real regime | Higher revenue | Full accounting |
| Pro bank account | Receiving commissions | Recommended from day one |
NINEA and RCCM are also required to apply for ADEPME/FONGIP financing: formalizing thus opens the door to bank credit.
Becoming a Kolonell referral agent
Once registered, you can invoice commissions fully legally, notably through the Kolonell referral program. You introduce a client, we sign and deliver, you earn a commission by division.
| Type of project referred | Commission on sale | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase website | 15 % | + 5 % recurring |
| E-commerce | 12 % | — |
| Marketplace | 10 % | — |
| Institutional | 8 % | — |
On a showcase site at 500,000 FCFA, that's 75,000 FCFA upfront, plus 5 % recurring on maintenance. With a light structure (sole proprietorship), you invoice these commissions cleanly from the first deal.
Mini case study
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Moussa, a freelancer in Dakar, wants to become a referral agent. He sets up a sole proprietorship at the APIX one-stop shop in 48h.
- Month 1: he refers a showcase site at 600,000 FCFA → 15 % commission = 90,000 FCFA.
- Month 2: an e-commerce at 1,500,000 FCFA → 12 % commission = 180,000 FCFA.
- Plus 5 % recurring on showcase maintenance (40,000 FCFA/month) = 2,000 FCFA/month.
In two months, 270,000 FCFA in commissions invoiced legally thanks to his new structure, for a very low setup cost and 48h of paperwork. Formalizing paid off from the very first referral.
FAQ
How long to create a company in 2026?
Via the APIX one-stop shop, expect 24-72h once the file is complete (ID, supporting documents). It's one of the fastest processes in the sub-region.
Sole proprietorship or SUARL for a referral agent?
The sole proprietorship is enough to start and invoice commissions. Move to SUARL when you want to protect your assets or sign with large accounts.
Is a minimum share capital required?
The sole proprietorship requires none. For SUARL/SARL, capital is flexible and often symbolic at the start.
Why formalize to become a referral agent?
To legally invoice your commissions (15 % showcase, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace, 8 % institutional) and obtain NINEA/RCCM, also essential for bank financing.
Is the NINEA really essential?
Yes, it's required to issue compliant invoices and work with companies and institutions that demand a registered supplier.
Let's talk about your project. Get formalized and join the Kolonell referral program. 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.
