The verdict in three sentences
The CFE in Lomé (Business Formalities Centre) centralizes every procedure and issues the RCCM and NIF within 24 to 72 hours in standard cases. Official fees are among the lowest in the OHADA area, making Togo an attractive entry point for a SARL or a sole proprietorship. Budget realistically 40,000 to 150,000 FCFA depending on the legal form and whether you use a notary.
The CFE, Togo's one-stop shop
The CFE brings the court registry (RCCM), the tax authority (NIF, operator card), the social security fund (CNSS) and legal publication under one roof. After facilitation reforms, Togo removed the minimum capital requirement for the SARL: capital is free, often set symbolically at 100,000 FCFA. A sole proprietorship needs no capital at all.
| Item | 2026 detail (order of magnitude) |
|---|---|
| One-stop shop | CFE Lomé (API-ZF / CFE) |
| SARL delay | 24 to 72 hours |
| Sole proprietorship delay | 24 to 48 hours |
| Minimum SARL capital | Free (often 100,000 FCFA) |
| Documents issued | RCCM, NIF, operator card |
| Most common form | SARL / sole proprietorship |
Costs and steps in detail
The path is linear: file the application, compliance check, pay the fees, collect the documents. Private statutes are accepted for a SARL, which avoids notary fees in many cases.
| Step | Estimated 2026 cost | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship at CFE | ≈ 40,000 FCFA | 24-48 h |
| SARL registration at CFE | ≈ 90,000 to 130,000 FCFA | 24-72 h |
| Private statutes drafting | 0 to 50,000 FCFA | 1 day |
| Notary (optional) | 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA | 2-3 days |
| Legal publication | Included at CFE | — |
| Realistic SARL total | 130,000 to 300,000 FCFA | 3-5 days |
Become a Kolonell business referrer
Once your company exists, you rub shoulders with merchants and entrepreneurs who need a website. The Kolonell referral program pays you for every client you introduce. For a multi-vendor marketplace project, the commission is 10% of the contract; on a platform billed at 3,000,000 FCFA that is 300,000 FCFA. Other divisions pay even more.
| Division | Referrer commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
Mini case study
Kodjo, a consultant in Lomé, registers his consulting SARL at the CFE in 72 hours for a total of 150,000 FCFA (private statutes, no notary). Within six months he introduces three of his clients to Kolonell: two showcase sites (500,000 FCFA each) and one marketplace (3,000,000 FCFA). His commissions: 2 × 75,000 + 300,000 = 450,000 FCFA, three times the cost of setting up his own company.
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FAQ
How long does it really take to create a SARL in Togo?
In standard cases the Lomé CFE issues the RCCM and NIF within 24 to 72 hours. A complete, compliant file is the key to staying within that window.
What minimum capital for a Togolese SARL?
Capital is free since the facilitation reforms. Many entrepreneurs set it symbolically at 100,000 FCFA, but no legal floor applies.
Is a notary mandatory?
No. Private statutes are accepted for the SARL, saving 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA. A notary remains advisable for complex structures or contributions in kind.
What documents do you get at the end?
The RCCM (commercial registry), the NIF (tax identification number) and the economic operator card, usually handed over together by the CFE.
Can a foreigner start a business in Togo?
Yes, incorporation is open to foreigners. A residence permit may be required depending on the activity and length of stay.
Let's talk about your project. Register your company in Togo, then monetize your network as a Kolonell referrer. 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.