The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, registering a SARL (LLC) at CEPICI officially takes 24 to 72 hours once your file is complete, for one-stop-shop fees of around 15,000 to 50,000 FCFA depending on capital. Minimum capital is now free under the OHADA reform: you can incorporate with a symbolic 5,000 FCFA, but a credible capital eases access to credit. The real total cost rises to 50,000 - 250,000 FCFA once you add a notary, advisors and incidentals.
What it really costs
The one-stop shop advertises a low base fee, but the real budget depends on your legal form and whether you use a professional. 2026 order of magnitude:
| Item | Sole proprietorship | LLC (no notary) | LLC (with notary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEPICI / registry fees | ~15,000 FCFA | ~25,000 - 50,000 FCFA | ~25,000 - 50,000 FCFA |
| Articles (drafting) | 0 | 0 - 30,000 FCFA | 50,000 - 150,000 FCFA |
| Capital to deposit | 0 | from 5,000 FCFA | from 100,000 FCFA advised |
| Tax declaration (DFE) | included | included | included |
| Indicative total | 15,000 - 30,000 FCFA | 50,000 - 100,000 FCFA | 150,000 - 250,000 FCFA |
A notary is no longer mandatory for a modestly capitalised LLC since the reform: a private deed is enough, saving 80,000 to 150,000 FCFA.
Which form to choose at launch
The choice between sole proprietorship, SARL and SAS shapes your taxation and liability. 2026 comparison:
| Criterion | Sole proprietorship | LLC (SARL) | SAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability | unlimited (personal assets) | limited to contributions | limited to contributions |
| Minimum capital | none | free (from 5,000 FCFA) | free |
| Partners | 1 | 1 to 100 | 1 to unlimited |
| Statute flexibility | low | medium | very high |
| Bank credibility | low | good | good |
| Setup time | 24 - 48 h | 24 - 72 h | 48 - 72 h |
For a venture targeting BNDE credit, an investor or public tenders, the LLC remains the standard. The SAS appeals to startups planning a fundraise with several share classes.
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Mini case study
Kouame, founder of a small logistics company in Abidjan, sets up an LLC with one partner. He opts for a private deed (0 FCFA notary), a stated capital of 1,000,000 FCFA of which he pays in 500,000 FCFA, and pays 40,000 FCFA in CEPICI fees. Cash out excluding capital: 40,000 FCFA, file validated in 3 business days. By skipping the notary he saves about 120,000 FCFA, which he reinvests in his first second-hand truck.
FAQ
Is minimum capital really 5,000 FCFA? Yes, since the reform the LLC capital is freely set in the articles, from 5,000 FCFA. But too low a capital hurts your credibility with banks and suppliers.
How long to get my trade registry? Officially 24 to 72 hours after filing a complete dossier at CEPICI. Add a few days if a document is missing or the company name needs checking.
Is a notary mandatory for an LLC? No longer, since the reform: a private deed is accepted for modestly capitalised LLCs, saving 80,000 to 150,000 FCFA.
Which documents should I prepare? Partners' ID, proof of registered-office address, signed articles, the manager's non-conviction declaration and the CEPICI form. Everything goes through the one-stop shop.
Can I do it 100% online? CEPICI offers a largely paperless procedure; some verification and registry-collection steps may still require a physical visit depending on the case.
Let's talk about your project. Website, e-commerce or platform: we launch your online presence as soon as your registration comes through. 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.
