Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
Senegal is one of West Africa's most stable democracies and offers foreign investors a solid foundation. Peaceful transfers of power, a predictable legal order and full membership of the OHADA framework (Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa) make the country an attractive base for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the region. The Port of Dakar is a key transit hub for landlocked neighbouring countries, positioning Senegal as a natural gateway to Francophone Africa.
The country is a member of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union), providing access to a shared market of roughly 130 million people and a single currency, the CFA franc (XOF). Free repatriation of capital and profits, strong infrastructure investment and a young workforce make Senegal stand out for long-term commercial ventures.
Company structures in Senegal are governed by the OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies. The most common structures are compared below:
| Company Type | Abbreviation | Minimum Capital | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company | SARL | XOF 100,000 (~USD 160) | SMEs and foreign investors |
| Public Limited Company | SA | XOF 10,000,000 (~EUR 15,244) | Large-scale/corporate ventures |
| General Partnership | SNC | No minimum capital | Partnership-based businesses |
| Economic Interest Group | GIE | No minimum capital | Joint projects and collaborations |
The most popular structure among foreign investors is the SARL (Limited Liability Company). It can be formed with a single shareholder (SUARL), does not require a resident manager in Senegal and has a low minimum capital requirement.
Company formation in Senegal is handled through the one-stop shop (guichet unique) operated by the investment agency APIX. New investment legislation that entered into force in 2025 has shortened processing times.
The uniqueness of the company name is checked and reserved (approximately 1-3 days).
All incorporation documents are prepared in French; notarisation is required for the SA type and certain cases.
For an SARL, at least one quarter of the minimum capital is deposited with a local bank or notary at incorporation.
Commercial registration (RCCM), tax number (NINEA) and social security registration are completed at a single point. By law, APIX must process applications within a maximum of 10 working days.
Total setup time typically ranges between 2-3 weeks. World Company Setup can manage the entire process remotely, without clients needing to travel to Senegal.
Under OHADA legislation the minimum capital for an SARL is XOF 100,000; in practice APIX recommends this amount to facilitate opening a bank account. Cost items vary by company type and capital amount:
| Item | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| SARL minimum capital | XOF 100,000 (~USD 160) |
| Registration duty for articles (<10M XOF capital) | ~XOF 25,000 |
| Notary fee (SARL, modest capital) | ~XOF 130,000–400,000 |
| SA minimum capital | XOF 10,000,000 (~EUR 15,244) |
In Senegal, taxation covers the worldwide income of resident companies and the Senegalese-sourced income of non-residents. The key rates are shown below:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (IS) | 30% |
| Minimum tax (on turnover) | 0.5% |
| Value added tax (VAT) | 18% (tourism 10%) |
| Free export enterprises (reduced IS) | 15% |
Companies with no taxable profit are subject to a minimum tax of 0.5% of the previous year's turnover. Capital gains are treated as ordinary business income.
Companies exporting more than 80% of their products can qualify for Free Export Enterprise status, benefiting from a reduced 15% corporate income tax rate and exemptions from registration and stamp duties. Under the Investment Code, companies making significant investments in certain sectors receive customs duty exemptions and VAT suspension. Companies established in special economic zones are exempt from import and export duties.
Thanks to the Port of Dakar, Senegal holds a strong position as a West African distribution and logistics hub. It also offers a stable, investment-friendly base for companies seeking a Francophone Africa regional headquarters. Agriculture and food processing, energy, mining, tourism, construction and digital services are among the leading investment areas.
World Company Setup offers end-to-end company formation, corporate bank account opening, accounting, tax advisory and office solutions in Senegal. Our clients can sign incorporation documents abroad; travelling to Senegal is not required. We manage the process on your behalf, remotely.
To receive a tailored roadmap and pricing for setting up a company in Senegal, request a quote now or contact our expert team.
World Company Setup assists our clients in setting up companies in Senegal.
Company formation in Senegal is usually completed within 2-3 weeks through the APIX one-stop shop. Under the 2025 investment legislation, APIX must process applications within a maximum of 10 working days.
Under OHADA legislation, the minimum capital for a SARL (LLC) is XOF 100,000 (approximately USD 160), with at least one quarter paid up at incorporation. In practice APIX recommends this amount and some flexibility may apply.
The standard corporate income tax (IS) rate in Senegal is 30%. Companies with no taxable profit are subject to a minimum tax of 0.5% of the previous year's turnover.
The standard value added tax (VAT) rate in Senegal is 18%. For tourism activities, VAT is applied at 10%.
Yes. Foreign investors can set up a fully owned company in Senegal. For a SARL, the manager does not need to be resident in the country, and incorporation documents can be signed abroad without the need to travel to Senegal.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103