Private Limited Liability Company (SARL)
Société à Responsabilité Limitée
Company formation in Senegal
The SARL is best suited for: SMEs entering Francophone West Africa through Senegal, Agricultural and fisheries businesses leveraging Senegal's coastline and climate, Tech companies building for the WAEMU/UEMOA market from Dakar, Consulting and professional services firms serving the NGO and development sector. The standard corporate income tax rate is 30%. A minimum tax (impôt minimum forfaitaire) of 0.5% of turnover applies where the company's tax liability would otherwise be lower. VAT is 18%, with certain essential goods exempt or zero-rated. Withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents is 10% (treaty-reduced where applicable). Withholding tax on interest is 13% and on royalties is 20%. Senegal is part of the WAEMU tax harmonisation framework. Companies operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) can qualify for reduced CIT rates and VAT exemptions for defined periods. Capital gains are taxed at the standard 30% rate. Social security contributions (employer share) add approximately 18–20% on top of gross salaries.
- SMEs entering Francophone West Africa through Senegal
- Agricultural and fisheries businesses leveraging Senegal's coastline and climate
- Tech companies building for the WAEMU/UEMOA market from Dakar
- Consulting and professional services firms serving the NGO and development sector
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Draft the statuts (articles of association) and reserve a company name
Prepare the company statuts in accordance with OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies. The statuts must specify the company name, registered office, share capital, shareholder contributions, and management structure. Submit a name availability check with the Centre de Facilitation des Procédures Administratives (CFPA) or through the APIX one-stop shop.
Deposit share capital at a bank and obtain a certificate of deposit
Open a temporary account at a Senegalese bank (CBAO, Société Générale Sénégal, Ecobank, BICIS) and deposit the minimum share capital of XOF 100,000. The bank issues a certificat de dépôt des fonds, which is required for the registration filing. Funds are blocked until the company is officially registered.
Register the company through the APIX one-stop shop
Submit the complete incorporation file to APIX (Agence Nationale chargée de la Promotion de l'Investissement et des Grands Travaux), which operates Senegal's one-stop shop for business creation. APIX coordinates registration with the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce, the tax authority (DGID), and social security (IPRES/CSS). You receive the RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier) number and NINEA (tax identification number).
Obtain the NINEA, register for taxes, and open the permanent bank account
With the RCCM and NINEA confirmed, register for corporate income tax, VAT, and payroll taxes with the Direction Générale des Impôts et Domaines (DGID). Unblock the share capital deposit and convert the temporary bank account to a permanent corporate account. Obtain any sector-specific licences if applicable.
Required Documents
- Certified passport copies and proof of address for all shareholders and managers (gérant)
- Company statuts (articles of association) in French, notarised
- Certificate of share capital deposit from a Senegalese bank
- Declaration of beneficial ownership
- Lease agreement or attestation de domiciliation for the registered office
- Criminal record extract (casier judiciaire) for the gérant
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
The standard corporate income tax rate is 30%. A minimum tax (impôt minimum forfaitaire) of 0.5% of turnover applies where the company's tax liability would otherwise be lower. VAT is 18%, with certain essential goods exempt or zero-rated. Withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents is 10% (treaty-reduced where applicable). Withholding tax on interest is 13% and on royalties is 20%. Senegal is part of the WAEMU tax harmonisation framework. Companies operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) can qualify for reduced CIT rates and VAT exemptions for defined periods. Capital gains are taxed at the standard 30% rate. Social security contributions (employer share) add approximately 18–20% on top of gross salaries.
Pros & Cons
- OHADA-harmonised company law — consistent legal framework across 17 African countries
- APIX one-stop shop streamlines incorporation to under 2 weeks
- Gateway to the 8-country WAEMU/UEMOA zone sharing the CFA franc — stable, EUR-pegged currency
- Strategic location — Dakar is the westernmost city in Africa with excellent air and port connectivity
- Growing tech hub — Dakar is attracting fintech, e-commerce, and digital services startups
- 30% corporate tax rate is high relative to East African and offshore alternatives
- French-language requirement for all legal and regulatory documents
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow despite APIX improvements
- Limited English-speaking professional services ecosystem compared to Anglophone Africa
Ready to form a SARL in Senegal?
Get a personalised cost estimate and next steps.
Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.