Entreprise individuelle
48 hours minimum
Standard corporate rate
required to issue invoices legally
You need a work permit (autorisation de travail) issued by the Ministere du Travail. Your employer applies on your behalf. This is often combined with your CIE application.
Processing: 4-8 weeks.
You can operate as an entrepreneur individuel (sole trader) without a work permit, provided you register your activity and obtain a NINEA.
This is the simplest option for freelancers and consultants.
There is currently no digital nomad visa in Senegal. Remote workers employed by a foreign company technically need a long-stay visa but in practice operate without issues for stays under 90 days.
Longer stays require legal advice.
Senegal follows the OHADA business law framework common to francophone West Africa. Employment contracts must be in writing for contracts over 3 months.
Minimum wage (SMIG): approximately 60,000 XOF/month (~90 EUR).
Notice periods and termination procedures are regulated — consult a local labor lawyer before hiring.
The equivalent of a limited liability company. Protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
Minimum 1 shareholder. Minimum share capital: 100,000 XOF (~150 EUR). Requires a notary for incorporation.
Governed by a manager (gerant). Best for: consultancies, small businesses, service companies, local partnerships.
More modern structure with flexible governance. Easier to bring in investors and issue shares.
No minimum share capital.
Preferred by startups seeking funding. Requires a notary.
No legal separation between you and your business. No share capital required.
Easiest to set up (register directly via APIX). Limited liability exposure.
Best for: freelancers, consultants, small individual activities. Revenue ceiling before reclassification applies.
APIX (Agence de Promotion des Investissements et Grands Travaux) is the Senegalese investment promotion agency. It operates a one-stop-shop business registration service that significantly reduces the time and complexity of company formation.
Articles of association (statuts), drafted and notarized by a Senegalese notary. ID documents for all shareholders. Proof of registered address in Senegal.
Visit the APIX center in Dakar (or submit online for some entity types). APIX processes registrations from multiple government agencies simultaneously.
This is your tax identification number, issued by the Direction Generale des Impots. Required for all legal invoicing.
Register with the RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Credit Mobilier) at the Tribunal de Commerce. This is your official business registration number.
Open your business bank account and deposit share capital (for SARL/SAS).
48 hours for some simple structures via APIX’s fast-track. 1-2 weeks for more complex structures.
The bottleneck is almost always the notary and the bank account.
Our concierge has done it hundreds of times
Your unique tax identification number. Mandatory on all invoices, contracts, and official documents.
Corporate Income Tax (IS): 30% standard rate on net profits. Filing: annual, due 3 months after fiscal year end.
Standard rate 18%. Required if turnover exceeds 50 million XOF/year (~76,000 EUR). Quarterly filing and payment.
If you employ staff, you must declare and pay IPRES (pension) and CSS (social security) contributions monthly.
IPRES: 14% employer + 5.6% employee. CSS: 7% employer.
Annual tax based on turnover. Due in January for the current year.
Hire a local expert-comptable (certified accountant) from the beginning.
Monthly retainer: 50,000-200,000 XOF depending on complexity.
Non-compliance penalties are significant and accumulate quickly.
Download the complete checklist as PDF — enter your email and we’ll send it instantly.
We help International residents prepare documents, open bank accounts faster, and set up mobile money smoothly after arrival.