Work & Business in Senegal Visene

Entreprise individuelle

Legal Structures

SARL, SAS, Entreprise individuelle

Entreprise individuelle 48 hours minimum Standard corporate rate required to issue invoices legally

Working in Senegal as a Foreign National

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.

Employed by a Senegalese Company

Work Permit Requirements

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.

Freelance & Remote Work

Self-Employed / Freelance

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.

Remote Workers

Remote Workers Employed Abroad

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.

Labor Law Basics

OHADA Framework & Employment Rules

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.

Relocation Guide

Understanding the Relocation Process to Senegal

Before travelling to Senegal, ensure your passport is valid, understand visa requirements and prepare all necessary documents.

Before You Arrive

Before travelling to Senegal, ensure your passport is valid, understand visa requirements and prepare all necessary documents.

Keep digital and printed copies of important paperwork including passports, insurance documents and accommodation confirmations.

Finding Accommodation

Dakar offers a range of housing options suitable for students, professionals and families.

Almadies

Popular with international residents

Ngor

Beachside and vibrant

Mermoz

Central and convenient

Banking & Daily Life

Opening a local bank account is often one of the first steps after arrival. Most banks require identification and proof of address.

Mobile money is widely used across Senegal and provides a convenient way to make payments and transfers.

Quick Facts

Visa Required

Setup Time 4-6 Weeks

Housing €300+

Language French

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Legal Structures for Your Business

The equivalent of a limited liability company. Protects your personal assets from business liabilities.

Most Common

SARL (Societe a Responsabilite Limitee)

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.

Most Flexible

SAS (Societe par Actions Simplifiee)

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.

Simplest Option

Entreprise individuelle (Sole trader)

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 Registration — Step by Step

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.

Step 01

Prepare your documents

Articles of association (statuts), drafted and notarized by a Senegalese notary. ID documents for all shareholders. Proof of registered address in Senegal.

Step 02

Visit the APIX Center

Visit the APIX center in Dakar (or submit online for some entity types). APIX processes registrations from multiple government agencies simultaneously.

Step 03

Obtain your NINEA

This is your tax identification number, issued by the Direction Generale des Impots. Required for all legal invoicing.

Step 04

Register with the RCCM

Register with the RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Credit Mobilier) at the Tribunal de Commerce. This is your official business registration number.

Step 05

Open your business bank account

Open your business bank account and deposit share capital (for SARL/SAS).

Timeline

Registration Processing Time

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.

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Tax Basics & Quarterly Filings

NINEA

Tax Identification Number

Your unique tax identification number. Mandatory on all invoices, contracts, and official documents.

Corporate Income Tax

IS — 30% Standard Rate

Corporate Income Tax (IS): 30% standard rate on net profits. Filing: annual, due 3 months after fiscal year end.

VAT (TVA)

Quarterly Filing & Payment

Standard rate 18%. Required if turnover exceeds 50 million XOF/year (~76,000 EUR). Quarterly filing and payment.

Payroll Taxes

IPRES & CSS Contributions

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 Business License

Patente

Annual tax based on turnover. Due in January for the current year.

Practical Advice

Hire a Local Expert-Comptable

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.

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