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Starting a business in Senegal.

Senegal is one of West Africa's most dynamic economies — but navigating legal structures, tax obligations, and local partnerships takes local knowledge. Here's your complete roadmap, from visa to first invoice.

NOTE Senegal offers fast-track business registration via APIX — a company can be incorporated in as little as 48 hours once documents are ready. The bottleneck is usually the banking setup and local notary.
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Entrepreneur Profile — Stats Panel

Stat label Value
Visa required Long-stay business visa
Company registration 48h-2 weeks via APIX
Min. share capital (SARL) From 100,000 XOF (approx. 150 EUR)
Business bank account 2-4 weeks
Corporate tax rate 30% standard
Checklist items 20 steps

Legal structures

SARL

Most Common

Limited liability company. 1+ shareholders. Ideal for small to mid-size ventures.

SAS

Flexible

Simplified joint-stock structure with more flexible governance. Great for investor-ready startups.

Entreprise individuelle

Simplest

Sole trader structure with no capital required. Best suited for small activities and limited turnover.

Your profile checklist

Tick items as you complete them

0 / 20 completed
Phase 1: Before departure

Weeks -6 to 0

Apply for long-stay business visa
Mention intended commercial activity in application
Choose your legal structure [Key decision]
SARL, SAS, or sole trader
Research your sector & local market
Competitors, partners, demand signals
Prepare notarized documents
Articles of association, ID, proof of address
Find a local notary (notaire)
Required for company registration
Book short-term housing in Dakar
Near Plateau or Almadies business hubs
Phase 2: Registration phase

Days 1 – 4

Register via APIX [Fast-track]
Agence de Promotion des Investissements et Grands Travaux
Get your NINEA (tax identification number)
Required to operate legally
Open a business bank account
CBAO, Ecobank, or Societe Generale
Deposit share capital
Min. 100,000 XOF for SARL
Register with the RCCM (trade register)
Tribunal du Commerce de Dakar
Apply for residence permit (CIE)
Within 90 days of arrival
Hire a local accountant (expert-comptable)
Mandatory for quarterly tax filings
Phase 3: Launch & operate

Weeks 5 – 12

Set up office or coworking space
CTIC Dakar, Jokkolabs, or private office
Register for VAT (TVA) if applicable
Required above 50 million XOF/year turnover
Set up payroll if hiring locally
IPRES, CSS social contributions
Build local network & partnerships
CCI Dakar, Visene business community
Issue first invoices with your NINEA number
Required for legal invoicing
File first quarterly tax declaration
With your expert-comptable
You're operational
Welcome to business in Senegal.

Curated guides

View all guides
Entrepreneurs reviewing business documents
Business Guide

Starting a Business in Senegal

Legal structures, registration steps, documents and timeline for setting up a formal business in Senegal.

Read guide →
Tax calculation notes and business planning
Business Guide

Tax Basics for Entrepreneurs

Introductory tax concepts, obligations and practical planning for entrepreneurs operating in Senegal.

Read guide →
Entrepreneurs working with a laptop in Dakar
Business Guide

Business Opportunities & Networking

Priority sectors, useful networks and practical routes into Dakar business communities.

Read guide →
Expert support

Concierge recommendation — Relocation pack

Founder Dakar tech studio: ‘I tried to do it alone for 6 weeks. Then I called Visene. My SARL was registered and my bank account open in 18 days.’

KD
Karim D.

Founder, Dakar tech studio

Recommended for you Relocation

New International residents arriving

€490

One-time

Full coordination from abroad to arrival day — we handle it all.

  • Housing search
  • Admin coordination
  • Vetted contacts
  • Arrival day
Choose Relocation
Relevant services

Support matched to this profile

Assisted bank account opening
Residence permit support (CIE)
Recommended neighbourhoods guide
View concierge →
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