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

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
Business Registration
Curated Guide
Starting a Business in Senegal: Legal Structures & Registration
Read guide →
Tax Guide
Curated Guide
Tax Basics for International residents Entrepreneurs in Senegal
Read guide →
Networking
Curated Guide
Business Opportunities & Networking in Dakar
Read guide →
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Designed for families and complex relocations, our Premium concierge service handles the critical details so you can focus on settling into your new life in Senegal.

“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. I wish I had started here.”

Karim D.
Karim D.
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