Work & Business in Senegal Visene
SARL, SAS, Entreprise individuelle
Entreprise individuelle
APIX fast-track
Entreprise individuelle
30%
Standard corporate rate
Mandatory
required to issue invoices legally
Working in Senegal as a Foreign National
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remote Workers Employed Abroad
Senegal follows the OHADA business law framework common to francophone West Africa. Employment contracts must be in writing for contracts over 3 months.
Longer stays require legal advice.
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.
Understanding the Relocation Process to Senegal
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 residentsNgor
Beachside and vibrantMermoz
Central and convenientBanking & 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
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Book a Free CallLegal Structures for Your Business
SARL (Societe a Responsabilite Limitee)
The equivalent of a limited liability company. Protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
The equivalent of a limited liability company. Protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
More modern structure with flexible governance. Easier to bring in investors and issue shares.
SAS (Societe par Actions Simplifiee)
No legal separation between you and your business. No share capital required.
No minimum share capital.
Preferred by startups seeking funding. Requires a notary.
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.
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.
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.
Obtain your NINEA
This is your tax identification number, issued by the Direction Generale des Impots. Required for all legal invoicing.
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.
Open your business bank account
Open your business bank account and deposit share capital (for SARL/SAS).
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
Tax Identification Number
Your unique tax identification number. Mandatory on all invoices, contracts, and official documents.
IS — 30% Standard Rate
Corporate Income Tax (IS): 30% standard rate on net profits. Filing: annual, due 3 months after fiscal year end.
Quarterly Filing & Payment
Standard rate 18%. Required if turnover exceeds 50 million XOF/year (~76,000 EUR). Quarterly filing and payment.
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.
Patente
Annual tax based on turnover. Due in January for the current year.
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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