Starting your business in Cameroon doesn’t have to be complicated. At Sona and Partners, we offer expert legal guidance to simplify the business registration process, ensuring compliance with all local regulations and requirements. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.
At Sona and Partners, we pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation and extensive experience in business law. With deep insights into Cameroon’s business landscape, our dedicated legal experts ensure your business operations meet all necessary local regulations. Partnering with us guarantees a smooth and compliant start for your business ventures, providing the clarity and confidence you need for long-term success.
Businesses Registered
Average Processing Time
Registering your business in Cameroon offers numerous advantages that set your company on the path to success:
Establish your business as a recognized legal entity with enhanced credibility, protecting your personal assets while building trust with clients and partners.
Enjoy legitimate tax deductions, government incentives for new businesses, and structured tax planning opportunities available only to registered entities.
Open corporate bank accounts, access business loans, and establish credit lines with registered business status recognized by all financial institutions.
Protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities through proper corporate structure and legal separation of business and personal finances.
Qualify for lucrative government contracts and public tenders exclusively available to legally registered businesses in Cameroon.
Business registration in Cameroon involves multiple steps across different government agencies. The process typically requires coordination between the Business Registration Center, tax authorities, and social security offices.
At Sona and Partners, we have refined our business registration process into clear, manageable steps. Our experienced team guides you every step of the way, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, so you can confidently move forward and achieve full compliance without unnecessary delays.
Steps Required
Average Processing Time
Government Agencies
CFA Minimum Capital
Begin your business registration by reserving your company name at the Business Registration Center (Centre de Formalité de Création d’Entreprise – CFCE). This ensures your preferred business name is available and complies with Cameroonian naming regulations.
30 days
5,000 CFA
CFCE Office
1-2 business days
Draft and notarize your company’s Articles of Association (Statuts). This foundational document defines your company’s structure, governance, and operational framework. For corporations, this must be done before a notary public.
Legal Requirement: The minimum share capital varies by business type: SARL (100,000 CFA), SA (10,000,000 CFA), SAS (100,000 CFA).
2-5 business days
SARL, SA, SAS
50,000-150,000 CFA
French/English
Deposit the minimum required capital in a blocked corporate bank account. The bank will issue a certificate of deposit that proves compliance with capital requirements. This account remains blocked until company registration is complete.
Recommended Banks: Commercial Bank of Cameroon, Afriland First Bank, UBA Cameroon, or any other licensed commercial bank in Cameroon.
1-3 business days
15,000-25,000 CFA
100,000 CFA
10,000,000 CFA
File your company registration at the Commercial Court (Tribunal de Commerce) to obtain your Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM) number. This is your official business registration number in Cameroon.
5-10 business days
30,000-60,000 CFA
25,000-50,000 CFA
Permanent
Register with the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) to obtain your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and fulfill all tax obligations. This step is crucial for legal business operations and tax compliance.
You’ll receive your Tax Identification Number (NIU) and information about applicable taxes including Corporate Income Tax, VAT registration (if turnover exceeds 50 million CFA), and other relevant taxes.
3-7 business days
30%
Free
50M CFA/year
Register with the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) for employee social security coverage. This is mandatory for all businesses planning to hire employees in Cameroon.
Contribution Rates: Employers contribute approximately 16.2% of gross salary, while employees contribute 4.2%. This covers pensions, family allowances, and occupational risks.
2-5 business days
16.2%
Free
4.2%
Obtain necessary business licenses and sectoral permits based on your business activities. Requirements vary significantly depending on your industry sector and business location.
5-15 business days
25,000-200,000 CFA
Annual
Various
Congratulations! Your business is now legally registered and operational in Cameroon. Ensure ongoing compliance with tax filing, annual returns, and license renewals.
Selecting the appropriate legal structure for your business is a crucial decision that impacts your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, and ability to attract investment. At Sona and Partners, we provide expert advice tailored to your specific business goals and operational requirements, helping you choose the most suitable legal form to maximize your success and minimize potential risks.
Business entities in Cameroon are governed by the OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) Uniform Act, designed to harmonize business laws across its member countries in West and Central Africa. The OHADA framework provides a variety of legal structures to suit different business needs, ensuring a conducive environment for growth and investment.
General Partnership (SNC)
Limited Liability Company (SARL)
Public Limited Company (SA)
Limited Partnership (SCS)
Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SAS)
Participation Company
Comprehensive comparison of buisness entities under OHADA framework
| Attributes | General Partnership (SNC) |
Limited Liability Company (SARL) |
Public Limited Company (SA) |
Limited Partnership (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📋 SUMMARY | ||||
| Legal Structure | Partnership where all partners have unlimited liability and are jointly responsible for company debts | Private limited company with liability limited to capital contributions. Most common SME structure in Cameroon | Public limited company that can issue shares to the public and list on stock exchange | Partnership with both general partners (unlimited liability) and limited partners (limited liability) |
| Minimum Partners/Shareholders | 2 partners minimum | 1 shareholder minimum | 7 shareholders minimum | 2 partners minimum (1 general + 1 limited) |
| Minimum Capital | No minimum required | FCFA 100,000 (~$165 USD) |
FCFA 10,000,000 (~$16,500 USD) |
No minimum required |
| Liability | Unlimited & Joint | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions | Mixed: General partners unlimited, Limited partners limited |
| ✅ ADVANTAGES | ||||
| Key Benefits |
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| ❌ DISADVANTAGES | ||||
| Key Limitations |
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| 📋 KEY REQUIREMENTS | ||||
| Directors/Management | All partners can manage or appoint managers (natural or legal persons) | At least 1 resident director required (must be Cameroon resident) | Board of Directors (minimum 3 members), CEO appointment required | General partners manage; limited partners cannot participate in management |
| Share Structure | Partnership interests, no shares | Shares of minimum FCFA 5,000 each | Shares freely transferable, minimum FCFA 10,000 each | Partnership interests for general partners, limited partnership interests for limited partners |
| Registration Process |
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| Annual Obligations | Basic tax filing and social security contributions | Annual accounts filing, tax returns, social security contributions | Audited accounts, AGM, detailed regulatory filings, public disclosures | Tax filing, partnership account maintenance, social security for active partners |
| 🎯 IDEAL FOR | ||||
| Best Suited For |
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We understand you have important questions about doing business and investing in Cameroon. Here are clear, practical answers to common questions businesses, startups, and investors frequently ask our legal team.
The average business registration process with Sona and Partners takes about 7 days. We ensure all necessary documents are prepared correctly and promptly, reducing delays.
Yes, foreign nationals can register a business in Cameroon. You’ll need to provide valid identification, proof of address, and ensure compliance with local regulations, all of which our experts handle for you.
Choosing the right legal form depends on your business goals, number of shareholders, and desired liability protection. At Sona and Partners, we provide tailored guidance to help you select the best structure, whether it’s SARL, SA, SAS, or other forms available under OHADA.
The minimum capital varies based on your business structure: SARL and SAS require a minimum capital of 100,000 CFA, while SA requires 10,000,000 CFA. Partnerships generally do not have a set minimum capital requirement.
No, our team at Sona and Partners handles all the necessary visits and submissions to government offices on your behalf. We ensure a hassle-free process so you can focus on preparing your business operations.
Registered businesses typically pay a corporate tax rate of 30%. Additionally, if your annual turnover exceeds 50 million CFA, you’ll need to register for VAT. Our experts guide you through tax planning to optimize your tax obligations and benefits.
Don’t wait—connect directly with our experienced business and corporate lawyers. We’re ready to answer your questions and guide your next steps towards creating a company in Cameroon.
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Buea, Cameroon