Business Registration & Formalization

Business registration in Cameroon is straightforward once you know which legal form to choose and which documents to prepare, and slow when you discover the gaps one at a time. Opesware handles the process for local entrepreneurs, diaspora Cameroonians and foreign investors. Once your documents are complete, incorporation is done within 72 hours, with registration at the RCCM (trade and personal property credit register) and the NIU tax number, plus CNPS employer registration on request.

To start, use our online company registration application. It begins with a paid consultation of 50 000 FCFA, which is credited against the registration package if you go ahead. For the wider picture of starting and running a company here, see our business setup consultancy in Cameroon.

• Établissement (sole proprietorship). The simplest way to trade in your own name; the owner is personally liable for the business’s debts.
• SARLU. A limited liability company with a single shareholder, often chosen by founders who want to separate personal and business assets.
• SARL. A limited liability company for two or more partners, common for family businesses and small partnerships.
• SAS. A flexible company whose shareholders set most governance rules in the articles, useful when investors may join later.
• SA. The form for larger companies and certain regulated activities, with formal governance bodies and stricter rules under OHADA law.
• Branch. For a foreign company that wants a presence in Cameroon without creating a separate subsidiary; OHADA law sets specific rules for branches, which we explain.

During the consultation we compare these options for your situation: liability, number of partners, capital, governance, tax regime and running costs.

1. Consultation. You submit the online application and pay the 50 000 FCFA consultation. We review your project, recommend a legal form and send the exact list of documents for your case.
2. Documents. We draft the articles of association and other company documents, and coordinate with a notary where your legal form requires it.
3. Filing. Once everything is complete, we file and follow the file through to incorporation within 72 hours, with the RCCM registration and NIU.
4. After incorporation. We register you with the CNPS as an employer if you will hire staff, and explain your first tax obligations.

Most delays come from incomplete files rather than from the administration. The usual items are identity documents for every founder and manager, the registered office address and proof that you may use it, the planned share capital and how it is split, and a clear description of the activity. Some activities also need a sector licence or approval on top of incorporation, and foreign founders may need extra documents. We tell you early which of these apply to you, so you can gather everything in one go.

Diaspora founders can register without travelling: documents are reviewed remotely and we coordinate the formalities in Cameroon. Our business registration guide explains the steps in more detail.

A registered company still has to keep SYSCOHADA accounts, declare taxes to the DGI under the Code Général des Impôts and pay CNPS contributions for its staff. Because Opesware is also a software and IT consultancy, we can set those foundations up straight away: SYSCOHADA accounting software, payroll for CNPS and IRPP, a professional email domain and website, and a logo with OAPI trademark filing through our branding service.

For companies in Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, the Central African Republic or Equatorial Guinea, we advise and coordinate with local partners; timelines there depend on each country. For Cameroon, start your company registration online.