The process for starting a business in Cameroon has been significantly streamlined under the framework of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA). The key to this efficiency is the Centre de Formalités de Création des Entreprises (CFCE), or the “One-Stop Shop” (Guichet Unique), which centralizes all administrative steps into a single location, drastically reducing the time required for the Business Registration Procedure in Cameroon.
While the official time frame is often cited as 72 hours, entrepreneurs should plan for the entire process to take between 7 and 15 days to account for documentation, notarization, and verification.
Phase I: Pre-Registration & Legal Preparation
This phase establishes the foundational legal framework of the company, requiring collaboration with a notary public.
1. Selecting the Legal Structure
The choice of corporate entity determines liability, minimum capital, and governance rules. The most common choice for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is the SARL (Private Limited Company).
| Structure | Full Name | Key Feature | Minimum Capital (OHADA) |
| SARL | Société à Responsabilité Limitée | Partners’ liability is limited to their capital contribution. | XAF 100,000 |
| SA | Société Anonyme | Public Limited Company (Suitable for larger companies). | XAF 10,000,000 |
| EI | Entreprise Individuelle | Sole Proprietorship (Unlimited personal liability). | None |
2. Drafting and Notarization
The Articles of Association (Statuts) are the company’s constitution and must be legally verified.
- Articles of Association: Defines the company name, purpose, registered office address, share capital, and governance.
- Action: Must be notarized by a Cameroonian Notary Public.
- Capital Subscription: For SARL/SA, the capital must be subscribed.
- Document: Attestation of Deposit of Capital (required for capital over XAF 1,000,000.
3. Gathering Required Personal Documents
The entrepreneur (Manager/Shareholders) must gather essential identification and integrity proofs.
| Document | Requirement | Notes |
| Identification | Valid National ID or Passport/Resident Permit. | Copies of all partners/managers. |
| Non-Conviction Proof | Certificate of Non-Conviction or Sworn Declaration on Honor. | Proves the manager’s legal integrity. |
| Location Plan | Map showing the exact business address. | Must be signed by the promoter. |
Phase II: Centralized Filing at the CFCE
This phase involves a single submission and payment at the CFCE, which handles the registration with multiple state entities simultaneously.
4. File Submission and Consolidated Fee Payment
The complete registration file is submitted to the CFCE.
- File Components: 05 + N copies of the Notarized Articles of Association, Copies of IDs, Location Plan, Non-Conviction proof, and other relevant attestations.
- Consolidated Fees (Approximate):
- Fixed Fee: XAF 41,500 (Covers RCCM and Fixed Registration Duties).
- Legal Publication Fee: XAF 13,125 (For mandatory announcement).
5. Simultaneous Registration and Document Issuance
The CFCE ensures the company is registered with the Trade Registry, the Tax Office, and Social Security.
| Document Issued | Issuing Authority | Purpose |
| Immatriculation RCCM | Court Registry (via CFCE) | Certificate of Business Registration (Trade and Personal Property Credit Register). The company’s legal existence. |
| Carte de Contribuable (NIU) | Tax Administration (via CFCE) | Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Essential for all tax, customs, and contracts. |
| Attestation of Business Creation | CFCE | Certification that the Business Registration Procedure in Cameroon is complete. |
Phase III: Post-Registration Compliance
Once the core documents are secured, the company must complete final mandatory registrations to legally commence operations.
6. Tax Center File Finalization and Licensing
The NIU is issued at the CFCE, but the company must report to its local tax center.
- Tax File Opening: The company must physically present the RCCM and NIU to the tax center to formally open the tax file and receive guidance on the tax regime (e.g., simplified, real).
- Business License (Patente): This annual operating license must be paid for and obtained from the tax center. Its cost is variable, based on the company’s estimated turnover and sector.
- VAT Registration: Companies with a projected annual turnover exceeding XAF\ 50,000,000 must register for VAT.
7. National Social Security Fund (CNPS)
Registration as an employer is mandatory before hiring any staff.
- Action: The company must register as an employer with the CNPS to obtain an employer number.
- Purpose: Ensures compliance with labor laws and facilitates social security contributions for employees (pensions, health, workplace injury).
8. Sectoral Authorizations
Depending on the industry, specialized permits are required before operations can legally begin.
- Examples: Permits from the Ministry of Trade (MINCOMMERCE) for import/export; permits from the Ministry of Public Health for food or medical services; or environmental approvals for industrial activities.
This comprehensive guide covers all necessary steps to complete the Business Registration Procedure in Cameroon, from initial legal choice to final operational compliance.