Starting Your Business in Côte d’Ivoire: An Expat’s Guide

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Côte d’Ivoire, a land of emerging opportunities located in the heart of West Africa, is attracting a growing number of expatriate entrepreneurs eager to establish themselves in a rapidly growing market. This dynamic country offers an environment conducive to innovation and business creation, thanks to its expanding economy and encouraging government support for foreign investors.

In this article, we provide a detailed guide to navigating the essential legal, cultural, and operational aspects for successfully launching your entrepreneurial project in Côte d’Ivoire, offering you practical advice and indispensable resources to transform your ideas into a prosperous business venture.

Understanding Legal Structures for Creating a Business in Côte d’Ivoire

Main Legal Structures for Business Creation in Côte d’Ivoire

Legal Form	Minimum Capital	Number of Partners	Liability	Taxation
Sole Proprietorship	None	1	Unlimited	IR or Micro-regime
LLC (SARL)	100,000 FCFA	1 or more	Limited to contributions	IS or IR depending on option
Public Limited Company (SA)	10,000,000 FCFA	1 or more	Limited to contributions	IS
Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SAS / SASU)	None	1 or more	Limited to contributions	IS / option possible
General Partnership (SNC)	None	2 or more	Joint and unlimited	IS

Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Sole Proprietorship

Characteristics: Simple structure, managed by a single person.

Advantages

• Greatly simplified administrative procedures
• Very low creation cost
• Total control by the manager

Disadvantages

• Unlimited liability for company debts
• Personal assets at risk
• Difficulties raising significant funds

Taxation

• Subject to Income Tax (IR)
• Micro-enterprise regime possible

Legal Requirements and Procedures

• Submission of a simplified file to CEPICI or the commercial court registry
• Obtaining the RCCM and tax identifier

Limited Liability Company (LLC / SARL)

Characteristics: Structure suited for SMEs, 1 or more partners, free capital starting from 100,000 FCFA.

Advantages

• Liability limited to the amount of contributions
• Flexibility in capital distribution and management
• Possibility of having foreign partners

Disadvantages

• Stricter management formalities and accounting obligations than a Sole Proprietorship
• Less flexibility than SAS for share transfer

Taxation

• Subject to Corporate Tax (IS) or possibility to opt for IR
• VAT applicable depending on the activity

Legal Requirements and Procedures

• File submission to CEPICI: signed articles of association, identity documents, proof of capital deposit, tax declaration
• Registration with RCCM, obtaining IDU and CNPS number
• Creation cost: registration fees, potential notary or consultant fees

Public Limited Company (SA)

Characteristics: Structure suited for large companies, high minimum capital (10,000,000 FCFA), open shareholding.

Advantages

• Ability to raise funds through share issuance
• Limited liability for shareholders
• Good image with investors and institutional partners

Disadvantages

• Complex management procedures (board of directors, statutory auditor)
• High creation and operating costs
• Increased publicity and transparency formalities

Taxation

• Subject to Corporate Tax (IS)
• Extended tax and social obligations

Legal Requirements and Procedures

• Notarized articles of association, capital deposit, constitution of the board of directors
• Complete file to CEPICI, RCCM registration, IDU, CNPS
• High incorporation and operating fees

General Partnership (SNC)

Characteristics: Partners jointly and severally liable, rarely used.

Advantages

• Simplicity of operation for family structures or close partnerships

Disadvantages

• Unlimited and joint liability
• Poorly suited for growth and seeking external capital

Administrative Procedures and Associated Costs

• File submission to CEPICI (one-stop shop) for all forms, with:
  • Company articles of association
  • Identity document and proof of address for partners/founders
  • Certificate of share capital deposit
  • Tax declaration of existence (replaced by IDU)
  • Payment of registration fees (varies by legal form and capital)
• Issuance of official documents: RCCM, IDU, CNPS

Incentives and Support for Foreign Entrepreneurs

• Incentive Opportunities
  • Streamlined procedures for foreign investors (dedicated CEPICI desk)
  • Tax and customs exemptions for priority sectors or free zones
  • Technical and administrative support from the government
  • Funding and training programs for SMEs and startups
  • Possibility of legal assistance and connection with local partners

Local Specificities and Cultural Aspects Influencing Legal Choice

• Trust-based relationships and networks are crucial for success, especially in finding partners and raising capital
• The LLC (SARL) is often preferred for its flexibility and compatibility with local partnerships
• The sole proprietorship status remains popular for artisanal or local retail activities, due to administrative simplicity
• The SA is valued in high-growth sectors or for subsidiaries of foreign groups

Success Examples and Challenges Faced by Expatriates

• Many foreign entrepreneurs have succeeded in agribusiness, logistics, or digital sectors through good local integration and an appropriate structure choice (usually LLC or SA)
• Recurring challenges include managing administrative procedures, understanding local tax regimes, and the need for legal support to secure operations
• Success often comes through partnership with Ivorian partners, facilitating market access and the business ecosystem

Key Takeaway: Choosing the right legal structure depends on the project, investment level, number of partners, and growth ambitions. It is recommended to seek support from local professionals to optimize procedures and secure business creation.

Essential Administrative Procedures for Expatriate Entrepreneurs

Types of Visas and Residence Permits Required for Entrepreneurs

• Fixed-Term Contract Visa (Visa CDD): valid for up to 24 months, for limited professional stays.
• Permanent Contract Visa (Visa CDI): long-term visa.
• Residence Permit: essential for any foreign worker wishing to create or manage a business. It must state authorization to engage in professional activity. A temporary residence permit may suffice temporarily, pending the resident card.

Work Permit

To engage in professional activity, one must have a residence permit or a resident card with the appropriate endorsement.

A non-resident can be a partner/shareholder but must appoint a legal representative residing in Côte d’Ivoire.

Obtaining a work permit generally involves applying for a work authorization submitted to the competent authorities.

Initial Tax Obligations

• Mandatory tax registration for all businesses.
• Payment of the business license tax (patente).
• VAT declaration if the activity is subject to it.
• Declaration to the CNPS (National Social Security Fund) if hiring employees.

Business Registration Process

Steps	Description
Choice of legal form	LLC, SAS, SA, branch, etc. (all accessible to foreigners)
Document preparation	Valid passport, articles of association, proof of address, capital deposit, etc.
File submission to CEPICI	The CEPICI (Investment Promotion Center in Côte d’Ivoire) is the one-stop shop.
RCCM registration	Assignment of the identification number in the Trade and Movable Credit Register
Obtaining the TIN	Tax Identification Number required for all tax and social procedures

Declarations to Government Agencies

• CEPICI: centralizes business creation procedures, obtaining investment approvals, and directs towards tax incentive schemes.
• OIC (Ivorian Shippers’ Council): to be contacted for import/export related activities.
• CNPS: declaration for employee social protection.
• Submission of certain declarations to the Ministry of Commerce or sectoral authorities depending on the activity.

Specific Requirements and Restrictions for Foreign Companies

• Any foreigner can hold 100% of a company’s capital, without obligation for a local partnership (except for specific strategic sectors: arms, media…).
• Tax and social obligations are identical to those of local companies.
• In some sectors, additional authorization or approval may be required.

Support Services for Expatriate Entrepreneurs

• CEPICI: one-stop shop for all formalities, information on incentives, and investment assistance.
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI): support for procedures, access to a network of economic partners.
• Business France (for French companies): support for establishment, partner identification, market analysis.
• French Tech Abidjan: for tech startups, networking and support for the digital ecosystem.
• Finself: legal, tax, and administrative support to structure governance and complete formalities.

Practical Tips for Navigating Formalities

• Prepare all necessary documents in advance (passport, proof of address, articles of association, etc.).
• Use the CEPICI one-stop shop to centralize and expedite procedures (business creation possible in 48 hours).
• Inform yourself about specific sectoral requirements before submitting the file.
• Seek support from a specialized firm or support structure (CCI, Business France, Finself) to secure procedures and optimize compliance.
• Ensure the residence permit carries the appropriate endorsement for business management.
• Regularly consult official websites for the latest information and forms:

• https://cepici.gouv.ci
• https://www.ccifci.org/
• https://www.businessfrance.fr/
• https://lafrenchtech.com/fr/communaute/abidjan/
• https://oic.ci

Key Takeaway

Côte d’Ivoire offers a favorable environment for foreign entrepreneurs, with centralized procedures, equal tax treatment, and effective support structures. The key to success lies in rigorous file preparation and utilizing one-stop shops and specialized services to navigate the Ivorian administrative ecosystem smoothly.

Navigating International Tax Considerations in Côte d’Ivoire

Tax Regimes Applicable to Businesses in Côte d’Ivoire

Tax Regime	Annual Turnover (FCFA)	Main Taxes and Rates
Entrepreneur Regime	≤ 50,000,000	Municipal Tax (2% or 2.5%), State Tax (5%)
Microenterprise Regime	50,000,001 – 200,000,000	Tax on Turnover (7% or 5% for CGA members)
Simplified Real Tax Regime	200,000,001 – 500,000,000	IS, VAT, other taxes depending on activities
Normal Real Tax Regime	> 500,000,001	IS, VAT, other taxes depending on activities

Note: The choice of regime depends on the annual turnover including all taxes.

Tax Responsibilities of Expatriate Entrepreneurs

• Expatriates creating or managing a business in Côte d’Ivoire are subject to the same tax obligations as nationals.
• They must register with the tax administration, declare their existence, maintain compliant accounting, and pay due taxes and levies according to the applicable regime.
• In case of activity without a local professional establishment, it is mandatory to appoint a local tax representative to ensure compliance.

Main Taxes and Levies

• Corporate Tax (IS)
• Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Apprenticeship Tax
• Property Tax
• Social Security Contributions
• Other sectoral or specific taxes depending on the activity (e.g., petroleum sector or services).

Bilateral Tax Treaties to Avoid Double Taxation

Côte d’Ivoire has signed several tax treaties, notably with UEMOA countries, France, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, South Korea, Qatar, etc.

• These treaties allow:
• Avoiding double taxation of income generated in both countries.
• Providing mechanisms for tax credit or exemption.
• Reducing withholding taxes on certain flows (dividends, interest, royalties).
• Securing the tax situation of foreign entrepreneurs.

To benefit from a treaty’s advantages, it is necessary to provide the required justifications to the Ivorian tax administration.

Tax Declaration Obligations and Deadlines

• Tax declaration of existence upon business registration.
• Periodic declarations (monthly, quarterly, annual) for IS, VAT, and other taxes according to the regime.
• Electronic invoicing obligation being progressively implemented, to be respected before December 2025 depending on the company category.
• Respect of official deadlines for each type of declaration, under penalty of sanctions.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Tax audit, fines, late payment interest, activity suspension, or administrative closure.
• Possible compulsory registration by the administration in case of default.
• Joint liability of the tax representative for non-resident foreign companies.

Resources and Support Services

• Certified tax advisors and local chartered accountants for management and tax planning.
• General Tax Directorate (DGI): information, assistance, and support.
• Chambers of commerce, professional associations, international audit firms present in Abidjan.
• Electronic invoicing platforms and online tax declaration services.

Navigating international tax considerations in Côte d’Ivoire requires rigor, anticipation, and recourse to specialized advice to optimize one’s situation and avoid non-compliance risks.

Access to Funding and Support Resources for Expatriates

Funding Options for Expatriates in Côte d’Ivoire

Type of Funding	Key Organizations/Programs	Specifics for Expatriates/Non-Residents
Local Banks	Société Générale, Ecobank, NSIA Banque, etc.	Need for a solid file, financial guarantees, sometimes more requirements for non-residents
Microfinance	Advans Côte d’Ivoire, Baobab, Cofina, community structures	Easier access for small amounts, simplified procedures but proof of residence or local activity often required
Investment Funds	Adiwale Partners, Private Investors, Local Business Angels	Larger funding amounts, strategic support, thorough analysis of the project and required legal structure
Public and International Programs	Choose Africa, AfDB, BOAD, CEPICI, SGPME	Access through support schemes, specific eligibility conditions, technical and financial support, focus on SMEs and female entrepreneurship
Crowdfunding and Fintech	Local platforms (Oukaley, Happy Benky), Julaya (Fintech)	Innovative solutions, require a network, variable amounts, local regulatory adaptation

Procedures and Specifics for Non-Residents

• Opening a bank account in Côte d’Ivoire, often conditional on presenting a valid residence permit or business visa.
• Presentation of a detailed business plan, proof of fund origin, and additional guarantees.
• Business registration with the Trade and Movable Credit Register (RCCM) via CEPICI, which centralizes administrative procedures.
• For some public funding, local presence or partnership with an Ivorian actor is recommended.
• Capital transfer facilitated by UEMOA membership, but mandatory declaration of financial flows to competent authorities.

Available Support Resources

• Incubators & Accelerators: Orange Fab, Seedspace, Impact Hub Abidjan, Incub’Ivoire.
• Coworking Spaces: Jokkolabs, Woelab, Coworking Space Abidjan.
• Professional Networks: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, Business France, French Tech Abidjan, international business clubs.
• One-Stop Shop: CEPICI (Investment Promotion Center in Côte d’Ivoire) for all administrative procedures, guidance towards tax and financial aids.

Practical Tips to Maximize Support

• Contact CEPICI in advance to benefit from advice on tax incentives and promising sectors.
• Quickly integrate a professional network or coworking space to access the local community, exchange best practices, and identify potential partners.
• Participate in events, meetups, and workshops to strengthen visibility and project legitimacy with institutions and investors.
• Seek personalized support from incubators or accelerators to benefit from mentoring, an expanded network, and facilitated access to funding.
• Adapt the project presentation to the expectations of the Ivorian market and the requirements of local financial institutions.

Legal and Administrative Matters to Know

• Business Creation: Fast registration via CEPICI (48 hours), choice of legal form, release of share capital, obtaining the tax identification number.
• Capital Management: Possibility to repatriate dividends and profits abroad, subject to required declarations and compliance with UEMOA rules (dividend tax rate capped at 10%).
• Tax Obligations: Respect of double taxation treaties, annual declaration of income and financial flows, specific tax regime depending on the nature of the activity.
• Foreign Investments: Freedom of investment, but some strategic activities require prior authorizations; possibility to obtain exemptions or tax advantages depending on the sector and project size.

Key Points for Expatriate Entrepreneurs:

• Inform yourself with CEPICI and specialized networks from the project’s outset.
• Prepare a solid financial and legal file, adapted to local expectations.
• Leverage public programs and investment funds targeting SMEs.
• Use incubators and coworking spaces as springboards for integration and access to funding.
• Consider UEMOA regulations for capital management and repatriation.