Company Formation in Comoros
A complete guide to navigating ANPI and the OHADA framework. Learn the requirements, corporate structures, and timelines for establishing a legal entity in the Indian Ocean’s strategic hub for agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism.
Consult Our Comoros Setup TeamThe Role of ANPI
Business registration in the Union of the Comoros is centralized through the Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements (ANPI). ANPI operates the “Guichet Unique” (One-Stop Shop) designed to streamline administrative hurdles by housing the Commercial Registry, Tax Administration, and Social Security services under one roof.
For foreign investors, ANPI serves a dual purpose. It not only manages the rapid incorporation of companies but also evaluates and grants eligibility under the Comorian Investment Code. This code offers critical tax and customs incentives to attract capital into vital sectors like cash crops (vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves), the blue economy, and tourism.
3 – 7 Days
Average ANPI Turnaround
35%
Standard Corporate Tax
OHADA Jurisdiction
Uniform corporate laws providing regional legal security
Types of Companies You Can Register
Comoros operates strictly under the OHADA uniform acts, providing standardized, highly reliable Francophone corporate vehicles.
Limited Liability Company (SARL)
The Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) is the most preferred entity for SMEs and foreign subsidiaries. Under updated OHADA rules, founders have greater flexibility in determining the initial share capital, making it highly accessible for startups and localized trading companies.
Joint Stock Company (SA)
The Société Anonyme (SA) is designed for large-scale operations, banking, and public capital raising. It requires a mandatory minimum share capital (typically 1,500,000 KMF to 7,500,000 KMF equivalent), the appointment of a statutory auditor, and stricter corporate governance.
Branch Office (Succursale)
Foreign companies executing specific localized contracts can register a branch. However, under OHADA law, a branch must be converted into a fully registered local subsidiary (such as a SARL) after two years of operation, unless a special waiver is granted.
The Formation Process
Drafting Statutes & Notarization
Verify the availability of your proposed company name. Prepare the Articles of Association (Statuts). Using a Notary Public in Comoros to draft and authenticate the documents is standard practice to ensure total compliance with OHADA regulations.
Capital Deposit
Deposit the initial share capital into a blocked corporate bank account at a local commercial bank (or directly with the Notary), which will issue a formal Declaration of Subscription and Payment (DSV).
ANPI Guichet Unique Submission
Submit the complete dossier to the ANPI One-Stop Shop. They will register your business with the Commercial Registry (RCCM) and the General Tax Administration (AGID) to generate your Tax Identification Number (NIF).
Social Security & Publication
ANPI finalizes the process by registering the company as an employer with the National Social Security and Retirement Fund, and coordinates the mandatory publication of the company’s formation in a legal journal.
Foreign Investors & ANPI Incentives
Comoros allows 100% foreign ownership across its commercial sectors and guarantees the free transfer of dividends and invested capital.
To maximize returns, foreign entities should apply for benefits under the Comorian Investment Code through ANPI. Projects that meet job creation thresholds or operate in priority sectors (like agriculture, fisheries, and hospitality infrastructure) can secure tax holidays ranging from 3 to 10 years and heavy reductions on import duties for capital goods.
Speak with an Advisory ExpertCompliance to Watch
- ⚠️ OHADA Accounting Standards: Comoros strictly enforces the OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting Law (SYSCOHADA). Corporate books must be maintained locally and financial statements filed annually according to these regional standards.
- ⚠️ Language Requirements: French is the absolute standard for all legal, administrative, and corporate documentation. Foreign documents must be accompanied by sworn French translations.
- ⚠️ Exchange Rate Peg: The Comorian Franc (KMF) is pegged to the Euro (formerly pegged to the French Franc). While this offers monetary stability, capital movements outside the Eurozone may still require proper banking documentation to satisfy central bank anti-money laundering regulations.
Need Professional Assistance?
Navigating the ANPI Guichet Unique, drafting OHADA-compliant statutes in French, and securing Investment Code incentives requires specialized local expertise. Let our corporate advisors handle the bureaucracy and complete your setup in Comoros.
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