Company Formation in Cameroon
A complete guide to navigating the CFCE and API. Learn the requirements, OHADA corporate structures, and timelines for establishing a legal entity in Central Africa’s largest, most diversified, and bilingual economy.
Consult Our Cameroon Setup TeamThe Role of the CFCE and API
Business registration in Cameroon is centralized through the Centre de Formalités de Création d’Entreprises (CFCE). Acting as the ultimate “Guichet Unique” (One-Stop Shop), the CFCE consolidates the Commercial Registry (RCCM), the Tax Authority, and Social Security enrollment into a single administrative process to drastically reduce bureaucratic delays.
For foreign direct investment, the Investment Promotion Agency (API) is your primary partner. The API facilitates access to Cameroon’s highly favorable 2013 Investment Law, offering substantial tax holidays and customs exemptions designed to attract capital into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
3 – 7 Days
Average CFCE Turnaround
33%
Corporate Tax (Includes 10% surcharge)
Bilingual OHADA Jurisdiction
Uniform corporate laws operating in French & English
Types of Companies You Can Register
Cameroon operates under the OHADA uniform acts, providing internationally recognized and highly standardized corporate vehicles.
Limited Liability Company (SARL)
The Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) is the most preferred entity for SMEs and foreign subsidiaries. Following regional reforms, founders can form a SARL with a minimum share capital of 100,000 FCFA. It can be formed by a single shareholder (SUARL).
Joint Stock Company (SA)
The Société Anonyme (SA) is designed for large-scale operations and public capital raising. It requires a minimum share capital of 10,000,000 FCFA, mandatory appointment of a statutory auditor (Commissaire aux Comptes), and strict corporate governance.
Branch Office (Succursale)
Foreign companies executing specific local contracts can register a branch. Under OHADA law, a branch must be converted into a fully registered local subsidiary (SARL or SA) after two years of operation, unless a special waiver is granted by the Minister of Trade.
The Formation Process
Drafting Statutes & Notarization
Verify the availability of your proposed company name. In Cameroon, a Notary Public is legally required to draft and authenticate the Articles of Association (Statuts) to ensure strict OHADA compliance.
Capital Deposit
Deposit the initial share capital. This is deposited directly into a blocked account at a commercial bank or with the Notary Public, who will subsequently issue a formal Declaration of Subscription and Payment (DSV).
CFCE Submission (RCCM & NIU)
Submit the complete notarized dossier to the CFCE One-Stop Shop. The CFCE registers your business with the Commercial Registry (RCCM) and immediately interfaces with the Tax Authority to issue your Taxpayer Number (Numéro d’Identifiant Unique – NIU).
CNPS Registration & Business License
The CFCE ensures your company is registered as an employer with the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS). Post-incorporation, you must apply for your Business License (Patente) before commencing physical operations.
Foreign Investors & API Incentives
Cameroon generally allows 100% foreign ownership across commercial sectors. To maximize returns, foreign entities should actively engage with the API to qualify for benefits under the 2013 Investment Law.
The Investment Law offers powerful incentives divided into an Installation Phase (up to 5 years) and an Operation Phase (up to 10 years). Approved companies can benefit from massive exemptions on VAT, corporate tax, and customs duties on imported equipment and raw materials required for their projects.
Speak with an Advisory ExpertCompliance to Watch
- ⚠️ OHADA Accounting Standards: Cameroon strictly enforces the OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting Law (SYSCOHADA). You must maintain your corporate books locally according to these regional standards.
- ⚠️ Bilingual Documentation: While Cameroon is bilingual, administrative operations are predominantly conducted in French. Ensure all foreign parent company documents are legally translated by a sworn translator.
- ⚠️ The NIU Requirement: Your Numéro d’Identifiant Unique (NIU) is vital. Without a valid taxpayer card, you cannot open a corporate bank account, clear goods at the Douala port, or sign contracts with state entities.
Need Professional Assistance?
Navigating the CFCE Guichet Unique, drafting OHADA-compliant statutes with a local Notary, and securing API Investment Law incentives requires highly specialized local expertise. Let our corporate advisors handle the bureaucracy and complete your setup in Cameroon.
Start Your Cameroon Formation