Starting a Business - Côte d'Ivoire

The Investment Code imposes no equity cap on foreign investors; 100% foreign shareholding is permitted in most sectors. National treatment is guaranteed under Article A of the Code, and fund repatriation is unrestricted.

All formation formalities — commercial registry (RCCM), tax identification number (NIF), and employer ID — are processed at CEPICI's Guichet Unique des Formalités d'Entreprises (GUFE) online via 225invest.ci. A complete dossier can be approved in 24–48 hours; CEPICI targets a further reduction to 6 hours.

Steps include: (1) reserve company name on the CEPICI portal; (2) notarise articles of association (required for SARL/SA); (3) open a bank account and deposit share capital; (4) upload all documents and submit the dossier online; (5) receive registration certificate, RCCM number, and tax ID. Foreign investors additionally apply for investment approval (two regimes: declaration or agrément).

Under OHADA, the SARL (private limited company) requires a minimum share capital of XOF 1,000,000 (approx. €1,500). The SA (public company) requires XOF 10,000,000. A single-member SARL (SURL) is also available. The SARL is the most common vehicle for foreign investors.

Ordinance No. 2024-857 of 30 September 2024 revised the Investment Code, introducing a dual-incentive system (tax exemptions plus tax credits), strengthening SME provisions, and simplifying administrative procedures. The investment-approval decision must be issued within 19 working days of an admissibility certificate from CEPICI.

Article 6 of Ordinance 2024-857 excludes certain activities from Investment Code incentives, including tobacco cultivation/processing, alcoholic beverage production, and activities harmful to human or animal health. Foreign ownership in these areas is not banned but incentives do not apply.