Cameroon Business Registration Guide 2026
Registering a business in Cameroon involves incorporation at the Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier (RCCM), obtaining a Numéro d'Identification Unique (NUI) from the tax authorities, and securing any required sector-specific permits. The OHADA Uniform Act governs company law across the CEMAC region. The main business structures are SARL (private limited company), SA (public limited company), and SAS (simplified joint stock company). The process typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on the structure.
Overview — Business Registration in Cameroon
The Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier (RCCM) under the Ministry of Justice is responsible for company registration. The OHADA (Organisation pour l'Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) Uniform Act provides the legal framework for company law across all CEMAC member states. The Guichet Unique de Création d'Entreprise (one-stop shop) facilitates the registration process, allowing entrepreneurs to complete all formalities at a single point. The process has been simplified in recent years to improve the ease of doing business.
Company Types Under OHADA Law
The OHADA Uniform Act provides various business structures:
- SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) — most common structure, minimum 1 shareholder, minimum 1 manager (gérant), share capital from XAF 1,000,000
- SA (Société Anonyme) — for larger businesses, minimum 3 shareholders (or 1 for SAS), minimum 7 for public offerings, board of directors
- SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) — flexible structure, minimum 1 shareholder, simplified governance
- Entreprise Individuelle — sole proprietorship
- Succursale — branch of a foreign company
The SARL is the preferred vehicle for most SMEs and foreign investors due to its limited liability and flexible management structure.
Incorporation Process
The typical company incorporation process involves:
- Step 1 — Draft the articles of association (statuts) before a notary
- Step 2 — Deposit share capital in a blocked bank account
- Step 3 — Register at the Guichet Unique (one-stop shop) with the RCCM
- Step 4 — Obtain the NUI from the DGI for tax registration
- Step 5 — Register with CNPS for social security
- Step 6 — Obtain a business licence (Patente)
The total cost for a standard SARL is approximately XAF 500,000–1,500,000 including notarial fees, registration fees, and professional service fees.
Business Permits & Licences
Depending on the business sector, additional permits may be required:
- Business licence (Patente) — from the local municipality, renewed annually
- Environmental impact assessment — for industrial and mining activities
- Tourism licence — for hotels and restaurants
- Import/export licence — from the Ministry of Commerce
- Financial services licence — from COBAC (Central African Banking Commission) for banks
FAQs
Can a foreigner register a company in Cameroon?
Yes, foreigners may register a company in Cameroon. There is no minimum capital requirement for foreign investors in most sectors, though certain regulated sectors have specific requirements.
How long does the full registration process take?
Through the Guichet Unique, the process typically takes 2–6 weeks. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
What are the annual compliance requirements?
Annual return to RCCM, annual tax return by 30 April, monthly VAT returns (if registered), monthly social security returns, and annual financial statements.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about business registration in Cameroon for 2026. Laws, fees, and procedures may change. Always consult with a qualified Cameroonian lawyer or notary for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal advice.