Equatorial Guinea Corporate Tax Guide 2026

Overview — Corporate Tax in Equatorial Guinea

Corporate tax in Equatorial Guinea is governed by the General Tax Code (Código General de Tributos). A company is tax resident if it is incorporated under Equatorial Guinean law or if its place of effective management is in the country. Resident companies are taxed on worldwide income; non-resident companies with a permanent establishment are taxed on Equatorial Guinea-source income only. Companies must register for tax and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (NIF). The tax year aligns with the calendar year. Annual returns are due by 30 April. Quarterly instalment payments are required for companies with tax liability exceeding XAF 1,000,000. Oil & gas accounts for approximately 90% of exports, making the hydrocarbons sector the dominant feature of the corporate tax landscape.

Standard Corporate Tax Rate — 35%

The standard CIT rate for resident companies in Equatorial Guinea is 35% of chargeable profits. Non-resident companies with a permanent establishment are also taxed at 35% on Equatorial Guinea-source income. Taxable profit is computed as gross revenue less allowable deductions including operating expenses, depreciation, interest costs (subject to thin capitalisation rules), and losses carried forward. Losses may be carried forward for up to 3 years. Capital gains are included in ordinary taxable income at the standard CIT rate. The 35% rate is higher than many other CEMAC countries but reflects the oil-based economy.

Oil Sector — 65–75% (Highest in Africa)

Equatorial Guinea imposes the highest corporate tax rate in Africa on oil and gas companies, reflecting the government's approach to capturing resource rents. The effective CIT rate for oil and gas companies ranges from 65% to 75%, depending on the specific production-sharing contract and the profitability of the operation. In addition to the high CIT rate, oil companies are subject to a supplementary petroleum income tax and various production-sharing arrangements with the government through the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons. The state-owned oil company GEPetrol manages the government's participation in petroleum operations. Major international oil companies operating in Equatorial Guinea include ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil, and Noble Energy. The high tax rate is offset by generous capital allowances for exploration and development expenditure.

Mining Sector — 25%

Mining companies benefit from a reduced CIT rate of 25%, designed to attract investment in the mining sector. This applies to extraction of minerals including gold, diamonds, iron ore, and other non-hydrocarbon mineral resources. The Mining Code provides additional incentives including customs duty exemptions on imported equipment and a stabilisation clause for approved mining projects. Qualifying companies must hold a valid mining licence from the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons.

Branches of Foreign Companies

Foreign companies operating through a branch in Equatorial Guinea are taxed at 35% on Equatorial Guinea-source profits. Branch profits remitted to the head office attract a branch profit remittance tax of 15%. This effectively brings the combined rate to 44.75% for repatriated profits. Foreign companies may prefer to incorporate an Equatorial Guinean subsidiary (SA or SARL) to avoid the remittance tax.

Capital Allowances (Depreciation)

Equatorial Guinea uses a depreciation system for tax purposes. Annual depreciation rates by asset category:

• Buildings — 5% straight-line
• Plant & machinery — 10–20% declining balance
• Motor vehicles — 20% declining balance (capped at XAF 15,000,000 per vehicle)
• Computers & office equipment — 33.33% declining balance
• Furniture & fittings — 10% straight-line
• Oil & gas exploration assets — accelerated rates under petroleum tax regime

FAQs

What is the penalty for late filing of corporate tax returns?

Late filing attracts a penalty of 10% of the tax due plus interest at 0.75% per month. Additional penalties may apply for failure to maintain proper records.

Can foreign companies claim treaty relief?

Equatorial Guinea has limited double tax treaties. Treaty relief may reduce withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, and royalties paid to non-residents in treaty countries.

Is there a minimum tax for loss-making companies?

Yes, a minimum flat tax of 1% of turnover applies for companies that report losses or have tax below a minimum threshold.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Equatorial Guinea corporate tax for the 2026 tax year. Tax laws and rates may change. Always consult with a qualified Equatorial Guinean tax advisor or the Ministerio de Hacienda for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide tax advice.