This article details the typical costs associated with establishing and maintaining a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Guinea-Bissau, focusing on official direct costs and standard requirements for the 2025 fiscal year. All figures are based on publicly available data from national administrative sources and relevant legal documentation requirements.
Company Creation Costs in Guinea-Bissau (2025)
For those considering setting up a standard limited liability company (Sociedade por Quotas, Lda.) in Guinea-Bissau, the initial creation cost structure is straightforward and largely determined by the required minimum capital. According to state sources, nearly all administrative and documentation fees are waived, making the process unusually accessible by West African standards.
| Cost Item | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) (at 1 USD = 600 XOF) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 250,000 XOF | $417 |
| Registry fees | 0 XOF | $0 |
| Notary fees | 0 XOF | $0 |
| Legal documentation (standard articles of association, etc.) | 0 XOF | $0 |
| Total required upfront | 250,000 XOF | $417 |
The only significant upfront financial requirement for company formation is the minimum capital deposit of 250,000 XOF (about $417 USD with the 2025 reference rate of 1 USD = 600 XOF). All other direct registration and notary fees are officially set at zero according to regulators. This cost environment can be especially attractive for founders seeking to minimize friction and cash outlay at inception.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Ongoing Company Obligations
Unlike many jurisdictions, Guinea-Bissau has no annual company maintenance fees reported for standard Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) entities as of 2025. The available data from Guinée-Bissau’s official business registration portal confirms that neither annual declaration fees nor mandatory accounting service costs are universally imposed at the state level.
| Annual Expense | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees | 0 XOF | $0 |
| Mandatory accounting services | 0 XOF | $0 |
This lack of recurring state fees can significantly reduce ongoing operational friction—a notable benefit for cost-conscious founders. However, keep in mind that this does not account for any individual business sector or municipal surcharges, nor does it cover costs if you choose to hire external advisers or accountants for voluntary compliance or reporting sophistication.
Sourcing and Reliability of Cost Data
All figures above are provided through state and regional sources, including the national business registration portal and the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA). The zero-cost approach to formalities is reflected in the country’s active efforts to streamline the business registration process. For further reference, consult OHADA’s official Guinea-Bissau listing.
Pro Tips for Optimizing Company Setup in Guinea-Bissau
- Utilize the official one-stop shops for registration (guiche unique) to avoid unnecessary intermediaries. This ensures you pay only the required minimum capital and benefit from zero other direct creation or notary fees.
- Set aside the full 250,000 XOF upfront; this capital deposit is a non-negotiable legal requirement that you cannot circumvent for Lda. formation.
- Keep all official receipts and certifications issued during setup, as these will be essential for banking, tax, and subsequent legal compliance needs.
- Review sector-specific regulations if your business operates in a highly regulated domain (e.g., finance, imports/exports), as additional setup costs or licensing fees may apply outside the general framework.
Key Points for Business Establishment in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau’s approach to company formation presents minimal mandatory costs, focusing solely on the statutory minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies. The absence of annual state-imposed maintenance fees distinguishes it from many other countries in the region and globally. Still, it is crucial to verify if your industry or local jurisdiction imposes further obligations. Efficient documentation and working directly through official channels remain best practices for streamlining the setup process in 2025.