This guide presents up-to-date figures on the average costs of establishing and annually maintaining a standard limited liability company (SARL) in Côte d’Ivoire for 2025. All data is drawn from official sources and reflects the main expenses business owners can expect when setting up a company in this jurisdiction.
Company Formation Costs in Côte d’Ivoire (2025)
The establishment of a SARL—the most commonly used business vehicle—comes with several statutory and professional fees. The table below summarizes core creation costs, with all amounts in West African CFA francs (XOF) and their approximate value in USD (exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF).
| Cost Item | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 100,000 XOF | $167 |
| Registry fees (RCCM inscription) | 10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Notary fees | 60,000 XOF | $100 |
| Publication in legal journal | 30,000 XOF | $50 |
| Lawyer/consultant fees (average) | 50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Average total | 250,000 XOF | $417 |
It’s important to note that while the minimum capital is a legal requirement, most of this amount is available for use in business operations once the company is established.
Ongoing Company Maintenance Costs
Annual maintenance for a SARL involves required filings, mandatory accounting, and in some cases, optional advisory or insurance. Actual costs vary according to company activity, but the figures below represent typical minimums and maximums for an established small business in 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees (RCCM update) | 10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Mandatory accounting services (minimum) | 100,000 XOF | $167 |
| Tax filing fees | 10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory (average) | 50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Insurance premiums (if applicable) | 80,000 XOF | $133 |
| Annual Minimum (avg.) | 120,000 XOF | $200 |
| Annual Maximum (avg.) | 350,000 XOF | $583 |
Mandatory accounting services represent the largest proportion of annual obligations and are required to ensure tax and legal compliance. Optional fees and insurance depend on your sector and risk profile but should be budgeted for prudent operation.
Official Data Sources
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Côte d’Ivoire
- Leverage local advisory firms: Partnering with established local legal or accounting consultants often streamlines both registration and annual compliance, helping avoid costly procedural errors.
- Review your insurance requirements annually: If your company operates in higher-risk sectors, reassess coverage needs to ensure adequate and cost-effective risk management year by year.
- Take advantage of digital registration tools: Official platforms such as CEPICI streamline the company creation process, reduce physical paperwork, and may decrease indirect costs.
- Stay timely on annual filings: Late filing of RCCM or tax declarations can result in fines or delays—setting automated reminders is a low-cost way to ensure compliance.
In summary, starting a standard SARL company in Côte d’Ivoire in 2025 involves an initial outlay of approximately 250,000 XOF ($417), while annual maintenance ranges between 120,000 and 350,000 XOF ($200–$583). Mandatory professional services and periodic administrative filings make up the majority of these costs. As always, careful planning and awareness of regulatory requirements are vital for minimizing unnecessary expenses and maintaining compliance in the Ivorian business environment.