Below, you will find a precise overview of company creation and average ongoing maintenance costs for a standard SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée) in Benin, including the main required fees as of 2025. This guide consolidates the most recent, verifiable numbers and clarifies what to expect during the business formation process and beyond.
Company Creation Costs for an SARL in Benin (2025)
The company creation process in Benin involves a set of standard steps and corresponding fees. All values are presented in West African CFA francs (XOF), alongside USD equivalents using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 600 XOF for ease of comparison.
| Cost Item | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 100,000 XOF | $167 |
| Registration fees (GUFE) | 10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Notary fees (articles of association) | 5,000 XOF | $8 |
| Publication fees (legal announcement) | 5,000 XOF | $8 |
| Total Average Initial Cost | 120,000 XOF | $200 |
The table above is based on current regulations and typical requirements for new SARL entities in Benin. All company formation begins at the Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE), the one-stop shop for business registration.
Annual Maintenance Costs (2025)
Sustaining an SARL in Benin entails several recurring obligations. The bulk of ongoing expenses falls within the range outlined below:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Amount (XOF) | Annual Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual business license (patente) | 50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Mandatory accounting services (average) | 50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Annual tax declaration service (if used) | 50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Total Typical Annual Cost | 150,000 XOF | $250 |
Depending on the nature and scope of your business, actual costs may fall below this maximum if you opt to handle accounting and tax obligations in-house or use lower-cost services. The lower bound is 50,000 XOF ($83) per year for very minimal administrative compliance.
Key Data Sources
Pro Tips for Streamlining SARL Registration and Maintenance in Benin
- Leverage the GUFE: The Guichet Unique centralizes most mandatory procedures, reducing travel and administrative delays; always start here for the latest documentation and forms.
- Prepare Articles in Advance: Draft your articles of association and capital deposit evidence beforehand to minimize notary and bank turnaround time.
- Track Ongoing Obligations: Keep a digital calendar of annual license, tax, and accounting deadlines to avoid penalties and last-minute costs.
- Negotiate with Service Providers: Many accountants and facilitators offer package rates—compare before choosing a provider for yearly compliance.
In summary, setting up a standard SARL in Benin is comparatively straightforward, with relatively predictable costs. The fixed minimum capital, registration process at the GUFE, and moderate annual fees make compliance manageable. However, diligence in following up on yearly maintenance obligations and leveraging local administrative services can help keep both time and monetary expenditures under control for new and existing businesses in Benin.