This post provides a comprehensive overview of the average company formation and yearly maintenance costs for a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) in Burkina Faso, referencing available official sources and fiscal data for 2025. All figures are in West African CFA franc (XOF) and, where provided, include USD conversions for international context. This guide is intended for professionals and investors evaluating Burkina Faso as a destination for business setup.
Cost Breakdown for Creating a Standard Company in Burkina Faso
Setting up a SARL, which is the most common limited liability company structure in Burkina Faso, involves several standard fees and regulatory steps. The table below presents the breakdown of average creation costs in 2025:
| Item | Amount (XOF) | Amount (USD) (1 USD ≈ 600 XOF) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 5,000 XOF | $8 |
| Registration fees at the Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE) |
45,000 XOF | $75 |
| Notary fees (statutes and legal documentation) |
50,000 XOF | $83 |
| Publication in legal journal | 20,000 XOF | $33 |
| Total Estimated Creation Cost | 120,000 XOF | $200 |
All required expenses must be paid before the company can be fully registered and operational. The cost structure reflects official regulatory requirements and standard notarial pricing as of 2025. These figures are representative for most SARL formations, with minor variations possible depending on service providers or optional administrative support chosen.
Typical Annual Maintenance Costs for a SARL
Once established, maintaining compliance and running a SARL in Burkina Faso requires a set of annual fees and professional services. The following table outlines the principal yearly costs for a standard SARL:
| Item | Annual Amount (XOF) | Annual Amount (USD) (1 USD ≈ 600 XOF) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier) |
10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Mandatory accounting services | 40,000 XOF | $67 |
| Tax filing fees | 10,000 XOF | $17 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory | 90,000 XOF | $150 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | 50,000–150,000 XOF | $83–$250 |
The range in total cost reflects whether you opt for additional legal or accounting consulting during the year. Basic compliance (tax and statutory declarations, accounting services) rests at the lower end. Companies requiring more advisory or complex operations can expect to pay more, up to the higher end of the provided range.
Key Points About SARL Company Costs in Burkina Faso (2025)
- The all-in creation cost of a typical SARL is about 120,000 XOF ($200).
- Compliance with all annual obligations will cost between 50,000–150,000 XOF ($83–$250), depending on the level of support needed.
- All fees are paid in West African CFA francs (XOF), the regional currency shared by several West African states.
- Regulatory fees (such as GUFE registration and legal journal publication) are standardized and mandatory for all new SARLs.
Pro Tips for Managing Company Creation and Maintenance Costs Effectively
- Prepare all required documents and upfront payments before starting the registration process at GUFE to avoid unnecessary delays or duplicate administrative fees.
- Engage a notary experienced with company law in Burkina Faso to streamline statutory documentation; this can potentially reduce mistakes that may otherwise lead to cost overruns.
- Carefully consider the value of optional annual advisory services—basic compliance is relatively affordable, but tailored legal or tax advice can add significant cost. Only opt for additional consulting as the business complexity warrants it.
- Track annual declaration and tax deadlines for the Registre du Commerce to ensure timely filings and avoid late penalties, which can increase annual costs.
- Exchange rates can fluctuate—when budgeting in USD or another foreign currency, consider allowing for moderate variations in the XOF/USD rate.
References & Official Resources
- Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE) – Burkina Faso
- OHADA – Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa
- International Labour Organization (ILO) – Main Portal
- Doing Business – Main Page
In summary, starting and maintaining a standard SARL in Burkina Faso involves moderate up-front costs and manageable annual expenses, thanks to transparent, standardized fee structures. The average entrepreneur should plan for an initial investment of about 120,000 XOF ($200 USD) and annual running costs in the 50,000–150,000 XOF range ($83–$250 USD). Understanding each component of the required fees and optional advisory services is essential for accurate budgeting and full legal compliance each year.