This post provides a breakdown of the average costs for creating and maintaining a standard Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) company in Djibouti for 2025. The figures include official fees, minimum capital, and ongoing compliance costs, with values in Djibouti Francs (DJF) and approximate USD equivalents for context.
Company Formation Costs in Djibouti (2025)
Establishing an SARL in Djibouti requires careful budgeting for legal and administrative expenses. Below is a detailed table summarizing the average expenses associated with company creation:
| Item | Amount (DJF) | Amount (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 100,000 DJF | $565 |
| Registration fees (CFE) | 50,000 DJF | $282 |
| Notary fees (statutes authentication) | 20,000 DJF | $113 |
| Publication in official journal | 10,000 DJF | $56 |
| Total Average Formation Cost | 180,000 DJF | $1,016 |
* USD conversions based on 1 USD = 178 DJF.
Annual Maintenance and Compliance Expenses
Once established, SARLs in Djibouti must incur several recurring annual expenses to remain compliant. These typical maintenance costs are outlined in the following table:
| Item | Average Annual Amount (DJF) | Average Annual Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual business license renewal (patente) | 50,000 DJF | $282 |
| Mandatory accounting services (basic) | 40,000 DJF | $226 |
| Annual tax declaration filing fees | 30,000 DJF | $170 |
| Total Typical Annual Cost | 120,000 DJF | $678 |
| Range for typical annual maintenance: 50,000–120,000 DJF ($282–$678) | ||
Notable Observations for 2025
- The minimum required capital for SARL formation forms the largest single expense.
- Annual maintenance costs primarily depend on the size and complexity of the company’s accounting needs; smaller or inactive SARLs may be closer to the lower bound.
- These figures pertain to standard requirements and may vary with specific business activity, sector, or updates in local legislation.
Official Reference Sources
For full regulatory and fee information, see the official Djibouti government business resource portals:
Pro Tips for Efficient Company Setup in Djibouti
- Double-check the latest official fee schedules at the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) prior to payment, as minor annual changes can occur.
- Work with an established notary who is familiar with business registration for a faster, smoother process and to avoid delays with document authentication.
- Choose a reputable local accountant familiar with Djibouti`s statutory requirements for ongoing tax and compliance support, especially when handling annual filings.
- Budget for both the required share capital and initial establishment fees, as both are mandatory and checked during registration.
Setting up a company in Djibouti in 2025 involves a clear set of initial and annual financial requirements. Most notably, the minimum capital and official fees are transparent, and recurring annual expenses are moderate compared to many other jurisdictions. As always, thorough preparation and ongoing local compliance remain central for successful business operation in Djibouti.