This post presents the latest data on typical company creation and annual maintenance costs in Sierra Leone for 2025. All figures provided are specific to establishing a Private Limited Company (Ltd), with current requirements compiled from official government sources.
Average Company Creation Costs in Sierra Leone (2025)
Setting up a standard Private Limited Company (Ltd) in Sierra Leone involves several specific, mandated payments. Below is a breakdown of the average one-time costs you can expect to encounter:
| Cost Item | Amount (SLL) | USD (Rate: 1 USD = 21,000 SLL) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000,000 SLL | $47.62 |
| Business registration fee (Corporate Affairs Commission) | 50,000 SLL | $2.38 |
| Tax registration (National Revenue Authority) | 0 SLL | $0.00 |
| Municipal business license | 100,000 SLL | $4.76 |
| Legal/consultancy fees (average) | 50,000 SLL | $2.38 |
| Total Average Initial Cost | 1,200,000 SLL | $57.14 |
The most significant element is the minimum capital requirement (1,000,000 SLL), which represents over eighty percent of the typical creation expenses. The business registration fee and legal consultation costs are noticeably lower. Tax registration with the National Revenue Authority presently does not incur an official charge when forming a Private Limited Company.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Ongoing compliance and business operation in Sierra Leone brings additional yearly costs that owners must anticipate. The average annual range in 2025 is from 150,000 SLL to 400,000 SLL ($7.14 to $19.05), depending on compliance requirements and the municipality of registration.
| Annual Maintenance Item | Amount (SLL) | USD (Rate: 1 USD = 21,000 SLL) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual business license renewal | 100,000 SLL | $4.76 |
| Annual tax filing fees | 0 SLL | $0.00 |
| Mandatory accounting services (average) | 50,000 SLL | $2.38 |
| Other compliance/municipal fees (possible) | 250,000 SLL | $11.90 |
| Annual Cost Range | 150,000 – 400,000 SLL | $7.14 – $19.05 |
The required annual business license renewal is the principal recurring obligation. Additional compliance or municipal fees may arise depending on your municipality and specific business activities. Furthermore, while annual tax filing fees for Ltds are officially set at zero, practical accounting and filing service costs are typically incurred as shown above.
Official Government Sources
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Sierra Leone
- Verify compliance requirements with your local municipality, as business license and possible additional municipal fees may differ by location.
- Although official tax registration and annual filing fees are stated as zero, always budget for accounting or consultancy support to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid penalties.
- Plan for the minimum capital (1,000,000 SLL) as it constitutes the majority of upfront creation expenses and cannot be circumvented.
- Regularly monitor official announcements from the Corporate Affairs Commission or National Revenue Authority, as fees and compliance deadlines may change with administrative updates.
In summary, company formation and maintenance costs for a Private Limited Company in Sierra Leone remain relatively accessible, with clearly defined fees and low official annual charges. However, practical expenses—including accounting or compliance support, and possible regional fees—should be anticipated within your annual budgeting. Staying informed through government channels ensures no surprise costs and helps maintain compliance under Sierra Leone’s current 2025 regulatory framework.