For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Western Sahara (EH) as a base for their next venture, the maze of company creation and maintenance costs can feel like yet another state-imposed hurdle. If you’re weary of opaque fees and unpredictable regulations, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the real numbers for starting and running a standard company in Western Sahara in 2025—using only verified data, so you can make informed, strategic decisions.
Company Formation Costs in Western Sahara (2025)
The most common legal entity for business in Western Sahara is the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL). Here’s what you can expect to pay to get started, based on the latest available data:
| Cost Item | Amount (MAD) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 10,000 | ~$1,000 |
| Registry fees (Centre Régional d’Investissement) | 350 | ~$35 |
| Publication in legal journal | 1,500 | ~$150 |
| Notary fees | 1,000 | ~$100 |
| Legal documentation (statutes, registration forms) | 650 | ~$65 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD (2025).
Total average creation cost: 3,500 MAD (~$350), not including the minimum capital requirement, which must be deposited but can often be used for business operations after registration.
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Company Setup
- Prepare your minimum capital (10,000 MAD / ~$1,000) in advance to avoid delays.
- Gather all required legal documents and forms before approaching the notary or registry.
- Consider publishing your legal notice digitally if available, to reduce publication costs.
Annual Maintenance Costs for a SARL in Western Sahara
Once your company is up and running, annual maintenance costs are another area where state requirements can add up. Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Amount (MAD) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees | 500 | ~$50 |
| Mandatory accounting services | 1,500 | ~$150 |
| Tax filing fees | 0 | $0 |
| Insurance premiums (optional/recommended) | 4,000 | ~$400 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 MAD ≈ 0.10 USD (2025).
Annual maintenance cost range: 2,000–6,000 MAD (~$200–$600), depending on whether you opt for additional insurance and the complexity of your accounting needs.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Ongoing Costs
- Shop around for accounting services—fees can vary widely, and remote-friendly providers may offer better rates.
- Insurance is optional but recommended; compare policies to avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
- Take advantage of the zero tax filing fee, but ensure all declarations are submitted on time to avoid penalties.
Case Study: Launching a Lean SARL in Western Sahara
Imagine you’re setting up a SARL with the minimum capital and opting for only the required services. Your initial outlay would be:
- Creation costs: 3,500 MAD (~$350)
- Minimum capital: 10,000 MAD (~$1,000)
For annual operations, you could keep costs as low as 2,000 MAD (~$200) if you skip optional insurance and negotiate accounting fees. This lean approach lets you maximize your capital for business growth, not bureaucracy.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company creation in Western Sahara is relatively affordable, with transparent, itemized costs.
- Annual maintenance can be optimized by carefully selecting service providers and leveraging optional expenses.
- Staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial—rates and requirements may shift, so always verify before committing.
For more detailed guidance, consult the following official resources:
- Moroccan Investment Development Agency
- World Bank Doing Business: Western Sahara
- ILO: National Legislation Database
By understanding and strategically managing these costs, you can turn Western Sahara’s regulatory landscape to your advantage—freeing up more resources for what matters most: your business and your freedom.