Burkina Faso’s economy is driven by growth in the services, agriculture, and mining sectors. With a GDP per capita of $2,596 (2024), the country is emerging as a promising destination for entrepreneurs looking to expand in Francophone West Africa. Its membership in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), ongoing business reforms, and a growing appetite for digital transformation make it an attractive market for B2B service providers, agritech companies, e-commerce platforms, and fintechs.

Suppose you’re planning to launch a business in Burkina Faso. In that case, this guide walks you through the legal steps to register your company and introduces a faster alternative used by today’s digital entrepreneurs to scale across borders through a Merchant of Record like Startbutton.

We’ve broken the process down into clear, actionable steps to help you get started with confidence.

1. Choose a legal structure

The first step is to decide which business structure suits your goals. In Burkina Faso, the most common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle): Best for individuals running small, low-risk businesses.
  
  

• Private Limited Liability Company (SARL): A popular structure for startups and SMEs, requiring a minimum of one shareholder and low capital investment.
  
  

• Public Limited Company (SA): Suitable for larger businesses or those planning to raise public funds. Requires more shareholders and capital.
  
  

• Branch of a foreign company: Enables a foreign business to operate in Burkina Faso under its existing brand.

2. Reserve your business name

Check if your proposed business name is available through the Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE). If approved, the name can be reserved for your registration process.

3. Gather and prepare required documents

You’ll need to compile and submit the following:

• Business name reservation certificate

• Articles of Association (Statuts)

• Valid ID/passport of all shareholders and directors

• Lease agreement or address proof of the business premises

• Proof of capital deposit (if required)

• Declaration of non-conviction for directors

• Proof of nationality for Burkinabè citizens or a residence permit for foreigners

4. Register with the commercial registry

Once your documents are ready, register your company with the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce (Commercial Court Registry). Upon approval, you will receive a Company Registration Certificate (RCCM), which officially establishes your business in Burkina Faso.

5. Obtain your Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Register with the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) to get your Numéro d’Identification Fiscale (NIF). This is mandatory for tax filing, issuing invoices, and overall legal compliance.

6. Register for Social Security and Labor Compliance

If you plan to employ staff:

• Register with the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS)

• Submit employment contracts to the Ministry of Labor for validation

• Comply with local labor laws regarding contracts, benefits, and employment standards

7. Open a business bank account

To complete your business setup, open a corporate account at a local Burkinabè bank. Required documents typically include:

• Company registration certificate (RCCM)

• NIF (Tax ID)

• Articles of Association

• IDs of authorized signatories

Here’s a faster way to sell in Burkina Faso

Although registering a business in Burkina Faso is relatively straightforward, the full process can take 3 to 6 weeks, especially if you're handling it remotely. For startups offering digital services, software products, or operating across borders, this can delay market entry.

That’s why founders are choosing a Merchant of Record (MoR) like Startbutton.

With Startbutton, you can:

• Sell in Burkina Faso and 14 other African countries—no local entity needed

• Accept payments in XOF or USD, with payouts in your preferred currency

• Skip VAT registration and compliance overhead, we handle the paperwork

• Issue tax-compliant invoices automatically

• Stay legally compliant while focusing on business growth

Whether you’re launching a fintech app, subscription service, or online platform, Startbutton gives you a faster path to scale in Burkina Faso, without the red tape.

Conclusion

Registering your business in Burkina Faso gives you access to one of Francophone Africa’s emerging markets, backed by legal protection and growth opportunities. By following the steps above, you can build a solid foundation for long-term success in the country.

But if you want to move faster, simplify compliance, and sell across borders with less friction, Startbutton’s Merchant of Record solution takes the hard work off your plate, so you can stay focused on building.

Got questions about registering in Burkina Faso or how Startbutton can help?
Contact us at sales@startbutton.africa or sign up here to get started.