Burkina Faso's GDP was estimated to be about $23.98 billion in 2024. The country is gradually positioning itself as a rising business destination in Francophone West Africa. With its central location, access to regional markets, and a government making steady efforts to improve the business environment, the country offers opportunities across agriculture, mining, logistics, renewable energy, and digital services.

If you’re planning to start a business in Burkina Faso, this guide outlines the essential steps to register your company legally and introduces a simpler, faster alternative that’s helping African entrepreneurs scale across borders with ease—using a Merchant of Record like Startbutton.

We’ve broken the process down into a simple, step-by-step guide so you can get started confidently.

1. Choose a Business Structure

Your first step is selecting the appropriate legal structure for your business. In Burkina Faso, common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle): Best suited for individuals starting a small business.
  
  

• Limited Liability Company (SARL): A popular structure for small to mid-sized companies; requires at least one shareholder and has low minimum capital requirements.
  
  

• Public Limited Company (SA): Designed for larger businesses looking to raise capital; requires at least one shareholder and a higher capital deposit.
  
  

• Branch or Subsidiary of a Foreign Company: Enables an international business to operate locally without full incorporation.

2. Verify Business Name Availability

You’ll need to confirm that your desired business name is unique and available. This can be done through the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CEFORE). Once approved, the name can be officially reserved.

3. Prepare Required Documents

Next, gather the necessary paperwork for your application. For a limited liability Company, you’ll need:

• Business name reservation certificate

• Articles of Association (Statuts)

• Valid identification for shareholders and directors

• Proof of business address in Burkina Faso

• Declaration of non-conviction for company directors

• Lease agreement or proof of premises

• Bank certificate showing capital deposit (if applicable)

4. Register with the Commercial registry

Once your documents are complete, submit them to the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce (Commercial Registry). Upon approval, you’ll receive your Registration Certificate (Registre de Commerce), which legally establishes your business in Burkina Faso.

5. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Every registered business in Burkina Faso must obtain a Tax Identification Number (Numéro d’Identification Fiscale - NIF) from the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI). This number is essential for issuing invoices, declaring taxes, and fulfilling your compliance obligations.

6. Register for Social Security and labor compliance

If you’re planning to hire locally, your business must be registered with:

• CNSS (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale): For employee social contributions.

• Labor Inspection Department: Where employment contracts must be filed and workplace compliance standards met.

7. Open a business bank account

To operate formally, open a corporate bank account with a licensed Burkinabè bank. You'll need:

• Your Registration Certificate

• NIF

• Identification documents for authorized signatories

Here’s a faster way to sell in Burkina Faso

Registering a business in Burkina Faso can take anywhere from 3–6 weeks, depending on how quickly you can gather documents and navigate the process. For digital entrepreneurs, consultants, or SaaS founders, this delay can slow down market entry and revenue.

That’s where Startbutton comes in.

Startbutton is a Merchant of Record (MoR) platform that handles the hard stuff, so you don’t have to.

With Startbutton, you can:

• Sell in Burkina Faso and 14 other African markets without incorporating locally

• Accept payments in XOF or USD, with flexible payout options

• Skip the paperwork—we handle VAT, tax filing, and compliance

• Generate invoices and stay globally compliant

Whether you're launching a digital product or expanding your services into Burkina Faso, Startbutton helps you scale without the usual barriers.

Conclusion

Registering your business in Burkina Faso is a manageable process that opens up access to one of the region’s most promising markets. By following the legal steps and ensuring you meet compliance requirements, you’ll be well-positioned for long-term growth.

But if you're looking for a faster, more efficient way to enter the market, Startbutton simplifies the entire process, from payments and tax handling to regulatory compliance.

Have questions about registering in Burkina Faso or how Startbutton works?
Reach out to us at sales@startbutton.africa or sign up here to get started today.