Setting up a business in Ivory Coast can be a strategic move for entrepreneurs and investors looking to tap into one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies. With a relatively stable political climate, a growing middle class, and strong government support for entrepreneurship, the Ivory Coast offers promising opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and services.

If you're planning to start a business in the Ivory Coast, this guide outlines the key steps to register your company in the Ivory Coast legally and introduces you to a simpler, faster alternative that’s helping digital entrepreneurs scale smarter: using a Merchant of Record like Startbutton.

1. Choose a business structure

The first step is selecting the right legal structure for your business. Common types in Ivory Coast include:

• Sole proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle): Suitable for small businesses run by a single individual.
  
  

• Limited Liability Company (SARL): Ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises, requiring at least one shareholder and a minimum capital of 1 CFA franc.
  
  

• Public limited company (SA): Typically used by larger businesses, requiring at least one shareholder and a higher minimum capital (10 million CFA francs if unlisted).
  
  

• Branch or Subsidiary of a foreign company: This is an extension of a company situated in another country.

Choosing the right structure depends on your business size, risk level, and capital capacity.

2. Verify business name availability

Next, check the availability of your desired business name through the Guichet Unique de Formalisation des Entreprises (GUFE) or CEPICI, the national investment promotion center. You’ll need to reserve the name if it’s available.

3. Prepare required documents

You’ll need to gather and submit the following documents:

• Business name reservation certificate

• Articles of Association (Statuts)

• Proof of identity for shareholders and directors

• Proof of address for the business

• Declaration of non-conviction for directors

• Capital deposit certificate (if required)

• Lease agreement or proof of premises

4. Register with CEPICI (GUFE)

The Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d'Ivoire (CEPICI) operates a one-stop shop (GUFE) for business registration. Here’s what happens:

• Submit your application and documents

• Pay registration fees (generally between 30,000 and 50,000 CFA francs)

• Your business is registered with the Commercial Court, tax authorities, and social security

You can expect your business registration to be completed within 1 to 3 working days, making Ivory Coast one of the most efficient countries in the region for starting a business.

5. Obtain necessary licenses or permits

Depending on your sector (e.g., food, transportation, finance), you may need additional licenses or sector-specific approvals. Be sure to consult with local authorities or legal advisors to stay compliant.

6. Register for taxes and social security

Your business must be registered for:

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)

• Value Added Tax (VAT), if your annual turnover exceeds the VAT threshold

• CNPS (Social Security) for employee social contributions

This is typically handled during your one-stop registration, but you may need to follow up for sector-specific taxes.

7. Open a business bank account

Finally, open a corporate bank account in a local Ivorian bank. You’ll need your registration documents, NIF, and proof of identity for account signatories.

Here's a faster way you can sell in Ivory Coast.

Registering a business in Ivory Coast can be time-consuming, often taking over 6 months to complete the full process. If you’re offering digital products, SaaS, or international services, the paperwork can slow your business growth.

Startbutton is a Merchant of Record (MoR) platform that simplifies the backend operations of your business, so you can focus on growing your business.

With Startbutton, you can:

• Sell in Ivory Coast and 14 other African countries without incorporating locally 

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

• Skip the VAT headaches, we handle tax compliance in 15 African countries

• Send automated invoices and maintain full tax transparency with global clients

Whether you're an entrepreneur launching a digital service or a SaaS founder exploring the Ivorian market, Startbutton lets you launch faster, scale smarter, and stay compliant without the bureaucracy.

Conclusion

Registering your business in Ivory Coast is a straightforward process thanks to CEPICI’s one-stop platform. By following these steps and ensuring all legal obligations are met, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful venture in one of West Africa’s most dynamic economies, which can take about six to twelve months to complete

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to set up your business in Ivory Coast, platforms like Startbutton can help you navigate every step, from transacting in the country’s currency and any currency of your choice to compliance, so you can focus on growth.

Got questions about business registration or how Startbutton works?
Talk to us at sales@startbutton.africa or sign up here