Starting a business in Cameroon? The first crucial step is to register your business in Cameroon to ensure legal recognition and compliance with local regulations.
Whether you’re launching a small enterprise or a large company, proper registration protects your business, builds credibility, and opens doors to opportunities like government contracts and bank loans.
To facilitate the setting up of businesses in Cameroon, the government has created Business Creation Formality Centers (CFCE).
Cameroon Business Creation Formality Centers in Brief
The Business Creation Formality Centers (CFCE) is a public organ existing in each region of Cameroon. They are generally housed in the Regional Delegations of the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, which is their ministerial department of supervision. Their primary role is to lead and facilitate the administrative process of creating new businesses.
If you envisage creating an Establishment (sole proprietorship) or a Limited Liability Company (legal entity), the correct address is the CFCE located in the region in which you wish to set up your business.
Activities/Services
- Administrative support for business creation,
- Publication of legal announcements by companies,
- Publication of public contracts,
- Advice and assistance for small and medium sized enterprises and large enterprises as well.
Modality of creation
List of documents for the creation of a Public Limited Company in Cameroon
- 05 + N copies of the status of the company (N = number of shareholders),
- 05 + N copies of lawful and conformity declarations,
- 02 certificates of non-conviction for each shareholder and the manager, or otherwise a declaration on honor,
- 1 photocopy of the National Identity Card (NIC) of each shareholder,
- 02 copies of the National Identity Card of the manager and a shareholder,
- 01 location plan of the company,
- 01 postal box,
- 01 telephone contact,
- Registration fee of 41 500 FCFA,
- Legal publication fee of 13 125 FCFA,
- Stamp fee (depending on the number of pages of the status)
List of documents for the creation of an Enterprise
- 02 photocopies of National Identity Card (NIC) or birth certificates (for nationals),
- 02 photocopies of passport or resident permit (for foreigners),
- 01 photocopy of marriage certificate if married,
- 01 certificate of non-conviction or a simple declaration on honor to be filled at the reception service (02 months validity),
- 01 location plan of the enterprise,
- A hard folder.
- Registration fee of 41 500 FCFA
Documents issued by the center
- 01 Attestation of Business Registration,
- 01 Taxpayer Card,
- 01 Attestation of Business Creation.
Frequent Challenges
Whilst the government insists that the maximum time to set up a business in Cameroon is 72 hours, business owners often face other challenges in the field, especially those not familiar with the Cameroon business landscape. Common challenges include:
- Frequent change of registration forms means that business owners often spend time filling the wrong templates.
- Using the right format to draft the status of the company as not all formats are accepted.
- Finding an address for your business, even a temporal but sure address, since a business location plan is one of the key elements required to create the business
- Patience is required because CFCE centers can sometimes be crowded
Available Support in Registering Your Business in Cameroon
SPETIV Consulting has a deep understanding of the Cameroon business landscape. We are available to support you. Contact us today to set up a meeting.
