Cameroon Company Registration Guide 2025: Policies, Steps, and Key Precautions

Setting up a company in Cameroon in 2025 requires understanding recent regulatory updates, complying with OHADA commercial rules, and following procedural steps through the national single-window systems. This guide summarizes the main policy changes, outlines practical registration steps, and highlights importantNotes for local and foreign investors.

What changed in 2025: policy highlights and interpretations

• Single Electronic Window Expansion: The government continued to expand the Guichet Unique électronique to accept more document types and faster issuance of registration documents.
• Electronic Signatures and e-Submission: Administrative authorities increasingly accept scanned notarized documents and qualified electronic signatures for company constitutions and filings in many prefectures.
• Streamlining and Timing: Processing targets were set to reduce RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier) registration times, with priority tracks for startups and exporters in priority sectors (agro-processing, energy, IT).
• Tax and Incentive Updates: New fiscal incentives were promoted for investments in designated economic zones. Clarifications were issued on VAT registration thresholds, corporate tax reporting cadence, and accelerated VAT refunds for exporters.
• Alignment with OHADA Reforms: Cameroon continues to apply OHADA Uniform Acts; courts and registrars are emphasizing stricter corporate governance documentation and clearer shareholder registers.

Note: Regulations evolve. Always confirm details with the Guichet Unique, the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI), and a local legal adviser before finalizing your plans.

Key terms and authorities (quick reference)

• RCCM: Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier (company registry)
• NINEA: National Business Identification Number issued by tax authorities
• Guichet Unique électronique: Single-window platform for formalities
• CNPS: Social security body for employee registration
• OHADA: Regional commercial law framework applied in Cameroon

Step-by-step company formation process (practical operations)

1. Choose a legal form and name: Decide between SARL (limited liability), SA (joint-stock), branch office, or other forms. Conduct a name availability check at the Guichet Unique or RCCM.
2. Draft constitutive documents: Prepare statutes/articles of association, shareholder agreements if relevant, and director appointment documents in accordance with OHADA requirements.
3. Obtain initial capital deposit proof: Open a provisional bank account and obtain an attestation de dépôt des fonds where required (typically for SA). SARL has lower formal capital requirements.
4. Prepare notarized signatures: Get notarization or qualified e-signatures as accepted. Recent reforms allow more electronic handling but confirm local registrar preferences.
5. File at the Guichet Unique / RCCM: Submit statutes, ID documents for shareholders and directors, bank deposit proof, lease or proof of registered address, and the application form. Pay registration fees.
6. Receive RCCM extract and NINEA: After validation, obtain your RCCM number and NINEA (tax identification). These are necessary for invoicing, tax compliance, and customs clearance.
7. Register for taxes and social security: Enroll with the DGI (tax), register for VAT if applicable, and register employees with CNPS. Apply for a business license (patente) at municipal level where required.
8. Sector permits and environmental clearances: Secure any sector-specific licenses (health, food, import-export, mining) and environmental impact approvals before commercial operations begin.
9. Publish legal notices: Publish a constitution notice in the required legal gazette or local newspaper and keep proof for file completion.
10. Open operational bank accounts and commence operations: After receiving all statutory numbers and permits, open the final business bank account and begin operations.

Illustrative cases

Case 1 — Douala Tech SARL: A small IT company used the Guichet Unique electronic channel, uploaded notarized statutes with electronic signatures, obtained an RCCM extract within five business days, and received a startup tax incentive for hiring local graduates.

Case 2 — Sawa Coffee Export SARL: An agro-exporter completed registration, obtained NINEA, and benefited from faster VAT refund procedures introduced for exporters. The company also secured environmental clearance after a brief impact assessment.

Notes (Important precautions and compliance tips)

• Legal form matters: SARL suits SMEs; SA is for larger capital structures and public share issuance. Choose based on liability, capital needs, and investor expectations.
• Minimum capital & shareholder rules: Verify current minimum capital rules for SA vs SARL and the number of required founders under OHADA. Some recent reforms reduced formal minimums but confirm with local counsel.
• Director residency and powers: While foreign shareholders are allowed, certain permits or resident directors may be advisable for banking and administrative ease.
• AML / KYC and beneficial ownership: Expect strict KYC and disclosure of ultimate beneficial owners. Non-disclosure can delay registration and trigger penalties.
• Employment law compliance: Cameroon’s labor code and CNPS requirements are mandatory. Draft compliant employment contracts and register employees promptly.
• Tax obligations: Register early for taxes, track VAT thresholds, and keep organized accounting records to meet DGI audits.
• Land and property: Foreign ownership of land can be sensitive. Confirm property rights, leases, and municipal authorizations before signing long-term agreements.
• Sector restrictions: Certain sectors may require special licenses or be reserved for nationals—verify restrictions for media, transport, or public procurement.
• Use official channels: Avoid third-party shortcuts. File via the official Guichet Unique or accredited agents and keep transaction receipts.

Practical tips for a smoother process

• Work with a local notary or legal firm familiar with OHADA and RCCM practice to reduce errors.
• Prepare certified translations if documents are in a language other than French or English.
• Keep digital copies and maintain a checklist of required documents to prevent repeated trips to authorities.
• Plan timelines with buffers: Even with electronic windows, sector permits and environmental clearances may need extra time.

Where to get help

Consult the Guichet Unique (national single window), the Direction Générale des Impôts for tax matters, the RCCM for company registry procedures, and CNPS for social security enrollment. For cross-border staffing and seafaring personnel support, consider SailGlobal for out-of-sea human services and compliance assistance.

Final notes

Cameroon’s 2025 reforms aim to make business formation faster and more digital, but on-the-ground requirements still demand careful document preparation and local knowledge. Use this guide as a roadmap, verify updates with official sources, and engage trusted local advisors to ensure full regulatory compliance.