Share Share Twitter Send

In Cameroon, it is possible to create an enterprise within 72 hours in the Enterprise Creation Formality Centres (ECFC) located in Yaounde, Douala, Bafoussam and Bamenda.

THE PROCEDURE AT THE ECFC

The Promoter who goes to the centre with a view to legalising his firm is received by the reception service, which acts as the link between the promoter and other public agencies. The reception service is charged with welcoming users, informing the latter on the documents required and assisting them in filling out the single form for the creation of enterprises. Depending on circumstances, the orientation officers may serve them in various ways:

Where the promoter or his representative comes without a file:

The reception service finds out the activity the promoter desires to carry out (Retail business – Wholesale business or brokerage – Import/export – Manufacturing, production – Service provision – Telecommunications – Transport – Maintenance, repairs – Assembling, installation – Building construction, public works – Extraction – Forest exploitation – Agriculture – Poultry farming – Fishing – Crafts – etc.)… and under which legal form (Limited liability company – Partnership – Sole trader – Limited company – Limited partnership – Special partnership -  De facto company)

Following certain economic activity lines requires the eligibility for approvals or authorisations by competent government services. In addition, the above information is meant to inform the promoter on the link between the legal form or type of activity to be carried out and the tax obligations pertaining to the enterprise. 

The orientation officer then gives him/her the brochure listing the documents to be submitted. With this information, the promoter leaves the centre and engages in mounting the file that he/she will submit.

Where the promoter or his/her representative brings a file:

The orientation officer checks if the documents submitted are in order.

• If the file is incomplete or contains faulty documents, it is returned to the promoter or representative either to be completed or for the faulty documents to be rectified.

• Where the file is complete and faultless, the orientation officer, in collaboration with the representative of the NSIF, fills out the receipt acknowledging file submission, gives the latter a serial number and provides information regarding the fees to be paid to the centre. He then forwards the file to the administrative and financial services, telling the promoter to come back 72 hours later to collect the attestation for the creation of his firm and other related documents (business tax exemption, free taxpayer card and the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register).

OFFICIAL RATES FOR ENTERPRISE CREATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ECFC 

• Business tax (waived for the first two years)

• Taxpayer card (free of charge)

• Registration into the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM)

o    51,500 FCFA for an corporate body

o    41,500 FCFA for an individual

• Registration of 3 months lease

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ECFC FOR THE START-UP COMPANY

The regimen of the start-up company is a simplified statute designed to encourage  the most modest businesses persons to adopt a legal status. It is subjected to a ceiling of turnovers according to the activity carried out. It is being implemented in Cameroon.

• A photocopy of the national identification card or birth certificate for Cameroonians, and a photocopy of passport or residence permit for foreigners;
  

• A photocopy of marriage certificate where necessary;

• A declaration on honour forming part and parcel of the single form signed by the applicant certifying that he is not under any ban to engage in trade; ”This declaration on honour is completed within 75 days of registration by a certificate of non-conviction or, in default, a document serving the same purpose.

• A declaration on honour forming part and parcel of the single form and certifying the residence of the applicant;

• In the event of an acquisition of funds or lease management, a copy of the deed of acquisition or deed of lease management;

• A prior authorisation to carry out business, if applicable;

• A 4x4 passport-size photograph;

• Applicant’s signed location plan.

FOR TRADERS, NATURAL PERSONS (ESTABLISHMENTS)

The status of the individual trader applies to all natural persons carrying out trading activities (exchange of goods or trader against payment). The trader’s legal liability is therefore personal.

• A photocopy of the national identification card or birth certificate for Cameroonians, and a photocopy of passport or residence permit for foreigners;

• A photocopy of his/her birth certificate where necessary;

• A declaration on honour forming part and parcel of the single form, signed by the applicant to the effect that he/she is not under any ban to engage in trade; ”This declaration on honour is completed within 75 days of registration by a certificate of non-conviction or, in default, a document serving the same purpose.”

• A declaration on honour forming part and parcel of the single form and certifying the residence of the applicant;

• In the event of an acquisition of funds or lease management, a copy of the deed of acquisition or deed of lease management;

• A prior authorisation to carry out business, if applicable;

• A 4x4 passport-size photograph;

• Applicant’s signed location plan.

FOR LOCAL COMPANIES, CORPORATE BODIES

The creation of a firm involves one or several associates that make up the corporate body recognised from the articles of association signed before a notary. Below is the description of the procedure of creating a limited liability company.

• A copy of the notarised articles of association or of the founding act;

• The declaration of regularity and conformity or the notarised declaration of subscription and payment;

• The certified true copy of list of managers, administrators, leaders or associates who are  indefinitely and personally liable or have powers the commit the company or corporate body;

• A declaration on honour forming part and parcel of the single form signed by the manager of the company to the effect that he/she is not under any ban to engage in trade; ”This declaration on honour is completed within 75 days of registration by a certificate of non-conviction or, in default, a document serving the same purpose, which has been signed by all of the aforementioned persons.”

• A prior authorisation to manage the company, if necessary;

• A location plan signed by the company manager.

For additional information, you are requested to visit the website of the Enterprise Creation Formality Centre (ECFC).

Download the business creation guide elaborated by the CCIMC