STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN CAMEROON “7 Key Points You Must Know”

Steps to register a company in Cameroon

According to Article 3 of the Uniform Act relating to Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups in Cameroon, any person desirous of registering a company in Cameroon, whatever their nationality, shall choose a form of company which suits the activity envisaged from among those provided by the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) Law. In this context, the steps to register a company in Cameroon entails that the founder must ascertain the type of company (private, private limited or public limited company) to be registered. As one of the major steps to register a company in Cameroon, the founders must know the cost to register a company in Cameroon and equally understand the principle of a corporate legal personality. In setting up a company in Cameroon, the minimum share capital to set up a private limited company is 1.000.000 (one million) FCFA whist that of a public limited company is 10.000.000 (ten million) FCFA. The promoter of a company must understand the concept of the shareholding structure of a company and the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon. Shares are the unit of holding or right of ownership by an investor in a company. The share structure of a company illustrates contributions made to the share capital of a company and equally ascertains the fact the the contributors have attained the capacity to register a company in Cameroon. The company registration office in Cameroon must ensure that the company in Cameroon is set up by a person aged 18 years and above who is not insane, bankrupt or convicted of a crime. In order to fulfil the steps to register a company in Cameroon, all provisions of the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law, Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups must be strictly applied. The requirements to fulfil the steps to register a company in Cameroon as well as the winding up procedure are governed by the OHADA law. A look at the scope of Company registration in Cameroon brings into mind many questions. The proof of the existence of a company in Cameroon is the grant of company registration certificates in Cameroon. Before we engage the discussion on the steps to register a company in Cameroon, it will be important for some pre-registration issues to be properly clarified below;

• How many shareholders should a company have upon registration in Cameroon?

One of the steps to register a company in Cameroon at the company registration office in Cameroon is for the company founders to know the number of share holders to register the company.

According to Article 309 of the Uniform Act relating to Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups of the OHADA Law stipulates that a private limited liability company may be formed by a natural person or a corporate body, or by two or more natural persons or corporate bodies.

Article 385 of the Uniform Act relating to Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups of the OHADA Law stipulates that a public limited company may have only a single shareholder.

In essence therefore, the procedure to register a company in Cameroon at the company registration office in Cameroon will need a minimum of one shareholder.

• What type of shares can be allotted by founders in view to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

This is an important question for any investor desirous to accomplish the various steps to register a company in Cameroon. The shares which can be allotted by founders of a company are ordinary shares and preference shares.

These shares are allotted to persons who have fulfilled the capacity to register a company in Cameroon and also accomplished the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon.

• What should promoters look out for prior to registering a company in Cameroon?

Promoters of companies must ensure that as one of the steps to register a company in Cameroon, the following aspects must be considered as will equally be verified at the Company registration office in Cameroon;

1. The name of the company should not be against public policy,
2. The shareholders should be 18 years and above,
3. The shareholders should not be bankrupt, insane or have a criminal record etc.

• What are the types of Companies to register in Cameroon?

Any person desirous to engage the steps to register a company in Cameroon must know there are three types of companies to wit; a private company, private limited liability company and a public limited liability company.

A Private company is a company in which the liability is unlimited and the founders are traders.

A Private limited liability company is a business entity whose owners have limited liability with private ownership as shares are prohibited from being publicly traded. In Cameroon, the initials LTD, SARL, are added to the names to differentiate it from other businesses

A Public limited liability company is a business entity where shares are offered to the general public. Shareholders also have limited liability. In Cameroon, the initials PLC, LLC, SA, are added to the name in order to distinguish a public limited company from other businesses. https://www.droit-afrique.com/uploads/OHADA-Uniform-Act-1997-commercial-companies.pdf

Worthy of note is the fact that the cost to register a company in Cameroon is dependent on the type of company and the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon.

• What are the types of contributions to consider in view to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

Partner contributions are proof that the person has obtained the capacity to register a company in Cameroon and can engage the process to register a company in Cameroon. Partner contributions are one of the fundamental steps to register a company in Cameroon. Each partner may contribute to the capital of a company in the form of money (as a contribution in cash), services (as a supply of labour) and rights on movable or immovable , tangible or intangible property (as a contribution in kind). Any other contribution shall be forbidden in accordance with article 40 of the OHADA Uniform Act relating to commercial companies and economic interest groups.

• What is the minimum share capital for a company registration process in Cameroon?

As one of the requirements to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon, the promoter must take into consideration the following minimum share capital;

Public Limited Company – 10.000.000XAF

Private Limited Company – 1.000.000XAF

Partnership – No minimum capital

Limited Partnership – No minimum capital

Its important to note that the cost to register a company in Cameroon, at the company registration office in Cameroon does not include the sharecapital of the type of company.

• Can a shareholder of a registered company in Cameroon be a manager?

One of the fundamental questions as regards the steps to register a company in Cameroon is whether a shareholder can be a manager. A prospective manager must first obtain the capacity to register a company in Cameroon and also be part of the procedure to register a company in Cameroon.

As regards a private limited company, Article 323 of the Uniform Act relating to Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups of the OHADA Law stipulates that a private limited company shall be managed by one or more natural persons, whether or not they are partners of the company.

As regards a public limited company, Article 495 of the Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups of the OHADA Law stipulates that a public limited company with a managing director may choose a managing director from among the shareholders whilst Article 477 and 485 of the Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and Economic Interest Groups of the OHADA Law stipulates that a public limited company with a board of directors shall appoint a chairman and general manager from among the members of the company.

Worthy of note is the fact that a manager is also expected to fulfil the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon and obtain a tax payers document in his or her name.

• How is the office of the management of a company registered in Cameroon structured?

One of the steps to register a company in Cameroon is for the promoter to set up the management clauses in the Articles of the company. The management of a company registered in Cameroon is structured depending on the type of company registered. For a private limited company, the management is the responsibility of a manager appointed by the partners in the Articles of Association or in a subsequent instrument in accordance with articles 323 of the OHADA Law governing commercial companies and economic interest groups in Cameroon. For a public limited company, the management structure depends on whether the company has a board of directors or not. A public limited company with a board of directors shall be managed either by a chairman and managing director or a chairman and a general manager per article 415 of the OHADA Law on commercial companies and economic interest groups whilst a public limited company without a board of directors shall be managed by a managing director per article 494 of the same law.

• Can a foreigner own a company in Cameroon?

Under Cameroon Law a foreigner can own 100% of shares of a limited liability company. A foreigner can also engage the process to register a company in Cameroon through a certified firm and attorney. The foreigner must also pay the full cost to register a company in Cameroon and fulfil the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon. This will permit the company registrations certificates in Cameroon to be granted as proof of completion of the procedure to register a company in Cameroon.

• Can an expatriate not having a registered address in Cameroon, register a company in Cameroon?

Yes. an expatriate desirous to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon will either lease an office space in Cameroon to be used as the company head office or pay a law firm a fee to provide a temporal office address to be used for registration and administrative purposes only, pending the actual lease of an office space for the company.

The company registration certificates in Cameroon will reflect address used for the registration process only. Any change of company address will done after due process as mentioned in the OHADA Law.

• What permits are required by foreigners doing business in Cameroon?

Foreigners in their quest to accomplish the fundamental steps to register a company in Cameroon are often interested to know the various permits available for doing business in Cameroon. Foreigners must obtain a resident permit and a work permit from the competent immigration authority in conformity with Decree No. 2007/255/PR of September 4th 2007 which governs immigration in Cameroon and lays down the conditions which foreigners must satisfy in order to be issued a residence permit and work permit in Cameroon.

Company registration certificates in Cameroon granted by the company registration office in Cameroon are also permits which ensure the operation of the company in Cameroon.

• What are the mandatory requirements for foreigners wishing accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

Foreigners wishing to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon must fulfil the following mandatory requirements to register a company in Cameroon;

1. Must possess a valid passport.
2. Must be of age 18 years and above.
3. Must not be bankrupt from their country of origin.
4. Must provide an authorizing document from the parent company if a subsidiary branch is to be registered in Cameroon.
5. Must not suffer from insanity.
6. Must possess a good criminal record which is evidenced through a non-crime certificate. (These requirements are proof of the capacity to register a company in Cameroon)

• Can a company be completely registered in Cameroon but not fully operational?

While analysing the steps to register a company in Cameroon, you must also take into consideration the steps involved for a company to become operational in Cameroon.

Yes. The fact that a company is fully registered in Cameroon does not imply that it is operational in Cameroon. The company must have fulfilled the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon to go fully operational.

• What is the prove that a company registered in Cameroon is fully operational in Cameroon?

When the steps to register a company in Cameroon is accomplished, the following documents will be issued;

1. A certificate of Incorporation (MO Form)
2. A Tax Payer’s Registration Number
3. A business License
4. A notarized lease agreement
5. A localization plan
6. A Certificate of non-indebtedness
7. An attestation of Bank account creation
8. A physical office location
9. A matriculation number from the National Social Insurance Fund for the newly registered company in Cameroon
10. A matriculation number per staff/worker from the National Social Insurance Fund etc.

The above documents are proof of the completion of the process to register a company in Cameroon and the payment of the entire cost to register a company in Cameroon.

• How soon can a lease agreement be signed in Cameroon?

One of the steps to register a company in Cameroon is to have a signed lease agreement. A lease agreement can be signed within 7 days from the time the lessor (landlord) and lessee (company representative) agree on the rate and term of the lease.

• Does a registered company in Cameroon require authorization to operate?

This will depend on the objectives of the company as stated in its Articles and Memorandum of Association. Companies registered with objects to render financial services, forest exploitation, mining activities, petroleum exploitation, import and export activities etc. Hence, the steps to register a company in Cameroon found in the listed sectors will require a special license in order to operate in Cameroon. However, companies engaged in general commerce do not require a special authorization to operate in Cameroon.

• How can a registered company in Cameroon protect its brand and services?

One of the steps to register a company in Cameroon is to select the name of the company. In such a case, the protection of the company name is important. A company registered in Cameroon can benefit from protection on its Trademark, Trade Name, Service Mark, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications, Literary and Artistic Property, Patentable Invention, and Utility Models by complying with the requirements for their registration and protection at the African Intellectual Property Organization/Organisation Africaine de la Propriete Intellectuel (OAPI) in conformity with the Bangui Agreement of February 24th 1999.

• What is the liability for promoters desirous to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

Promoters desirous to accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon shall have the following liability per type of company;

Private Limited Company: Liability is limited to the amount of share capital contributed.

Public Limited Company: Liability is limited to the amount of share capital contributed.

Limited Partnership: Unlimited Liability of partners.

Private Company is unlimited.

• What is the status of a company fully formed but not registered?

In analyzing the steps to register a company in Cameroon, the investor must know that a company fully formed but not registered has the status of a sleeping partnership.

• What is the timeframe for a company fully formed to commence registration formalities in the Trade and Personal Credit Register in Cameroon?

Per Article 27 of the OHADA Law on the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa and the registration of commercial companies and economic interest groups, a fully formed company in Cameroon has a period of 1 month to commence the registration procedure.

• What is the time frame to accomplish all the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

The time frame to complete the steps to register a company in Cameroon takes between 15-21 working days.

• What can amount to irregularities in the registration process of a company in Cameroon?

The following can amount to irregularities when engaging the steps to register a company in Cameroon;

1. Misleading information
2. Errors from the Registrar of companies
3. Errors of information from the company founders etc.

• How can irregularities in the process to fulfil the steps to register a company in Cameroon be fixed?

The competent court may order any natural person or corporate body registered in the trade and Personal Property Credit Register to have either;

1. Information added to or amended in the Register
2. Necessary information added or amendment made to the Register in case of an incorrect or incompatible declaration
3. Its removal from the Register effected.

• How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in Cameroon?

It takes between 1-2 days to have a corporate bank account for a newly registered company in Cameroon.

• Is the global fee/rate to register a company in Cameroon fixed?

The global rate/fee to register a company in Cameroon is not fixed. It is based on the verbal rent rate per town and the type of company. To properly ascertain the cost to register a company in Cameroon, there are a list of information required by the firm or corporate attorney from the interested promoter.

Can a registered company in Cameroon be exonerated from business tax?

Yes. This is done by an application for the exoneration of business tax for a period of 2 years after obtaining the certificate of incorporation. Within these 2 years, the company is to declare its activities on or before the 15th of each month in order to enable the state assess what tax regime the company should be placed.

• Are there any government grants available for registered companies in Cameroon?

Yes. Government grants are available for registered limited liability companies in Cameroon operating in the industrial, agricultural, forestry, tourism, mining and ICT sectors. The scheme of this grants/incentives is to encourage companies which reinvest their profits in the renewal of their production tool.

• Can a foreign company register a subsidiary branch company in Cameroon?

A branch office of a foreign company which is not located in a member state of the OHADA region has only a 2 (two) years validity period after which it must be transformed to a fully incorporated subsidiary unless a waiver is obtained from the minister of trade.

• Steps to register a business in Cameroon?

A business is recognized as per the Uniform Act on General Commercial law of OHADA as an establishment. A business is registered at the Commercial Court upon the provision of a valid identification document, a copy of marriage certificate (for women), proof of address (residency), a criminal record, lease documents and the payment of the prescribed fee. The tax and insurance registration formalities must be complied with before a business can begin operations. This procedure is same for Cameroonians and foreign nationals. Consult Doing Business Website, to know about procedures to start a Business in Cameroon.
Trade Register

• Can a company registered in Cameroon hire expatriate staff?

Yes. But the employment contract must have the visa of the Minister of employment.

• What are the Investment potentials and Economic outlook of Cameroon?

Cameroon as a country offers exceptional investment opportunities to foreign investors looking to grab a share in the rich market of Central Africa. According to The World Bank, Cameroon has the largest and most diversified economy in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The country’s growth rate increased to 3.9% in 2018, a rate that is projected to increase even further to an estimated 4.4% by the end of 2019, spurred by higher exports to the European Union following an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and increased energy supply due to new hydroelectric dams.

What are the requirements to register a company in Cameroon?

As regards the steps to register a company in Cameroon, investors and founders are advised to solicit the services of an accredited corporate attorney who shall conduct a corporate name search, advice on the company objectives, shareholding structure of the company, the company manager, the start up share capital, share distribution ratio, tax registration requirements and the choice of registered office location.

STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN CAMEROON

What is the procedure for company registration in Cameroon? How to register a company in Cameroon? What are the steps to register a company in Cameroon?

1. What information is required to register a company in Cameroon?

As one of the mandatory steps to register a company in Cameroon, the corporate attorney is enjoined by law to request some information from the company promoters/founders. This information enables the registration of a company in Cameroon to be successful irrespective of whether the founders/promoters are in Cameroon or abroad. According to Article 262 of the Uniform Act, the following information is required;

• Name of company: As one of the first steps to register a company in Cameroon, the promoter must choose a company name.
• Objectives of the company
• Copy of shareholder (s) identification documents (national identity card, passport, residence permit for foreigner and birth certificate of minor)
• Non-crime certificate or non-conviction certificate of shareholder(s)
• Certificate of proficiency (where applicable)
• Company registered address
• Company startup capital etc.

2. What documents have to be prepared by the commercial attorney?

Legal assistance in the process to register a company in Cameroon

• Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company
• Notarized statement of subscription and payment of shares
• Notarized certificate of appointment of company manager
• Declaration of regularity and conformity with the OHADA Law
• Notarized list of company shareholder(s) and company manager
• Location and localization sketch of business premises.

3. COMPANY REGISTRATION IN CAMEROON – LICENSING

The following business licences and tax registrations are obligatory for all companies in Cameroon;

• Registration of the company in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM)
• A business license (Patent) to be acquired from the Tax Department after payment of an annual fee
• Obtain an accredited tax number from the Tax Department
• Register employees along with the company at the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) and the Labour Office

4. DOCUMENTS DELIVERED UPON COMPLETION/COMPANY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES IN CAMEROON

What documents prove that a company is registered in Cameroon?

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of business registration
• Memorandum/Articles of association duly stamped
• Notarized statement of subscription of Shares
• Tax Payer’s Card of the company
• Tax Payer’s Card of the Share holder
• Tax Payer’s Card of the Manager
• Certificate of non-indebtedness
• Duly signed notarized sketch

COMPANY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES IN CAMEROON

a. What information is included in the Certificate of Incorporation of the company in Cameroon?

1. The name of the company;
2. The contact address of the company;
3. The registered office of the company;
4. The registration number of the company from the Trade and Personal Property Rights Register; and
5. The date of registration of the company.

b. What information is contained in the company registration certificate in Cameroon?

Information relating to the Corporate Body

• Declaration of the type of entity being set up (corporate body or branch)
• Name of company, trade name, sign and acronym
• Address of company headquarters
• Address of the firm opened
• Juristic form (Legal Status)
• Registered Capital
• Duration (Lifespan)

Information relating to the business and to the firms (Establishments)

• Business
• Main business
• Date of commencement
• Number of wage earners

Information on the main establishment or branch

• Address
• Origin
• Previous operator
• Address of previous operator
• Loan creditor
• Secondary branch (Besides the one floated)

Information on Partners Jointly and Severally Liable

• Names
• Date and place of birth
• Address

Information relating to managers (directors)

• Names
• Date and place of birth
• Address
• Duty

Name of Agent etc.

c. What information is contained in the attestation of taxpayers’ registration of a company in Cameroon?

• Reference number in digits
• Business name of the company
• Immatriculation Number from the company registration document;
• Unique Identification Number of the company;
• Tax center;
• Tax system;
• The notification of the penalty for tax fraud;
• The legal provision on a fixed fine
• The notification that the attestation has been generated by the information system of the Directorate General of Taxation at a precise date and time.

What information is contained in the Attestation of Business Creation in Cameroon?

• The reference number of the document
• The name of the company
• The business registration number of the company
• The taxpayer’s registration number of the company
• The address of the company
• The contact number of the company
• The main activities of the company etc.

COMPANY REGISTRATION PROCESS IN CAMEROON: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

As one of the major steps to register a company in Cameroon, the interested person must understand the labour laws in Cameroon as well as the working contracts for the staff to be employed. The following issues will guide the promoter regarding working contracts;

• Working Contracts: Work contracts are outlined by the law and collective conventions applicable in Cameroon. Company agreements and individual negotiation complement it. Its form is extremely rigid. However, hiring conditions and lay-off conditions are very flexible.
• Minimum Wage: The minimum wage has been revised in Cameroon from 21 March 2023. The national minimum wage has increased from FCFA36,270.00 to FCFA41,875.00 per month. https://www.businessincameroon.com/economy/2203-13023-minimum-wage-revision-cameroon-pm-managed-to-satisfy-all-parties-despite-accusations-of-labor-code-violation
• Average Wage: The ILO does not have data for the average wage in Cameroon. The average monthly salary is estimated at 136,000 XAF in 2018.
• Legal Weekly Working Duration: The legal duration of work is 40 hours in the non-agricultural sector and 48 hours for the agricultural sector.
• Contributions Paid: Contributions Paid By the Employer: Depending on the employee regime, between 9.65% and 16.2% of wages. Contributions Paid By the Employee: 4,20% of the gross wage, 1.5% of the land bank rate and 1% for the national employment fund on gross salaries.

ACCOUNTING AND TAX FOR COMPANY REGISTERED IN CAMEROON

Incorporating a company in Cameroon: tax company registration requirements in Cameroon and Accounting rules

Any person desirous accomplish the steps to register a company in Cameroon must understand the accounting rules and standards for registering a company in Cameroon. They are as follows;

• Tax Year: Fiscal year extends from 1st January to 31st December.
• Accounting Standards: The accounting standards are based on the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA). .
• Accounting Regulation Body: The Ministry of Commerce. (Ministry of Commerce)
• Accounting Reports: At the end of each accounting year, the manager discloses the financial statements synthesis, in compliance with the Uniform Act regulations concerning the organization and harmonization of accounts. The Manager must prepare an annual report.
• Publication Requirements: An annual report must be published. Any modification in the presentation of the financial statements synthesis must be indicated in the annual report and, if possible, in the report of the auditor. The accounting documents must be submitted.
• Professional Accountancy Bodies: National Order of Certified Public Accountants of Cameroon. (National Order of Certified Public Accountants of Cameroon)
• Certification & Auditing: The verification of accounts is undertaken by auditors. They are engaged in certifying the regularity and the true nature of the financial statements and to give their certification with certain reservations or to refuse it, precising the reasons. You can contact external auditors.

What are the tax company registration requirements in Cameroon?

As part of the mandatory steps to register a company in Cameroon, the shareholder(s) must adhere to the Cameroon General Tax Code to ensure that the company is issued a tax payer’s card and a certificate on non-indebtedness. Failure to obtain a valid tax payer’s card and certificate of non-indebtedness, the company shall not be given the opportunity to run a corporate bank account. Companies are assessed and placed under 2 tax regimes in accordance with the Cameroon general tax code.

Simplified Tax regime: Applicable to companies with an annual turn over of above 10 million Fcfa but below 50 million Fcfa.

Actual Earnings Tax regime: Applicable to companies with an annual turn over above 50 million Fcfa.

Accounting and tax rates applicable to a company registered in Cameroon are subject to the following quota;

• Personal tax rate for First XAF 2 million of annual taxable income is 10%
• Corporate tax rate is 38.5%
• Withholding tax on dividends is at a rate of 19.25%
• Capital gains are taxed in Cameroon at the rate of 38.5%

Main Allowable Deductions and Tax Credits

• The Cameroon tax code does not provide any mechanism for the deduction of start-up costs, but these maybe deductible over a period of two (02) to five (05) years based on the accounting principles of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA)
• Depreciation of tangible and intangible assets is tax deductible at rates ranging from 1% to 100%. Deduction of depreciation can be carried forward indefinitely.
• Any payment made for the purchase of intellectual property (within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community) is deductible up to 2.5% of taxable income.
• Donations to charities are not deductible while payments to research and development organisations, educational, sports, philanthropic and social organisations are deductible at the rate of 0.5% of the annual turn over. Donations made to combat Covid 19 epidemic are fully deductible.
• Tax losses can be carried forward up to four years. The carry back of losses is not permitted.

Professional Tax

All companies are subject to a professional tax (business license tax) at varying rates based on their turnover. It amounts to 0.159% of the turnover of large companies (a minimum contribution of XAF 5 million and a maximum of XAF 2.5 billion), 0.283% for medium-sized enterprises (a minimum contribution of XAF 141,500 and a maximum of XAF 4.5 million) and 0.494% for small businesses (a minimum contribution of XAF 50,000 and a maximum of XAF 140,000). Newly incorporated businesses are exempt from this tax in their first year of operation.

Overview of Cameroon’s tax measures in response to Covid-19
Directorate General of Taxes
Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duties range from XAF 1,000 to XAF 1,500. Registration fees are also levied on most transactions (listed by the General Tax Code) at rates ranging from 1% to 15%. The sale of a company is subject to 15% transfer duty. The Registration and Stamp Duty Office of the Department of Taxation is the competent organization.

Property Tax

The property tax is levied at 0.1% of the assessed value of a property. https://www.international-powerlaw-alliance.com/business/tax-compliance-in-cameroon/

COST TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN CAMEROON

The cost to register a company in Cameroon is both fixed cost and variable cost. The steps to register a company in Cameroon at the company registration office in Cameroon is accomplished with the payment of the entire cost for the procedure to register a company in Cameroon. These costs are as follows;

A. Fixed Cost

Fixed costs associated with the process to register a company in Cameroon are as follows;

• Government fees for fiscal stamps;
• Government fees for stamp duty;
• Government fees for a non-crime certificate of the shareholder and manager;
• Government fees for the registration at the company registration office in Cameroon;
• Fees for the initial deposit to open the company account with a Cameroon bank etc.

B. Variable Cost

Variable costs associated with the process of registering a company in Cameroon are as follows;

• Corporate Attorney Fees;
• Fees to obtain a company address;
• Fees to obtain a Nominee Manager;
• Fees to obtain statutory auditors;
• Fees to obtain a commercial lease agreement;
• Tax office fees which is dependent of the value of the commercial lease agreement etc.

N/B: The complete payment of the various fees mentioned above is entitled to the delivery of the company registration certificates in Cameroon.

STEPS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN CAMEROON (INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS)

What are the insurance obligations to register a company in Cameroon?

Shareholders and the appointed company manager are enjoined to complete the steps to register a company in Cameroon with the registration at the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) and place all workers under an insurance scheme in accordance with the CIMA Insurance Code of 2009. Upon the fulfilment of the procedure to register a company in Cameroon, the company and the workers have to get registered at the National Social Insurance Fund in view to ensure the protection of both the employer and employee in cases of industrial accidents, occupational sickness, Pension etc. https://www.cnps.cm/index.php/en/cnps/missions

Social security contributions payable by the employer amount to 11.2% of the salary. Social contributions payable by the employer to the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) in respect to family benefits shall be 7% for domestic workers, 5.65% for agricultural schemes and 3.7% for workers in private education.

Social security contributions to be paid in respect to old age, invalidity and death pension is fixed at 8.4% of the taxable salary.

Social security contributions to be paid to the National social insurance fund in respect to industrial accidents and occupational diseases is fixed at 1.75% of the salary for group A companies, 2.5% of the salary for group B companies and 5% of the salary for group C companies.

What are the requirements for a registered company to be engaged in international trade in Cameroon?

After accomplishment of the steps to register a company in Cameroon, the promoter may intend to engage in international trade.

Economic operators involved in International Trade are duty bound to adhere to law No. 2010/004 of 18^th April 2016 governing external trade and decree N0. 2017/6523/PM of 7^th June 2017 so as to obtain an import and export license in Cameroon. https://www.mincommerce.gov.cm/en

In conclusion, the steps to register a company in Cameroon are 7 in number as follows;

Step 1- Select your company type ( https://www.droit-afrique.com/uploads/OHADA-Uniform-Act-1997-commercial-companies.pdf )

Step 2 – Select your company name   https://www.international-powerlaw-alliance.com/business/copyright-and-trademark-registration-in-cameroon/

Step 3 – Select your company personnel  https://www.international-powerlaw-alliance.com/law-todays/office-of-the-manager-private-limited-company/ , https://www.international-powerlaw-alliance.com/practice-blogs/office-of-the-chief-executive-officer-publiclimited-company-in-cameroon/

Step 4 – Select the Share Capital

Step 5 – Register Your Company

Step 6 – Register for tax declarations ( www.impots.cm )

Step 7 – Register at the National Social Insurance Fund (https://www.cnps.cm/index.php/en/cnps/missions )

BENEFITS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN CAMEROON

Registering a company in Cameroon has some tremendous advantages which come with it. These advantages obviously benefit the investors in such business structures in the long term. Some of these advantages are as follows;

• Legal Protection: Once the steps to register a company in Cameroon are complete, the business structure gains corporate personality. This is a corporate cover under which it is protected from its owners and can sue and be sued. This means the liabilities become limited to the assets of the company and the company can engage legal contracts and undertakings.
• Brand Protection: Registering a company in Cameroon means that it has been endorsed in the RCCM system. This automatically brings the benefit of protection of the company name and brand upon successful registration. All trademarks, patents and copyrights of the company become protected and can lead to an enforceable legal action if infringed by third parties.
• Tax Incentives: Applicants are usually desirous to know what incentives they can benefit after the accomplishment of the steps to register a company in Cameroon. Upon successful registration at the company registration office in Cameroon, the company can benefit from tax exemptions, reduced tax rates or tax holidays for specific industries and regions of Cameroon. This can boost the financial performance of the company.
• Access to Government Programs: As is the case with public contracts, the company registration certificates in Cameroon are fundamental to prove the eligibility for a government contract. Hence without completing the procedure to register a company in Cameroon, there is no chance for the promoter to benefit from the award of government contracts in Cameroon.
• Credibility and Trust: A company has more credibility and can benefit from a trusted business environment than a sole proprietorship and partnership business. This is because a company can guarantee continuity of operations as opposed to the other business structures. Also, the accomplishment of the process to register a company in Cameroon provides transparency regarding existence, legal compliance and ownership which in turn has a positive influence for business relationships and investors.

N/B If your company objectives require a particular license, you can engage the procedure to obtain the license to operate after successful registration of your company in Cameroon.

Article by Barr. Agbor AGHEBEWO Gideon ASOH Ngema

International Power law Alliance