Republic of Cameroon République du Cameroun (French) | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Paix – Travail – Patrie" (French) "Peace – Work – Fatherland" | |
| Anthem: "Chant de Ralliement" (French) "The Rallying Song" | |
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| Capital | Yaoundé 3°52′N 11°31′E / 3.867°N 11.517°E |
| Largest city | Douala |
| Official languages | English French |
| Ethnic groups (2022) |
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| Religion (2022) |
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| Demonym(s) | Cameroonian |
| Government | Unitary dominant-party presidential republic under a dictatorship |
| Paul Biya | |
| Joseph Ngute | |
| Marcel Niat Njifenji | |
| Cavayé Yéguié Djibril | |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Senate | |
| National Assembly | |
| Formation | |
| 17 August 1884 | |
Partition | 20 July 1916 |
Independence of French Cameroon from France | 1 January 1960 |
Independence of Southern Cameroons from the United Kingdom, establishment of federal republic | 1 October 1961 |
Unitary state | May 1972 |
| Area | |
Total | 475,442 km2 (183,569 sq mi) (53rd) |
Water (%) | 0.57 |
| Population | |
2024 estimate | 30,966,105 (52nd) |
Density | 39.7/km2 (102.8/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2024 estimate |
Total |  $141.930 billion (94th) |
Per capita | $4,840 (155th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2024 estimate |
Total | $53.210 billion (91st) |
Per capita | $1,810 (158th) |
| Gini (2021) |  42.2medium inequality |
| HDI (2023) | 0.588 medium (155th) |
| Currency | Central African CFA franc (XAF) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy yyyy/mm/dd |
| Calling code | +237 |
| ISO 3166 code | CM |
| Internet TLD | .cm |
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Starting a business in Cameroon can be a great way to take advantage of the country’s growing economy and strategic location in Central Africa. However, before you can start running your business, you’ll need to register it with the appropriate authorities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register a business in Cameroon.
Table of Contents
Choose your business structure:
The first step in registering your business in Cameroon is to decide on its legal structure. The most common forms of business entities in Cameroon are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and public limited companies (PLCs). Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each structure and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Reserve your business name:
Once you have chosen your business structure, you’ll need to reserve your business name. You can do this online through the Cameroon Enterprise Creation and Business Formalization Center (CECAB) website or in-person at their office in Yaoundé.
Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN):
Before you can register your business, you’ll need to obtain a TIN from the tax authorities in Cameroon. You can apply for a TIN online or in-person at the tax office.
Draft your articles of association:
If you are registering an LLC or a PLC, you’ll need to draft your articles of association. This document outlines the internal governance and management of your company and must comply with Cameroon’s commercial code.
Register your business:
Once you have obtained your TIN and drafted your articles of association (if necessary), you can register your business with the Commercial Registry Center (CRC) in Cameroon. You’ll need to provide a variety of documents, including your business name reservation certificate, your TIN certificate, and your articles of association (if applicable). You’ll also need to pay a registration fee.
Obtain business licenses and permits:
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from various government agencies in Cameroon. These may include permits from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, or the Ministry of Industry and Mines.
Open a bank account:
Once your business is registered and licensed, you can open a bank account in Cameroon. This will allow you to conduct business transactions and manage your finances more easily.
Hire employees:
If you plan to hire employees in Cameroon, you’ll need to register with the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) and obtain a social security number for each employee.
In conclusion, registering a business in Cameroon can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and support, it can be done successfully. If you need assistance with the legal part of your business journey in Cameroon, Generis Global, our firm can help. We have a team of legal experts who can help you navigate the registration process and ensure that your business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your business in Cameroon.
