Gabon is a country in Central Africa, known for its lush rainforests, natural resources, and growing economy. If you’re interested in doing business in Gabon, it’s important to understand the steps required to register your business. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the registration process and the legal requirements for starting a business in Gabon.
Table of Contents
Choose a Business Structure
The first step in registering a business in Gabon is to decide on a business structure. The most common forms of business structures in Gabon are the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), which is a limited liability company, and the Société Anonyme (SA), which is a public limited company. The choice of business structure will depend on the size and nature of your business.
Reserve a Business Name
The next step is to reserve a business name with the Gabonese Commercial Register. This can be done online or in person at the Commercial Register Office in Libreville. The name should not be identical or similar to any existing business names in Gabon, and it should not be offensive or misleading.
Draft the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association are the legal documents that define the purpose, management structure, and ownership of the company. They must be drafted and notarized by a Gabonese notary, and must comply with Gabonese company law.
Register with the Gabonese Commercial Register
Once the Articles of Association have been notarized, they must be registered with the Gabonese Commercial Register. This involves submitting the documents to the Commercial Register Office in Libreville, along with a registration fee.
Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
All businesses in Gabon must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Gabonese Tax Authority. This can be done online or in person at the Tax Authority Office in Libreville. The TIN is required for tax purposes, and must be included on all business invoices and other financial documents.
Register for Social Security Employers
in Gabon are required to register for social security with the National Social Security Fund. This can be done online or in person at the Fund Office in Libreville. The registration process requires the submission of various documents, including the business registration certificate, Articles of Association, and TIN.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from the Gabonese government. This can include permits for importing and exporting goods, operating a restaurant or bar, and conducting business in certain industries.
Generis Global can help you with the legal part of your business journey in Gabon. Our team of legal experts can assist you with the registration process, including drafting the Articles of Association, registering with the Gabonese Commercial Register, obtaining a TIN, and registering for social security. We can also help you navigate the complex regulatory environment in Gabon, and ensure that your business complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your business in Gabon.