Setting Up a Business in Togo via CFE (Business Formalities Center)
Business Formalities Center (CFE Togo)
Setting Up a Business in Togo: The CFE Single Window
Togo has established itself as one of West Africa's most progressive countries for business creation reforms. Through the Business Formalities Center (CFE), all administrative requirements (tax registration, commercial registry enrollment - RCCM, social security declaration CASS, and Economic Operator Card) are unified under one single window.
Business registration in Togo can be completed within 24 hours in Lomé or directly online via the CFE official portal.
1. Most Common Legal Business Forms
In Togo, business law is governed by the OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) framework. The most popular legal structures are:
- Sole Proprietorship (Établissement): Ideal for small businesses, consultants, artisans, and freelancers. No minimum capital.
- Single-Member Limited Liability Company (SUARL): Limited liability company with a single shareholder.
- Multi-Member Limited Liability Company (SARL): Company with 2 or more shareholders. Minimum share capital is flexible (typically set from 100,000 CFA Francs).
- Public Limited Company (SA): Designed for large-scale projects requiring significant equity (minimum share capital of 10,000,000 CFA Francs).
2. Documents Required for CFE Application
For a Sole Proprietorship (Établissement):
- A copy of an official photo ID (National ID Card for Togolese citizens, Passport or Residence Permit for foreign nationals).
- A criminal record check less than 3 months old (or a sworn declaration of non-conviction provided at the CFE).
- Two recent passport photos.
- Completed CFE application form.
- Location map of the business address (simple sketch).
For a Limited Liability Company (SARL / SUARL):
- Copies of photo IDs for all partners and managers.
- Criminal record checks for company managers.
- Signed Articles of Association (drafted privately or via a notary).
- Declaration of capital subscription and payment.
- Location map of the registered headquarters.
3. Official CFE Togo Registration Fees
Togo offers highly competitive, incentive-driven registration fees:
- Togolese Citizens & ECOWAS Member State Nationals:
- Sole Proprietorship: 26,250 CFA Francs
- Company (SARL / SUARL): 29,250 CFA Francs
- Non-ECOWAS Foreign Nationals:
- Sole Proprietorship: 31,250 CFA Francs
- Company (SARL / SUARL): 34,250 CFA Francs
Note: Fees include RCCM registration, Tax Identification Number (NIF), and legal publication.
4. Step-by-Step Procedure
- Submission: Visit the CFE headquarters in Lomé (Nyékonakpoè district) or create an account on the online portal
cfe.tg. - Express Processing: The CFE verifies documents and simultaneously routes files to the commercial court registry (RCCM), tax authority (OTR), and labor division.
- Pick-Up (24 Hours Later): Collect your complete registration kit containing:
- Official RCCM Registration Certificate.
- Economic Operator Card (with Tax Identification Number - NIF).
- Fiscal Existence Declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a foreign national own 100% of a company in Togo?
Yes, Togolese law guarantees full freedom of investment to foreign nationals. Non-residents can own 100% of a SARL share capital or operate a sole proprietorship without any requirement to partner with a local citizen.
Is a notary required to draft SARL Articles of Association?
Following business climate reforms, private drafting of Articles of Association (by the entrepreneur or legal counsel) is permitted for modest capital companies, significantly lowering setup costs.
Are there tax incentives for new businesses in Lomé?
Newly registered businesses benefit from exemptions on certain trade licenses during their first year of operation and guidance from the Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR) single window.
Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: CFE Togo Official Portal, Presidency of the Togolese Republic — Business Climate Unit, Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR)