How to Register a Company and Employees with CNSS in Togo

Registering and Contributing to CNSS in Togo: The Complete Guide

In Togo, registering with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS - Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale) is a legal requirement for any company employing at least one staff member. Governed by the Togolese Social Security Code and Labor Code, the CNSS protects workers against old age, disability, death, occupational hazards, and family expenses.

Whether you are a business owner, HR manager, or employee in Lomé, this guide details contribution rates, required paperwork, and digital account management on the official portal.

1. Social Security Contribution Rates in Togo

Contributions are calculated monthly based on the employee's gross overall salary (up to the legal CNSS ceiling):

Employer Share (Company Cost): 17.5% of gross wages. It covers family allowances (3%), occupational hazards and accidents (2.5%), and retirement pension (12%).
Employee Share (Deduction): 4% of gross wages, withheld directly from the payslip by the employer for retirement pension savings.
Total Contribution Payable: 21.5% of the taxable payroll.

2. Employer and Employee Registration Process

Step 1: Employer Registration

Following legal business establishment at the CFE single window, employers have a legal timeframe of 8 days to complete employer registration with the CNSS.

Required Documents:
- Copy of Unique Registration Card (CUI / CFE) or Business Registry (RCCM).
- Copy of the manager or director's ID card/passport.
- Physical location map of the business premises in Lomé.
- Fully completed employer registration application form.

Step 2: Employee Registration

Every new employee who is not yet registered with the CNSS must receive a unique lifetime Social Security Number (NSS).

Required Documents from Employee:
- Copy of National ID Card or Passport.
- Certified copy of birth certificate.
- 2 recent passport-size photos.
- Copy of employment contract.

3. Online Filing and E-Payments (`cnss.tg`)

CNSS Togo has digitized payroll declarations via its official online portal cnss.tg:

Monthly Payroll Declaration (DMS): Employers submit the nominative list of workers and salary amounts no later than the 15th of each month for the previous period.
Contribution Settlement: Payment of the full 21.5% contribution must be executed through CNSS partner commercial banks or via certified check.
Late Interest Penalties: Late submissions or delayed payments incur a statutory penalty of 1.5% per month of delay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can company directors and self-employed professionals contribute to CNSS?

Yes, CNSS offers a voluntary insurance scheme for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and non-salaried directors wishing to build up retirement pension coverage.

How quickly can a CNSS compliance certificate be obtained in Lomé?

The CNSS compliance certificate (attestation de régularité), frequently requested for public tenders, is issued free of charge within 48 hours to fully compliant employers.

Where is the CNSS headquarters located in Lomé?

The main CNSS headquarters is located in the OUA district / Boulevard du 13 Janvier, BP 69 Lomé.

Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: National Social Security Fund of Togo (CNSS), Ministry of Labor of Togo