You can now start a business in Benin from Belgium largely at a distance, thanks to a fully digital procedure. Whether you belong to the Beninese diaspora or run a Belgian firm, the path is the same: choose a legal form, file online, then open a bank account. This guide covers each step, the published fees and the documents to prepare before you begin.
A simple, fully online framework
Benin applies OHADA business law, which seventeen African countries share. So the company forms will feel familiar to anyone who knows French-style corporate law. In addition, the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx) runs the one-stop shop for company formation. Everything now happens on the monentreprise.bj platform.
The platform quotes three hours for a complete and compliant file. In practice, however, allow a few days, because a missing document or a correction slows approval. If you are still weighing your options, read our guide to the growth sectors in Benin.
Choosing the right legal form
Before you start a business in Benin, pick the structure that fits your project. Here are the most common options, with the fees shown on monentreprise.bj in 2026:
- Sole proprietorship (établissement): ideal to test an activity alone. No articles are needed and the fee is 10,000 FCFA.
- SARL or single-member SARL: the most common form. The articles can be drawn up privately and the fee is 22,000 FCFA.
- SAS: best suited to projects with investors. However, the articles must be notarised, and the fee is 37,000 FCFA.
- SA: meant for large projects, since OHADA sets a minimum capital of 10 million FCFA.
Since 2014, Benin has no minimum capital for a SARL: the partners set it freely in the articles. Still, capital in line with the business reassures banks and suppliers. For reference, 1 euro equals 655.957 FCFA.
The steps to start a business in Benin
- Draft the articles. Use the platform's template or have a notary draft them if the legal form requires it.
- Pay in the capital. For a company, deposit the capital with a bank or financial institution, which issues a certificate.
- Fill in the online form. Next, complete the incorporation return on monentreprise.bj and upload your documents.
- Pay the fees. Payment happens online and depends on the form you chose.
- Receive your numbers. After approval, you get your trade register entry (RCCM) and your single tax ID (IFU).
- Register your staff. Finally, as soon as you hire, register the company with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
Documents to prepare in Belgium
You can prepare most documents before you leave. First, you need a copy of your valid passport or identity card. If you are Beninese, check the expiry date of your Beninese passport as well.
If you cannot travel to Benin, a relative or an adviser can act for you. In that case, you sign a power of attorney drawn up or legalised by the consular post. See our pages on the legalisation of documents and on other consular acts, which include powers of attorney. Moreover, a Belgian document such as a criminal record extract goes first to the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, then to the Beninese post.
Practical tip: ask your future notary or APIEx for the exact list of documents in advance, because requirements vary by activity.
After registration: bank, tax and licences
Once the company is on the register, open a business bank account. Allow a few days to two weeks, depending on the bank. Some activities also need a specific licence, for example in health, transport, finance or telecoms. If your project targets exports or industry, look into the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone and its tax benefits too.
Finally, keep up with your tax duties on the tax administration portal. A local accountant will above all help you avoid late-filing penalties.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to travel to Benin to set up a company?
Not necessarily. The procedure is online, and a person holding a power of attorney can act for you. However, opening the bank account often requires your presence or a proxy.
How much does it cost to start a business in Benin?
The fees listed in 2026 range from 10,000 FCFA for a sole proprietorship to 37,000 FCFA for an SAS or SA. You must still add notary fees when a notary takes part.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company?
Yes, in most sectors. However, if they live in Benin to run the company, they need a valid residence permit.
Which visa do I need for a business trip?
You apply for the electronic visa (e-Visa) only on the official evisa.gouv.bj platform.
In short, if you want to start a business in Benin, careful preparation of your documents in Belgium is the key. For legalisations and powers of attorney, get in touch with Honorary Consulate of Benin in Liège, which guides you before you file online.
Sources
- APIEx: costs and timelines on monentreprise.bj
- APIEx: about the agency
- OHADA.com: removal of the SARL minimum capital in Benin
- FPS Foreign Affairs: legalisation of Belgian documents
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