Company Incorporation in Togo
For investors and entrepreneurs eyeing West Africa, company incorporation in Togo presents a gateway to a business-friendly and strategically located economy. With improving infrastructure, competitive tax rates, and streamlined procedures, Togo is attracting a growing number of global businesses.
Setting up a company here is not only fast but also cost-efficient, with no local sponsorship requirements, low minimum capital, and the option to operate fully online. These advantages make Togo one of the most accessible markets for new ventures in the region.In this guide, we walk you through the key steps, legal requirements, timelines, and costs of incorporating a company in Togo, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Fast facts about doing business in Togo
Togo has become one of the fastest-growing business hubs in West Africa, driven by market reforms and increasing global investment. Its streamlined company setup process and low operating costs are drawing interest from international entrepreneurs.
Foreign investors can own 100% of a company, and there's no requirement for a local partner. The registration process can be completed in as little as 8 weeks, with no need for in-country travel.
Togo's central location, access to regional markets, and pro-business climate make it an ideal entry point for companies targeting the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
Key economic indicators
Togo’s economy is steadily growing, with GDP supported by trade, agriculture, logistics, and services. The Port of Lomé, one of the most efficient in the region, serves as a major driver of economic activity. The national currency, the CFA franc, is pegged to the euro, offering exchange rate stability for foreign investors. Inflation remains moderate, and economic diversification is increasing year over year. With an average corporate tax rate of 27%, Togo remains competitive compared to neighboring countries, particularly when factoring in the ease of setting up and managing operations.
Togo’s economy is steadily growing, with GDP supported by trade, agriculture, logistics, and services. The Port of Lomé, one of the most efficient in the region, serves as a major driver of economic activity. The national currency, the CFA franc, is pegged to the euro, offering exchange rate stability for foreign investors. Inflation remains moderate, and economic diversification is increasing year over year. With an average corporate tax rate of 27%, Togo remains competitive compared to neighboring countries, particularly when factoring in the ease of setting up and managing operations.
Tax and legal environment
Togo operates under the OHADA legal system, providing a consistent legal framework across 17 African countries. This uniformity simplifies compliance for companies operating regionally. There are no capital controls, and profits can be freely repatriated. The VAT rate is 18%, and tax incentives may be available for businesses operating in priority sectors or under government-supported initiatives. Private limited companies (SARL) are the most popular legal structure due to their flexibility and limited liability protection. Minimum share capital is just $100, and only one shareholder and one director are required.
Togo operates under the OHADA legal system, providing a consistent legal framework across 17 African countries. This uniformity simplifies compliance for companies operating regionally. There are no capital controls, and profits can be freely repatriated. The VAT rate is 18%, and tax incentives may be available for businesses operating in priority sectors or under government-supported initiatives. Private limited companies (SARL) are the most popular legal structure due to their flexibility and limited liability protection. Minimum share capital is just $100, and only one shareholder and one director are required.
Why Togo is a top destination for incorporation
Togo stands out in West Africa thanks to its political stability, simplified procedures, and investor-friendly policies.
The government actively supports entrepreneurship and offers a range of incentives to attract foreign investment.
It ranks among the top reformers in Africa, improving in key areas such as property registration, contract enforcement, and company startup procedures. This momentum creates a favorable climate for business growth.
The availability of online company registration in Togo makes the process faster and more accessible than ever, especially for foreign entrepreneurs managing operations remotely.
Strategic coastal location in West Africa
Togo's location along the Gulf of Guinea gives it direct access to international trade routes. The Port of Lomé is the region's only deep-water port capable of handling large container ships.
This makes Togo a key logistics and shipping hub for landlocked countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, offering regional trade advantages and reduced transport costs.
Companies incorporated in Togo benefit from proximity to ECOWAS markets and streamlined cross-border trade infrastructure, supporting seamless regional expansion.
Pro-business reforms and OHADA legal framework
Togo has implemented major regulatory reforms to improve its business climate, from digitizing processes to cutting red tape. These reforms have consistently been recognized in global ease-of-doing-business rankings.
By aligning with the OHADA framework, Togo ensures legal transparency, predictability, and regional integration, making it easier for companies to scale across multiple jurisdictions.
These legal and institutional foundations create a business environment where efficiency, security, and long-term planning are not only possible, but actively encouraged.
6 key advantages of incorporating in Togo
In Togo, foreign investors can fully own their companies, without restrictions or local shareholder requirements.
This gives entrepreneurs full control over strategic decisions, profit distribution, and equity structure from day one.
This advantage is especially relevant for those looking to expand globally while maintaining complete autonomy and flexibility in operations.
Setting up a private limited company (SARL) in Togo requires just $100 in paid-up capital, making it one of the most affordable jurisdictions in West Africa.
This low barrier to entry supports both startups and established businesses looking to test or scale operations in the region without heavy upfront investment.
The entire company registration process in Togo can be completed remotely. Investors are not required to travel or maintain local residence during incorporation.
This makes Togo an attractive choice for international entrepreneurs who value seamless global execution and efficient remote business setup.
Togo offers a streamlined registration process with an average timeline of 8 weeks for full incorporation and bank account setup.
Thanks to recent digital reforms and a centralized system under the Chamber of Commerce, the bureaucratic burden is significantly reduced, expediting time to market.
Incorporating in Togo gives your business access to the entire ECOWAS region, a market of over 380 million people, through favorable trade agreements and customs protocols.
Its strategic coastal location and world-class port infrastructure make it an ideal logistics hub for regional distribution and cross-border commerce.
Togo is part of the OHADA legal system, offering a unified legal environment across multiple African countries. This ensures regulatory consistency and legal predictability for foreign investors.
Additionally, Togo supports free profit repatriation, has no currency controls, and offers access to a stable banking sector with both local and international banking options.
6 common challenges for foreign founders
While Togo has made significant reforms, understanding local procedures and documentation requirements can still be complex without proper guidance.
Delays may occur if filings are not aligned with local standards or if translations are incomplete.
Working with local experts is essential to ensure accurate compliance and timely submissions.
Togo operates primarily in French, and all legal documents must be prepared or translated accordingly.
This can pose a challenge for non-Francophone founders unfamiliar with the language or legal terminology.
To avoid misinterpretation or costly errors, it's advisable to use certified translators and bilingual legal counsel.
Opening a corporate bank account in Togo may take several weeks and often involves in-person verification, despite the company being registered remotely.
Foreign founders may face additional scrutiny or paperwork from banks unfamiliar with their business background, which makes preparing a strong company profile and documentation package key.
Even though 100% foreign ownership is permitted, businesses often benefit from trusted local networks. Identifying credible suppliers, agents, or consultants can be difficult without established local connections.
Spending time on due diligence and leveraging regional business networks helps mitigate this risk.
Understanding how decisions are made, how negotiations are handled, and how relationships are built in Togo is critical for long-term success. Business practices may differ from what foreign founders are used to.
Taking the time to adapt to the local pace, etiquette, and expectations builds trust and facilitates smoother operations.
Before launching, foreign founders must check whether their intended activity is subject to special registration or regulatory requirements.
Togo’s evolving legal landscape means that regulations and tax rules may change quickly as the government pushes for modernization.
Foreign entrepreneurs must stay informed to maintain compliance, especially when expanding or applying for licenses.
Engaging with local advisors on a regular basis helps you stay ahead and avoid surprises.
Banking in Togo: What to expect
Banking in Togo is regulated, structured, and steadily modernizing. Investors can expect a secure financial system, supported by both regional oversight and local institutions.
However, processes can be manual and slower than in more developed markets.
It’s essential to approach banking in Togo with realistic expectations regarding timelines, documentation, and due diligence.
Advance preparation is key to avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth setup.
Opening a corporate bank account
To open a corporate bank account in Togo, companies typically need to present incorporation documents, tax registration, proof of address, and identification of directors and shareholders.
The process may take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the bank.
While remote incorporation is possible, some banks may request an in-person meeting or a local representative for final account activation.
Banks require incorporation documents, tax registration, proof of address, and identification of directors and shareholders as part of their Know your customer (KYC) obligations.
Partnering with institutions such as Ecobank, Atlantic Bank, or Union Togolaise de Banque can facilitate access to both local and cross-border banking services.
BCEAO oversight and currency controls (XOF)
Togo is part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is regulated by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).
There are no capital controls, and foreign investors are free to repatriate profits. The XOF is pegged to the euro, offering exchange rate stability that is attractive to international businesses.
Banking under BCEAO oversight ensures a high level of monetary governance, reducing currency risk for cross-border operations.
Taxation and compliance requirements
Togo’s tax system is transparent and aligned with regional standards. Businesses must obtain a taxpayer identification number (NIF) and register for VAT if applicable.
Annual filings, tax returns, and compliance documentation are mandatory. Non-compliance may lead to penalties or restrictions, making routine tax planning and accounting support essential.
Corporate income tax, VAT, and withholding tax
The corporate income tax rate in Togo is 27%. VAT is levied at 18% on most goods and services. Certain industries may qualify for exemptions or reduced rates, depending on their activities.
Withholding taxes apply on dividends, interest, and royalties paid to non-residents, typically at rates between 7% and 15%, subject to applicable tax treaties.
Understanding your obligations in advance helps ensure accurate forecasting and compliance from the outset.
To avoid double taxation on international earnings, Togo has signed tax treaties with several countries. These agreements help reduce the overall tax burden for foreign investors by ensuring income is not taxed in both jurisdictions.
OHADA accounting and local filing standards
Togo follows the OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting, which applies across 17 member states. Companies must maintain accurate financial records in French and file annual accounts with local authorities.
OHADA standards promote transparency and comparability, especially beneficial for investors with regional ambitions.
Local accountants familiar with the system are vital for smooth compliance.
Residency, visas, and foreign ownership
Togo encourages international investment and does not impose residency or citizenship requirements for company directors or shareholders. Foreign ownership of up to 100% is allowed in most sectors.
This flexibility supports a wide range of business models, from remote operations to permanent local setups.
No requirement for local partners in most sectors
Unlike some African jurisdictions, Togo does not require a local partner or sponsor for foreign companies. This allows full control over operations and shareholding from incorporation.
Sectors such as retail, services, and trade are fully open to foreign ownership, while regulated sectors (e.g. telecom or mining) may involve special licensing requirements.
OHADA accounting and local filing standards
Togo follows the OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting, which applies across 17 member states. Companies must maintain accurate financial records in French and file annual accounts with local authorities.
OHADA standards promote transparency and comparability, especially beneficial for investors with regional ambitions.
Local accountants familiar with the system are vital for smooth compliance.
Company registration timeline
Setting up a company in Togo is a straightforward and relatively fast process, especially when compared to many other jurisdictions in the region.
Most companies can expect to complete incorporation within 3 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the structure and sector.
The process is managed through a centralized platform that coordinates all required steps with relevant authorities, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.
Authorities involved and required documentation
The primary body overseeing incorporation is the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), which coordinates with tax authorities, the Chamber of Commerce, and social security offices.
You’ll need to provide company statutes in French, proof of identity for all stakeholders, a lease or address confirmation, and if applicable, sector-specific approvals or licenses.
Properly preparing and translating these documents ensures faster approval and fewer resubmissions.
Estimated incorporation timeframe (typically 3–10 days)
Once all required documents are submitted, the registration is processed in as little as 3 working days for standard private limited companies (SARL).
More complex setups or regulated sectors may take closer to 10 business days.
This includes issuance of the RCCM number, tax ID, and social security registration, allowing your company to begin formal operations quickly.
Step-by-step: How to incorporate a company in Togo
Most foreign investors opt for the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), which offers limited liability protection, a flexible management structure, and minimal capital requirements under the OHADA legal framework.
You must draft the company’s articles of association in French and have them notarized. These statutes outline ownership structure, management roles, decision-making processes, and capital contributions.
Conduct a name availability check and reserve your company name. Then submit the full incorporation file to the CFE, the centralized body responsible for processing new business registrations in Togo.
Once approved, your company will receive a Registre de Commerce et de Crédit Mobilier (RCCM) number, along with its tax identification number (NIF) and CNSS social security registration, enabling it to legally hire employees.
With incorporation documents in hand, proceed to open a corporate bank account at a local or regional bank.
Depending on your company’s structure, you may need to deposit the minimum share capital.
If your business operates in a regulated industry, you’ll need to secure the appropriate licenses or permits.
This may involve submitting additional documentation or undergoing review by relevant ministries or agencies.
Once all registrations are complete, you may commence operations. Be sure to follow ongoing compliance requirements, including tax filings, accounting submissions, and renewals of any sector-specific authorizations.
Togolese business culture & practices
Formality, relationship building, and local compliance
Business in Togo is conducted with a strong sense of formality and respect for hierarchy. Titles and professional roles are taken seriously, and clear, courteous communication is expected in both meetings and written correspondence.
Building trust and long-term relationships is essential. Initial negotiations may be slower as local partners and institutions often prioritize familiarity and reliability over speed.
Consistency and patience are rewarded with deeper business access.
Understanding local compliance expectations, including documentation norms, registration procedures, and communication protocols, will prevent unnecessary delays and strengthen your position in the market.
Importance of navigating public institutions effectively
Public institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, tax authority, and sectoral ministries play a key role in the business lifecycle. Procedures can be nuanced, and personal follow-ups are often needed to accelerate progress.
A deep understanding of how, when, and where to engage with public offices can save weeks in processing time.
It's not uncommon for success in Togo to depend less on paperwork and more on how efficiently it's presented and to whom.
Foreign founders benefit greatly from on-the-ground knowledge that bridges cultural expectations with administrative realities.
How C2Z Advisory can help you succeed in Togo
C2Z Advisory delivers end-to-end solutions for international clients entering the Togolese market.
We manage every detail with precision, ensuring your company is set up efficiently, compliantly, and aligned with your business goals.
Our team combines local insight and international experience, helping you navigate unfamiliar territory with confidence while meeting the highest professional standards.
We specialize in seamless global execution, making your expansion to Togo smooth, fast, and fully supported.
Incorporation, licensing, and legal support
We handle all legal documentation, government filings, and company registration in Togo under the OHADA framework.
From drafting statutes to securing sector-specific licenses, we provide clear guidance and rapid results.
Our legal experts ensure full compliance with national regulations, giving you a secure foundation for long-term operations.
Tax, banking, and investor visa assistance
Our services include tax registration, ongoing compliance support, and coordination with local banks to open and manage your business accounts. We help streamline financial setup so you can focus on growth.
We also assist with investor visa applications and residence permits, ensuring that your relocation and operational plans are fully supported by local authorities from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a company in Togo, without restrictions or mandatory local partners. This applies to most sectors, including services, trade, and consulting.
Full foreign ownership gives investors complete operational and financial control, making Togo one of the most accessible markets in West Africa.
For the majority of professional, service, industrial, and export-oriented businesses, 100% foreign ownership is allowed with no restrictions.
The average incorporation time is between 3 to 10 business days, depending on the company structure and industry. Standard SARL entities typically register faster than those requiring special permits.
Advance preparation of documents and compliance with local requirements can significantly reduce delays.
Yes, French is the official language, and all legal documents must be submitted in French. Meetings with public institutions and formal correspondence also take place in French.
While you can operate with English-speaking partners, having bilingual support or legal translation is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding misunderstandings.
Companies in Togo are subject to 27% corporate income tax, 18% VAT, and withholding taxes on cross-border payments such as dividends and royalties. All entities must register for a tax ID and file annual returns.
Maintaining accurate records in line with OHADA accounting standards is also mandatory, and non-compliance may result in penalties.
A registered local address is required for incorporation, but there is no obligation to hire a local representative or director. Foreign investors can manage their companies remotely or appoint trusted agents as needed.
For certain licenses or contracts, having a physical presence may strengthen your local credibility, especially when bidding for government projects or securing sector-specific permits.