Company Formation & Incorporation
Structuring and incorporating companies in Cameroon under OHADA law.
Overview
Establishing a business in Cameroon requires careful navigation of OHADA Uniform Acts and Cameroonian company law. ALPs advises on the optimal legal structure for new ventures — whether a société anonyme (SA), société à responsabilité limitée (SARL) or another form — and manages the full incorporation process from document preparation through to registration with the Centre de Formalités de Création des Entreprises (CFCE).
Talk to this teamWhat we advise on
Entity selection and structuring advice
Preparation of constitutional documents (statuts)
Shareholder and joint venture agreements
Registration with CFCE and tax authorities
Regulatory and sector-specific approvals
Post-incorporation governance setup
How we help
Choosing the right structure
We advise on the most appropriate legal form for your business in Cameroon, taking into account the number of shareholders, governance preferences, liability considerations and sector-specific requirements.
Drafting constitutional documents
We prepare all required constitutional documents — including statuts, shareholders agreements and board resolutions — in both English and French, reflecting Cameroon's bilingual legal tradition.
Managing the registration process
We manage the full registration process with the CFCE, tax authorities and other relevant bodies, ensuring that all formalities are completed efficiently and accurately.
Post-incorporation support
We advise on post-incorporation matters including the opening of bank accounts, the appointment of directors and auditors, and the establishment of governance frameworks.
Selected experience
[CLIENT CONFIRMATION PENDING] Representative matters
Representative matters for this practice area are being compiled for publication with client approval.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum share capital for a SARL in Cameroon?
Under the revised OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies (AUSCGIE), there is no longer a statutory minimum share capital for a société à responsabilité limitée (SARL) — the shareholders determine the amount freely in the statuts. Shares must nonetheless have a minimum par value of XAF 5,000, and in practice SARLs are incorporated with capital proportionate to the needs of the business.
How long does company registration take in Cameroon?
Where the incorporation deeds and founder documentation are complete, registration through the CFCE (the one-stop shop) is typically completed within days. End to end — including tax and social security registrations — businesses are ordinarily operational within two to four weeks, subject to any sector-specific approvals.
Related insights
All insightsOHADA Company Law Reform: Governance Requirements Under the AUSCGIE
The OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies (AUSCGIE) governs companies across all 17 OHADA member states, including Cameroon. We examine the governance requirements it imposes and how OHADA’s continuing reform agenda affects businesses.
2026-08-10
articleCorporate Governance in Cameroon: A Practical Guide for Directors
Directors of companies operating in Cameroon face a complex set of legal obligations under both OHADA law and Cameroonian company law. This guide provides a practical overview of the key governance requirements and best practices for directors.
2026-07-14
Speak to our team
Our lawyers are available to discuss your matter in confidence.
This practice area
Company Formation & Incorporation
Structuring and incorporating companies in Cameroon under OHADA law.