Create a Commercial Establishment
Go Solo, Simply
Run your commercial activity in your own name, without forming a company. RCCM registration, with no articles of association and no minimum capital.
Why Create a Commercial Establishment?
Ideal for going solo: you remain the sole decision-maker for your business and keep full autonomy in running it.
Simplified formation formalities: no articles of association to draft, no meetings to hold, no governance structure to set up.
No minimum capital required: you can start your business with the resources you have.
A recognized legal framework: RCCM registration formalizes your business, gives you trader status and lets you operate in compliance with the applicable regulations.
How It Works?
A simple and fast process with our expert support.
Review of your project
We talk with you to check that a commercial establishment fits your activity, your goals and your personal situation.
Preparation and filing of the application
Our legal experts check your documents, prepare your file and complete the required formalities with the Business Creation Formalities Centre (CFCE) and the relevant authorities.
Registration and follow-up
We follow up on your file with the court registry and the authorities concerned, then hand over all the documents obtained, including your RCCM extract.
Advantages
- Fast and simplified formation formalities
- No articles of association to draft
- Flexible and autonomous management
- Generally lighter administrative obligations
- Quick start of the business
Points of Caution
- Unlimited liability: your personal assets may be exposed to business debts, subject to the protection mechanisms provided by law
- No separate legal personality: the business and the entrepreneur are one and the same person
- More limited access to financing: bringing in investors or raising funds is generally more complex than in a company
- Continuity depends on the entrepreneur: the business remains closely tied to the person who runs it
The legal regime of a commercial establishment
| Feature | Commercial establishment |
|---|---|
| Number of owners | 1 individual (sole trader) |
| Liability | Unlimited. The trader is liable for business debts with all of their personal assets. |
| Owner's social security regime | Self-employed. The owner may nevertheless voluntarily join the social protection schemes offered by the CNPS under the regulations in force. |
| Legal organization | No articles of association are required. |
| Manager | The owner manages and represents the business personally. |
| Transfer of the business | There are no shares. However, the business (fonds de commerce) can be sold in accordance with the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law. |
| Permitted activities | Any lawful commercial activity, subject to the specific regulations and authorizations that apply to certain sectors. |
| Minimum capital | No minimum capital is required. |
| Suitable for | Anyone who wants to run a commercial activity alone. |
| Taxation | Profits are taxed in the owner's hands under the tax regime for individuals provided by national tax law. |
Our Packages
Choose the plan that suits your needs.
Starter
Excl. tax
- Project analysis
- Preparation of the file
- Step-by-step guide
- Email support
- Registration not included
Standard
Excl. tax
- All Starter features included
- Filing of the application
- Completion of the formation formalities
- Registration with the RCCM
- Delivery of the documents obtained
Premium
Excl. tax
- All Standard features included
- Legal and administrative support after formation
- Personalized assistance and advice for 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
A commercial establishment is the activity carried out by an individual trader in their own name, without forming a separate company. A person who trades professionally must be registered with the RCCM under OHADA law.
No. A commercial establishment has no legal personality separate from its owner. Business creditors may therefore, subject to the applicable legal rules, pursue the trader's personal assets.
No. A commercial establishment is reserved for one individual working alone. To start a business with others, you need to form a company (SARL, SAS, SA, etc.).
Yes. A sole trader can hire employees and grow the business while remaining an individual trader.
Yes. If your business grows or you want to limit your personal liability, you can form a company and transfer your business to it under the conditions set by the applicable regulations.
Timeframes vary depending on the authorities involved and the quality of the documents provided. Once the complete file is filed, we follow it up until the formation documents are issued.
Have more questions?
Contact our expertsReady to Create Your Business?
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