How To Start A Business in Western Sahara

How to Start a Business in Western Sahara - Step by Step Guide

Western Sahara, administered largely by Morocco, follows the Moroccan legal and business framework. This guide provides detailed procedures for both local and foreign investors who wish to start a business in Western Sahara, including the relevant fees, taxes, and useful government links.

Step-by-Step Guide for Locals

1. Choose a Business Structure: Choose among common Moroccan structures like SARL (LLC), SA (Joint Stock Company), or Sole Proprietorship.
2. Register the Company Name: Reserve a company name at the Regional Investment Center (Centre Régional d’Investissement - CRI).
   Centre Régional d’Investissement (CRI)
   Fee: Approx. MAD 230
3. Draft the Articles of Association: Have the company statutes drafted and legalized.
   Fee: Approx. MAD 200 – 500 for notarization
4. Register with the Tax Administration: Obtain a tax identification number (Identifiant Fiscal) and register for VAT.
   Moroccan Tax Administration
   Fee: Free
5. Register with the CNSS (Social Security): If hiring employees, register the business with the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale.
   CNSS – National Social Security Fund
   Fee: Free (employer pays contributions)
6. Publish a Legal Announcement: Publish the incorporation notice in a legal journal and in the Official Bulletin.
   Fee: Approx. MAD 1,000 – 1,500
7. Register with the Commercial Court: File the documents with the local Commercial Court registry.
   Fee: Approx. MAD 350 – 500
8. Open a Business Bank Account: Deposit capital and open a business account.
   Minimum capital for SARL: MAD 10,000

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors

1. Check Investment Regulations: Foreigners can invest in most sectors under Moroccan law but should verify sector-specific requirements.
   Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE)
2. Choose Business Structure and Name: As with locals, most common structures are SARL and SA. Name reservation is done via the CRI.
   Centre Régional d’Investissement
   Fee: Approx. MAD 230
3. Legalize Documents: Legalize Articles of Association and notarize identity documents and powers of attorney if applicable.
   Fee: MAD 200 – 500
4. Open a Foreign Currency Account: Foreigners need a convertible account in Morocco for capital injection.
   Minimum capital for SARL: MAD 10,000
5. Complete Company Registration: Register with the Tax Administration, CNSS, Commercial Registry, and publish legal notices.
   Total fees: Approx. MAD 2,000 – 3,000
6. Apply for Investment Incentives (Optional): Foreigners may be eligible for tax incentives under the Moroccan Investment Charter.
   Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE)

Estimated Duration

• For Locals: 7–10 business days
• For Foreign Investors: 10–15 business days

Useful Resources

• Centre Régional d’Investissement (CRI)
• Moroccan Tax Administration
• National Social Security Fund (CNSS)
• Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE)