Burkina Faso
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Burkina Faso.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Burkina Faso welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Civil Law (French tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CEFORE)
- Registry website: https://www.cefore.gov.bf
- Tax authority: Direction Generale des Impots (DGI BF)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 27.5% - Source: CIT: 27.5% (Burkina Faso DGI). VAT: 18%.
- VAT / sales tax: 18%
- Estimated formation timeline: 3-7 days - Via CEFORE. Source: CEFORE Burkina Faso
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Burkina Faso Tax Overview
27.5%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 27.5% (Burkina Faso DGI). VAT: 18%.
18%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 27.5% (Burkina Faso DGI). VAT: 18%.
Direction Generale des Impots (DGI BF)
Tax Authority
https://www.dgi.gov.bf
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (French tradition)
Primary registry: Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CEFORE)
Tax rate: 27.5% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Burkina Faso market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: XOF fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.cefore.gov.bf before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Burkina Faso setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Burkina Faso. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecobank Burkina Faso | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Coris Bank International | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| UBA Burkina Faso | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Societe Generale BF | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CEFORE) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direction Generale des Impots (DGI BF). Rate: 27.5%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 18%. Verify threshold with Direction Generale des Impots (DGI BF). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (French tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Burkina Faso. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Burkina Faso specialist
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