Equatorial Guinea
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Equatorial Guinea.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Equatorial Guinea 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 (Spanish tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Ministerio de Fomento, Pesca y Medio Ambiente
- Registry website: https://www.mfpee.gov.gq
- Tax authority: Ministerio de Hacienda EG
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 35% - Source: CIT: 35% (Equatorial Guinea MoF). VAT: 15%.
- VAT / sales tax: 15%
- Estimated formation timeline: 30-60 days - Complex process. Source: Equatorial Guinea Ministry
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Equatorial Guinea Tax Overview
35%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 35% (Equatorial Guinea MoF). VAT: 15%.
15%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 35% (Equatorial Guinea MoF). VAT: 15%.
Ministerio de Hacienda EG
Tax Authority
https://www.mhpreq.gob.gq
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (Spanish tradition)
Primary registry: Ministerio de Fomento, Pesca y Medio Ambiente
Tax rate: 35% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Equatorial Guinea 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: XAF 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.mfpee.gov.gq before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial Guinea. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGFI Bank Equatorial Guinea | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| CCEI Bank GE | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Societe Generale EG | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Ministerio de Fomento, Pesca y Medio Ambiente to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Ministerio de Hacienda EG. Rate: 35%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 15%. Verify threshold with Ministerio de Hacienda EG. |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (Spanish tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Equatorial Guinea. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Equatorial Guinea specialist
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