Guinea-Bissau
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Guinea-Bissau.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Guinea-Bissau 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 (Portuguese tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Centro de Formalidades das Empresas (CFE Guinea-Bissau)
- Registry website: https://www.cfegb.gw
- Tax authority: Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 35% - Source: CIT: 35% (Guinea-Bissau DGI). VAT: 15%.
- VAT / sales tax: 15%
- Estimated formation timeline: 14-30 days - Via CFE. Source: Ministry of Finance Guinea-Bissau
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Guinea-Bissau Tax Overview
35%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 35% (Guinea-Bissau DGI). VAT: 15%.
15%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 35% (Guinea-Bissau DGI). VAT: 15%.
Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI)
Tax Authority
https://www.mf.gw
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (Portuguese tradition)
Primary registry: Centro de Formalidades das Empresas (CFE Guinea-Bissau)
Tax rate: 35% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Guinea-Bissau 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.cfegb.gw before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecobank Guinea-Bissau | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BIMAO | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BAO | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Centro de Formalidades das Empresas (CFE Guinea-Bissau) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI). Rate: 35%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 15%. Verify threshold with Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (Portuguese tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Guinea-Bissau. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Guinea-Bissau specialist
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