Togo
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Togo.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Togo 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: Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Zones Franches (APIZF)
- Registry website: https://www.apizf-togo.com
- Tax authority: Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 27% - Source: CIT: 27% (Togo OTR). VAT: 18%.
- VAT / sales tax: 18%
- Estimated formation timeline: 1-3 days - Via APIZF Guichet Unique. Source: APIZF Togo
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Togo Tax Overview
27%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 27% (Togo OTR). VAT: 18%.
18%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 27% (Togo OTR). VAT: 18%.
Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR)
Tax Authority
https://www.otr.tg
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (French tradition)
Primary registry: Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Zones Franches (APIZF)
Tax rate: 27% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Togo 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.apizf-togo.com before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Togo 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 Togo. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecobank Togo | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BTCI | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Orabank Togo | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| UBA Togo | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Zones Franches (APIZF) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). Rate: 27%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 18%. Verify threshold with Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (French tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Togo. |
Frequently Asked
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