Introduction
Starting a business is more than just an idea—it’s a legal commitment. One of the most important decisions you’ll make at the beginning is choosing the right business structure. This decision will affect how your business is taxed, how much personal liability you carry, how you can raise capital, and how your business will grow.
At Footprint Attorneys, we guide Cameroonian and international entrepreneurs through the legal structuring and registration process—ensuring that their business is compliant, resilient, and strategically built from the ground up.
1. 🏢 What Business Structures Exist in Cameroon?
The OHADA Uniform Act on Commercial Companies governs business formation in Cameroon and across Francophone Africa. The most common structures include:
➤ Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle)
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Simple to register
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Owner has full control
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No separation between personal and business liability
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Not ideal for scaling or raising capital
➤ Private Limited Company (SARL)
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Most popular structure for SMEs
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Limited liability for shareholders
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Can have up to 50 shareholders
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Requires formal bylaws and company registration
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Best for partners, startups, and growing ventures
➤ Public Limited Company (SA)
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Suitable for large corporations or foreign investors
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Can offer shares to the public
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Requires at least 1 shareholder and 3 directors
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Higher compliance and capital requirements
📍 Each structure has its advantages, risks, and compliance demands. We help you assess what’s best for your business model.
2. 💼 Why Structure Choice Matters Legally and Financially
Choosing the right structure impacts:
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📜 Legal liability – Are your personal assets protected?
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💵 Tax obligations – Will you be taxed as an individual or corporation?
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🤝 Investor readiness – Can you receive funding or open multiple branches?
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🧾 Compliance burden – What are your reporting and audit duties?
🚫 Improper structuring often leads to business closures, tax fines, or inability to raise capital later on.
3. 🛠️ Key Steps in Business Formation
Here’s how Footprint Attorneys supports your company setup:
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Consultation – We evaluate your business goals and advise on the best structure
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Name Search & Reservation – Ensure your brand identity is secured
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Document Drafting – Prepare bylaws, shareholder agreements, and registration forms
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CNPS & Tax Registration – Set up your social security and tax profile
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Bank & Notary Coordination – Open your business account and notarize official documents
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Post-Registration Compliance – Ensure you’re ready for audits, invoices, and contracts
📌 We handle the process end-to-end while you focus on launching your vision.
4. 📊 Foreign-Owned & Cross-Border Business Structures
Cameroon offers attractive routes for foreign investment, but with specific legal requirements:
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Residence permits for foreign directors
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Minimum capital deposits
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Licensing for sectors like telecom, fintech, or agriculture
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Local compliance and OHADA accounting standards
🌍 We assist diaspora Cameroonians and international partners in setting up foreign-owned companies or joint ventures legally and efficiently.
5. ✅ Why Work With Footprint Attorneys?
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🏛️ Proven record in company formation and legal restructuring
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📃 Drafting of custom articles of association and shareholder protections
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🕵️ Advice on tax optimization and liability management
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📈 Strategic legal input for scalable growth and investment readiness
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or building a multi-partner venture, we ensure your legal foundation is solid.
Final Word
The structure you choose today affects everything from your taxes to your legacy. Let Footprint Attorneys help you set up a company that is legally sound, investor-ready, and built for growth.
Start Your Business the Right Way
📞 Call: +237 671 169 950 | +237 654 267 274
📧 Email: tidzemedwin@gmail.com | bongyiij@gmail.com
🏢 Offices in Douala & Bamenda
🖱️ Schedule a Business Structuring Consultation – [Click to Book]