How To Start A Business in Mauritania

How to Start a Business in Mauritania - Step by Step Guide

Starting a business in Mauritania involves several legal and regulatory steps. Below is a detailed guide for both local and foreign investors to successfully establish their businesses.

Step-by-Step Guide for Mauritanian Nationals

1. Business Idea and Feasibility Study: The first step is to assess the feasibility of your business idea by conducting a market analysis and determining if the business will fulfill an existing demand in the market.
2. Choose a Business Structure: Select a business structure that suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).
3. Register the Business Name: Register your business name with the Mauritanian Trade Register (Registre du Commerce).
   Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (Mauritania)
4. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Mauritanian Tax Directorate (Direction Générale des Impôts).
   Direction Générale des Impôts
5. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the business type, you may be required to obtain specific business licenses or permits from the relevant authorities.
   Estimated Fee: Varies depending on business type
6. Open a Business Bank Account: Open a business bank account with any local bank to manage your company’s financial transactions.

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors

1. Obtain Investment Approval: Foreign investors must submit an application for investment approval with the Mauritania Investment Promotion Agency (Agence Mauritanienne de Promotion des Investissements - AMPI).
   Agence Mauritanienne de Promotion des Investissements (AMPI)
2. Choose a Business Structure: Foreign investors should choose a business structure, including a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company (JSC), or a branch of a foreign company.
3. Register the Business: Submit the required documents (investment certificate, company documents, and identification papers) to the Mauritania Trade Register.
4. Register for Taxation: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Mauritanian Tax Directorate (DGI).
5. Obtain Necessary Permits: Depending on the industry, foreign investors may be required to obtain specific permits to operate in Mauritania.
6. Work and Residence Permits: Foreign investors and employees must apply for work and residence permits through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   Estimated Fee: Varies based on the applicant’s qualifications

Estimated Duration

• For Locals: 1–2 weeks
• For Foreigners: 4–6 weeks (including investment approval and permits)

Useful Resources

• Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (Mauritania)
• Direction Générale des Impôts
• Agence Mauritanienne de Promotion des Investissements (AMPI)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Work and Residence Permits