Starting a business in Sierra Leone is achievable but requires navigating several government agencies in the right order. Here is the complete sequence with realistic timelines and costs.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
| Structure | Best for | Min capital | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Individual traders, small shops | None | 1–2 weeks |
| Private Limited Company | Most businesses, NGO partners | NL 1,000,000 | 3–6 weeks |
| Branch of Foreign Company | International firms entering SL | Varies | 6–12 weeks |
| NGO / Not-for-Profit | Development organisations | None | 8–16 weeks |
Step 2: OARG Registration (Office of Administrator and Registrar General)
All businesses must register with OARG in Freetown. Requirements:
- Proposed company name (check availability at OARG)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (for Pvt Ltd)
- Director details and identification
- Registered office address in Sierra Leone
- Fee: approximately NL 500,000–2,000,000 depending on structure
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Step 3: NRA TIN Registration
Register with the National Revenue Authority for your Tax Identification Number (TIN). Required for all business operations, invoicing, and bank accounts.
- Bring OARG certificate, director IDs, office address proof
- TIN issued within 1–3 business days
- No fee
- Required for: issuing invoices, opening bank account, government contracts
Step 4: NASSIT Registration
If you will have employees, register with NASSIT (National Social Security and Insurance Trust) for payroll compliance. Monthly contribution: 10% employer + 5% employee of gross salary.
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
With your OARG certificate and TIN, you can open a business bank account at:
- Rokel Commercial Bank — good for local transactions
- Access Bank Sierra Leone — international transfers
- Vista Bank — modern banking, good for USD accounts
- SLCB — state bank, good for government contracts
Step 6: EDSA Electricity Connection
If your business premises needs power connection, apply to EDSA (Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority). Connection time is 4–12 weeks. Most businesses in Lungi rely primarily on generator power — EDSA supply is irregular outside Freetown.
Operating a Business in Sierra Leone?
SaloneKart provides business directory listing, payment processing, courier, NGO account management and promotional services for Sierra Leone businesses.
WhatsApp Business TeamBusiness Directory →3–6 weeks for a Private Limited Company. Sole proprietorship can be done in 1–2 weeks. Having all documents ready in advance speeds the process significantly.
TIN stands for Tax Identification Number, issued by the National Revenue Authority (NRA). It is required for all business operations, invoicing, bank accounts and government contracts.