How to Start a Business in Gambia:
Businesses in The Gambia may be registered as a company, a sole
proprietorship, a partnership, or other forms of business
(namely co-operatives, subsidiaries of other companies).
Investors wishing to seek GIPFZA support and assistance must
first register their business ventures as legal entities
operating in The Gambia.
Requirements of Business Registrations:
When registering a business, a tax deposit is made with the
Income Tax Department . This deposit is paid together with a
Registration Fee and Stamp Duty, and the amount paid depends on
whether the business is being registered as a company, a sole
proprietorship, or a partnership.
The process of registering a business in The Gambia has been
simplified and requires the filling of the following documents
with the Registrar of Companies:
Memorandum of Association - includes the name and registered
place of business of the company, its objectives and authorized
share capital subscribed by each shareholder.
Articles of Association - provides information on the
organizational structure and operational rules of the company.
Receipts of payment of Stamp Duty & Business Registration fees
from the Income Tax Department.
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Licences and Permits:
There are various permits & licences required in establishing
a business in The Gambia depending on the type of project. For
instance, projects in the fisheries, tourism, Information
Technology and mineral exploration require licenses to operate.
However GIPFZA serves as the link between the investor and the
responsible institutions and the Agency provides all the
necessary facilitation and support to secure the required
approvals and licenses.
Environmental Clearance issued by the National Environment
Agency (NEA) is required of all projects that could have a
negative impact on the environment. There are guidelines set out
by the NEA as per the Environment Act 1994.
Investors wishing to employ expatriates whose skills are not
available in The Gambia are required to obtain Residence and
Work permits for each expatriate staff. The process is very
simply and completed application forms can be sent direct to the
Department of State for Interior or to GIPFZA for processing.
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