Starting a business in DR Congo: the compliance basics
To start a business in DR Congo: register the company with GUCE / Commercial Registry (RCCM), register for tax with DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts) (corporate income tax 30% (minimum 1% of turnover); TVA 16% once over set by DGI), comply with the Labour Code if you hire, and meet emerging data-protection rules for personal data.
First compliance steps
- 1 Register the company with GUCE / Commercial Registry (RCCM).
- 2 Register for tax with DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts).
- 3 Register as an employer (the national social-security fund (CNSS)) and use written contracts if you hire.
- 4 Register for TVA once turnover passes set by DGI.
- 5 Put a basic emerging data-protection rules framework in place.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a business in DR Congo?
Register with GUCE / Commercial Registry (RCCM), register for tax with DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts), and meet labour (Labour Code) and data-protection rules. Confirm specifics with DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts).
More on DR Congo
- Register a company — DR Congo
- Company tax — DR Congo
- VAT / sales tax — DR Congo
- Hiring staff — DR Congo
- Data protection — DR Congo
- Tax clearance — DR Congo
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — DR Congo
- Licences & permits — DR Congo
- Payroll & employee tax — DR Congo
- Importing & customs — DR Congo
- Annual returns — DR Congo
- Full DR Congo compliance guide
Start a business elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts) or a registered professional.