In SenegalUnder the French "carte professionnelle" law, anyone wishing to work in the real estate sector, whether in co-ownership, real estate transactions or rental management, is required to hold a "carte professionnelle". If these conditions are not met, the application for a carte professionnelle will be refused. For example, a property manager cannot operate without this license.
It is possible for foreigners to build and operate a real estate business in Senegal without having to obtain special licenses or certificates, provided they already hold their own professional card in this country. This rule also applies to foreign contract workers (contractors) for companies based in Senegal, and to foreign professionals with an office in Senegal. Dakar and wishing to offer construction and maintenance services.
It should be noted that the provision of professional services does not mean the provision of real estate activities. This applies only to the activities described above, which may be commercial or residential. The size of the project must be determined according to the nature and scope of the activity, in order to avoid any financial or contractual risk (but above all because of staff retirement requirements).
How to obtain a business card: steps to follow
Here are the qualifications required to operate a real estate transaction and management business in Senegal:
Diploma requirements
- Master's degree in law or economics ;
- State diploma certifying legal, economic or commercial studies at a level equal to or higher than a master's degree, or any other diploma recognized as equivalent;
- Diploma of general university studies or diploma accepted as equivalent, subject to having held one of the following positions for at least five years:
a) Qualified employment in a real estate transaction and management firm or with a syndic de copropriété holding a professional license ;
b) Public-sector jobs classified at least in the B2 hierarchy, or at an equivalent level, involving an activity similar to that of a real estate transaction and management firm.
Internship conditions
It is compulsory to have completed a two-year internship with a real estate transaction and management firm holding a professional license.
However, some people may be exempted from these diploma requirements:
Inspectors of registration and estates, as well as public or para-public sector employees in the A hierarchy or equivalent, with at least ten years' effective service in a job related to real estate transaction and management activities may be authorized to engage in this activity two years after ceasing to hold an administrative post. In this case, they are exempt from the diploma requirements set out above.
Procedure for obtaining and renewing a professional card for real estate transactions and management in Senegal
To obtain a business card in Senegal, you need to provide certain supporting documents with your application, to prove your professional qualifications and your financial capacity to exercise your trade. You must submit an application to the Minister of Commerce. You will then receive a receipt of application.
The Minister has three months from the date of receipt of your application to notify you whether or not authorization has been granted.
If your application is successful, you will receive a business card valid for two years. In this text, we present the documents required to apply for a professional card in Senegal, as well as the steps to follow to obtain and renew this document.
Supporting documents required to apply for a professional card in Senegal
These documents include :
- Proof of your specialized professional qualificationsin accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 of Law No. 82-07 of June 30, 1982;
- Proof of sufficient financial coverageissued under the conditions laid down in Chapter 3 of the same law;
- Certificate of insurance covering the financial consequences of professional civil liability, in accordance with the provisions of article 18 of law no. 82-07 of June 30, 1982;
- Proof of registration in the commercial register ;
- Certificate of registration on the roll of the minimum 2nd class patente ;
- Certificate of nationality ;
- For legal entities, the company's articles of association.
It is also necessary to provide a bulletin n° 2 of the criminal record, which attests to your absence of incapacity or prohibition to practice as defined in chapter 2 of law n° 82-07 of June 30, 1982. This document is provided at the request of the administrative authority responsible for issuing the professional card.
Renewal of the professional card for real estate transactions and management in Senegal:
- To renew your business card, you must submit a written request to the Minister of Commerce at least one month before your current card expires. This request must be accompanied by a financial guarantee certificate, a professional liability insurance certificate, a tax receipt and a certified statement of accounts.
- The Minister will also check that you are not prohibited from practicing by obtaining a bulletin n°2 of your criminal record.
Changes to the business card
A list of establishments, branches, agencies or offices linked to the main company, if any, is attached to the application. This list includes the names and addresses of each establishment, branch, agency or office, even if they are only open on a temporary basis. The cardholder must inform the issuing authority without delay of any change of address and any opening or closing of establishments, branches, agencies or offices. A request must also be made in the event of a change in the legal or statutory representatives, or in the name or form of the legal entity. A declaration is also required if the financial guarantee or professional liability insurance is modified. In this case, a new card will be issued on return of the old one.
Holders of a professional license for real estate transaction and management activities must provide proof that they are insured for each establishment, branch, agency or office against the financial consequences of the professional civil liability they may incur as a result of their activities, through a contract they have signed with an approved insurance company or insurer.