Jurisdiction overviewTax in Guinea-Bissau
Last reviewed: · by TaxProsRated editorial
Key points
Guinea-Bissau's Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI) administers personal income tax (IRP) at progressive rates of 5% through 30% across six brackets and corporate tax (IAS) at 25% flat. IVA (VAT) is 15% — distinct from the UEMOA-harmonized 18% rate used by most monetary union peers. The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the currency, pegged to the Euro at XOF 655.957 via the BCEAO/UEMOA monetary union. Guinea-Bissau has approximately 3-5 active double-tax agreements including a colonial-heritage anchor with Portugal. No US-GW DTA exists. OECD MLI not signed; Pillar Two not adopted.
Who is the tax authority?
The Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI) is Guinea-Bissau's revenue authority. It operates under the Ministerio das Financas in Bissau, the capital.
Substantive law rests on the Codigo Geral Tributario, the Codigo dos Impostos sobre o Rendimento, and successive UEMOA tax directives. The OHADA harmonized commercial code provides the underlying business-law framework.
Guinea-Bissau is a member of UEMOA, ECOWAS, CPLP (the Lusophone community), and AfCFTA. These four overlapping memberships shape its treaty posture and tax-directive obligations.
Three countries named Guinea — which one is this?
Guinea-Bissau is frequently confused with two neighbouring countries that share the word "Guinea" in their names. All three are separate states with different tax systems, currencies, and regional memberships.
Capital: Bissau. Language: Portuguese. Currency: XOF (UEMOA). CPLP member. IVA 15%. IRP top 30%. IAS CIT 25%.
Capital: Conakry. Language: French. Currency: GNF (independent — not UEMOA). TVA 18%. Also known as Guinee or French Guinea.
Capital: Malabo (Bioko Island). Languages: Spanish + French + Portuguese. Currency: XAF (CEMAC). OPEC member. Oil-dependent economy.
Filing documents, entity incorporations, and DTA benefit claims must clearly identify Guinea-Bissau (GW) versus either of its namesake neighbours. These three jurisdictions share no administrative overlap.
What is the tax year and when are returns due?
Guinea-Bissau uses the calendar year (1 January to 31 December). IRP is withheld at source monthly from employee wages by employers.
IVA-registered businesses file monthly returns. Corporate IAS payers submit provisional payments during the year and file the annual declaration by 30 April. Chronic under-administration risk means deadlines may shift in practice — verify with DGCI or a local practitioner.
Who counts as a Guinea-Bissau tax resident?
Under the Codigo Geral Tributario, an individual is tax resident in Guinea-Bissau if any of three conditions applies:
- Habitual residence in Guinea-Bissau (permanent home, centre of vital interests)
- Physical presence of 183 or more days in the calendar year
- Guinea-Bissau-source professional activity as the principal occupation
Residents pay IRP on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax only on Guinea-Bissau-source income. The 183-day rule runs on the calendar year — partial-year arrivals should count days from entry.
Deep-dive: see expat and cross-border tax in Guinea-Bissau for practical guidance on mid-year residency transitions.
What are the IRP personal income tax rates?
Guinea-Bissau's Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares (IRP) uses six progressive brackets. The structure starts low at 5% and steps to a 30% top rate.
| IRP bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| First bracket | 5% |
| Second bracket | 10% |
| Third bracket | 15% |
| Fourth bracket | 20% |
| Fifth bracket | 25% |
| Sixth bracket (highest) | 30% |
A personal allowance applies before the bracket schedule. The UEMOA directive framework influences rate thresholds. Source withholding on employment income is the primary collection mechanism.
Deep-dive: see self-employed tax in Guinea-Bissau for how IRP applies to freelancers and sole traders.
How does corporate tax (IAS) work?
Guinea-Bissau's corporate tax is the Imposto sobre Aplicacao de Capitais (IAS). The standard rate is 25% flat for resident companies.
Applies to most resident companies — services, trade, fisheries, agriculture. Basis is net profit under the Codigo Geral Tributario.
New investments qualifying under the Investment Code receive reduced rates or time-limited exemptions. Conditions and application procedures require DGCI approval prior to investment.
Withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents is 10%. Tax losses carry forward for 5 years under the standard regime. Pillar Two global minimum tax has not been transposed into Guinea-Bissau law.
Deep-dive: see small business tax in Guinea-Bissau for a comparison of trading structures.
What is the IVA (VAT) framework?
Guinea-Bissau levies an Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado (IVA) at 15% standard rate. This rate is below the UEMOA-harmonized 18% applied by most monetary-union peers such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
| IVA rate | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 15% | Standard — most goods and services |
| 0% | Exports (zero-rated) |
| Exempt | Financial services, selected essential goods |
Despite UEMOA membership, Guinea-Bissau applies a 15% IVA rate rather than the bloc's 18% directive standard. Operators comparing tax costs across UEMOA should note that Guinea-Bissau's indirect-tax burden on the VAT component is materially lower than in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Benin, and Niger. Cross-border invoice reconciliation must use the correct local rate, not the UEMOA benchmark.
Deep-dive: see IVA and indirect tax in Guinea-Bissau for registration thresholds and IVA recovery mechanics.
What is the XOF currency framework?
Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), administered by the Banque Centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. XOF is pegged to the Euro at the fixed rate of XOF 655.957.
Guinea-Bissau joined the UEMOA monetary union in 1997, replacing its former Peso Guineense (GWP) with the XOF. The currency is shared with Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo — eight countries in total. Guinea-Bissau is the only Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in this otherwise francophone bloc. The XOF/EUR peg is guaranteed by the French Treasury under the Franc Zone arrangements. Tax-code thresholds denominated in XOF have stable real-value benchmarks due to the peg.
This XOF currency is distinct from the XAF (Central African CFA Franc) used by Equatorial Guinea and CEMAC members. Both are CFA Francs at the same EUR peg but operated by separate central banks (BCEAO for UEMOA, BEAC for CEMAC) and are not interchangeable.
How are cryptoassets treated?
Guinea-Bissau has no dedicated legislative framework for cryptoassets. The BCEAO — the shared central bank across all UEMOA members — has issued cautionary advisories treating cryptoassets as restricted or unregulated instruments.
Because Guinea-Bissau is part of the UEMOA monetary union, the BCEAO's crypto advisory framework applies domestically. Where a taxpayer discloses cryptoasset gains, the DGCI applies the nearest analogous income category under IRP or IAS. No dedicated reporting portal, crypto register, or formal ruling procedure exists as of 2026. Obtain written DGCI guidance before structuring material cryptoasset transactions.
Deep-dive: see crypto taxation in Guinea-Bissau for the current BCEAO advisory framework.
CPLP and the five Lusophone African countries (PALOP)
Guinea-Bissau is one of five African nations in the Comunidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa (CPLP). These five — known collectively as the PALOP countries — share official Portuguese-language status and broad legal-system heritage from the Portuguese colonial period.
Guinea-Bissau among the five CPLP African members
The five PALOP countries are Angola (AO), Mozambique (MZ), Cape Verde (CV), Sao Tome and Principe (ST), and Guinea-Bissau (GW). All five use civil-law systems derived from Portuguese tradition and are CPLP members. Guinea-Bissau is unique among them as the only PALOP country in the UEMOA monetary zone — the other four use independent currencies or different pegs.
Within the PALOP group, Guinea-Bissau's closest structural peers are Cape Verde (CV) — also a small Atlantic/West-African Lusophone state — and Mozambique (MZ). The CPLP legal-cooperation framework facilitates treaty negotiation and information exchange among member states.
What is the treaty network?
Guinea-Bissau has approximately 3-5 active bilateral double-tax agreements. Portugal is the colonial-heritage anchor treaty, reflecting the historical and current economic relationship. No US-GW DTA exists.
Guinea-Bissau has not signed the OECD Multilateral Instrument (MLI). Pillar Two global minimum tax is not adopted. Cross-border payments to non-treaty partners face standard withholding rates with no competent-authority mechanism available.
Deep-dive: see tax treaty relief in Guinea-Bissau for bilateral rate schedules.
Where does Guinea-Bissau sit in the regional cohort?
Guinea-Bissau occupies a unique niche — the only Lusophone country in the UEMOA francophone monetary bloc. The wider Lusophone Africa and UEMOA landscape splits into five distinct tax archetypes:
Guinea-Bissau's dual identity — Lusophone legal tradition within a francophone monetary union — creates a unique compliance landscape with no exact peer in the region.
Common pitfalls and compliance pressure-points
Foreign investors and individuals frequently encounter a set of Guinea-Bissau-specific compliance traps:
Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea (Conakry), and Equatorial Guinea are three different countries with different tax codes, currencies, and regional blocs. Filing, banking, or entity documents sent to the wrong jurisdiction are not recoverable. Always specify GW (ISO code) and Bissau (capital) in all correspondence.
Guinea-Bissau and the United States have no bilateral double-tax agreement. US persons with Guinea-Bissau-source income receive no treaty protection — withholding at source applies at full domestic rates with no competent-authority mechanism to resolve disputes.
Despite UEMOA membership, Guinea-Bissau charges IVA at 15% not 18%. Cross-border invoices and reconciliations using the UEMOA default rate of 18% will be incorrect. Always apply the actual Guinea-Bissau rate of 15% in local calculations.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced multiple coups and political crises since independence in 1973 — most recently in 2022. Political instability creates unpredictable administrative environments: deadlines may shift, personnel may change, and enforcement capacity fluctuates. Verify current DGCI procedures locally before each filing cycle.
Cashew nuts account for roughly 80% of Guinea-Bissau's export value. The economy is acutely exposed to cashew price cycles. Businesses in the cashew sector — including exporters, processors, and logistic operators — face specific customs, excise, and transfer-pricing considerations tied to the dominant commodity.
Guinea-Bissau operates the OHADA harmonized commercial-law framework alongside its civil-law base. Company structures, contracts, and insolvency proceedings follow OHADA rules rather than purely domestic law. Tax practitioners unfamiliar with OHADA may miss relevant structural rules affecting deductions and liability allocation.
Guinea-Bissau has not signed the OECD Multilateral Instrument. Treaty modifications from the MLI — including principal-purpose tests and dispute-resolution rules — do not apply to Guinea-Bissau's bilateral agreements. Use the literal bilateral treaty text as signed; no OECD BEPS overlays apply automatically.
With roughly four active DTAs, Guinea-Bissau provides limited bilateral treaty protection. Most cross-border flows — particularly with non-treaty jurisdictions — face unrelieved withholding. The absence of DTAs with the US, UK, Germany, France, and China limits relief options for investors from those countries.
When should you talk to a Guinea-Bissau Tax-Adviser?
Some DGCI filings are routine. Other situations call for a qualified local practitioner with Guinea-Bissau IRP, IAS, and OHADA expertise:
Key triggers for consulting a Guinea-Bissau practitioner:
- Your company operates in the cashew export, fisheries, or emerging petroleum sector with specific excise or customs obligations
- You have cross-border income from a non-treaty country — no treaty relief or dispute mechanism exists
- You are structuring an investment under the Investment Code to access reduced IAS rates
- You received a DGCI notice of assessment, audit query, or penalty notice
- Your entity involves OHADA company structures where IAS deductibility of specific expenses is uncertain
- You are moving to or from Guinea-Bissau mid-year and need a residency-start-stop analysis
- You are unsure whether IVA registration at 15% or exemption applies to your activity
You can find vetted Guinea-Bissau practitioners through the directory below.
This page presents general information. It is not personal guidance for your specific situation. Tax rules change. Always check current figures on the DGCI website or with a licensed Guinea-Bissau practitioner before filing.
Frequently asked
Who is the Guinea-Bissau tax authority?
The Direccao Geral das Contribuicoes e Impostos (DGCI), under the Ministerio das Financas in Bissau. The DGCI administers IRP, IAS, and IVA under the Codigo Geral Tributario and the Codigo dos Impostos sobre o Rendimento.
When are Guinea-Bissau tax returns due?
Individual IRP is withheld monthly at source. Annual IRP returns are due approximately February. Corporate IAS annual returns are due 30 April for the prior calendar year. IVA-registered businesses file monthly returns. Verify current deadlines with DGCI — political instability can cause administrative schedule shifts.
Who is a Guinea-Bissau tax resident?
Tax residents have habitual residence in Guinea-Bissau, are physically present 183 or more days in the calendar year, or have Guinea-Bissau-source professional activity as their principal occupation. Residents pay IRP on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax only on Guinea-Bissau-source income.
What are the Guinea-Bissau personal income tax (IRP) rates?
IRP uses six progressive brackets: 5% (first), 10% (second), 15% (third), 20% (fourth), 25% (fifth), and 30% (sixth and top). A personal allowance applies before the bracket schedule. Source withholding on employment income is the primary collection mechanism.
How does Guinea-Bissau corporate tax (IAS) work?
Corporate tax (Imposto sobre Aplicacao de Capitais, IAS) is 25% flat for resident companies. Reduced rates are available under the Investment Code for qualifying new investments. Non-resident dividend withholding is 10%. Tax losses carry forward 5 years. Pillar Two is not transposed.
What is the Guinea-Bissau VAT (IVA) rate?
IVA is 15% standard rate. This is distinct from the UEMOA-harmonized 18% rate used by most UEMOA monetary-union peers. Exports are zero-rated at 0%. Despite UEMOA membership, Guinea-Bissau applies the lower domestic rate — always use 15% for local calculations, not the UEMOA benchmark of 18%.
What currency does Guinea-Bissau use?
The West African CFA Franc (XOF), pegged to the Euro at XOF 655.957, administered by the BCEAO (Banque Centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest). Guinea-Bissau joined the UEMOA monetary union in 1997, replacing the Peso Guineense. XOF is distinct from the XAF (Central African CFA Franc) used by Equatorial Guinea and CEMAC.
How many tax treaties does Guinea-Bissau have?
Approximately 3-5 active bilateral double-tax agreements. Portugal is the colonial-heritage anchor treaty. Other confirmed or likely partners include Cape Verde, Macau, and Mozambique. No US-GW DTA exists. Guinea-Bissau has not signed the OECD Multilateral Instrument (MLI). Pillar Two not adopted.
Is Guinea-Bissau the same country as Guinea or Equatorial Guinea?
No. These are three distinct countries. Guinea-Bissau (GW) is Lusophone (Portuguese), uses XOF, is in UEMOA and CPLP, and has its capital in Bissau. The Republic of Guinea (GN) is francophone, uses GNF (independent currency, not UEMOA), and has its capital in Conakry. Equatorial Guinea (GQ) uses Spanish and French, XAF (CEMAC), is an OPEC member, and has its capital in Malabo.
Major tax firms in Guinea-Bissau
Verified directory of the largest accounting + tax practices operating in Guinea-Bissau. Listings are entity-level reference cards — claim flow is open to firm representatives.
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Browse credentialed pros serving Guinea-Bissau — filter by specialty, language, and credential type.
Browse the Guinea-Bissau directorySources
The figures, dates, and rules on this page are sourced from the documents listed below. Where two sources disagree, both are listed.
- DGCI (Guinea-Bissau) · accessed
- Government of Guinea-Bissau · accessed
- Government of Guinea-Bissau · accessed
- Ministerio das Financas (Guinea-Bissau) · accessed
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · accessed
- CPLP · accessed
- UEMOA / BCEAO · accessed
Important disclaimer
Informational only — not tax advice. This page summarises publicly available information about tax in Guinea-Bissau as of July 2026. Tax laws change, individual circumstances vary, and the application of any rule depends on your specific facts.
TaxProsRated does not provide tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Before acting on anything you read here, consult a qualified tax professional licensed in your jurisdiction (in the US: CPA, Enrolled Agent, or attorney; in the UK: CIOT- or ATT-qualified adviser; in Australia: TPB-registered tax agent; elsewhere: a locally-licensed equivalent). TaxProsRated, its operators, and its contributors disclaim all liability for action taken in reliance on this page.