Armindo Serqueira & Associados · Bissau
Legal advice in Guinea-Bissau for companies, investors and strategic projects.
In-depth knowledge of the local context, business experience and an international perspective to support complex legal decisions.
- Confidential
- Partner of Abreu Advogados since 2021
- Based in Bissau
Bissau · Guinea-Bissau
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Local experience. International perspective.
Armindo Serqueira & Associados works with Portuguese law firm Abreu Advogados through its Guinea-Bissau Desk, assisting domestic and international clients with interests in the country.
International reach
Where to start
What do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. We show you what we do and how to start.
I am investing in Guinea-Bissau
You need to know which structure to use, which licences apply, whether profits can be repatriated and how long it takes to start operating.
What we do for you
- A legal roadmap: structure, licences and timeline
- National law, OHADA and WAEMU read together
- Coordination with advisers in Portugal through Abreu’s Guinea-Bissau Desk
Good to know: The Investment Code guarantees equal treatment and transfer of profits after tax.
I want to set up a company
You need to choose between SARL, SA or a branch, draft the articles and register the company without errors that delay the start.
What we do for you
- The right corporate form for the project
- Articles of association and shareholder agreements
- Support at the CFE, RCCM and licensing
Good to know: As a rule, local shareholders are not required, save in sectors such as extractive industries.
I have a contract to negotiate
You want to be sure the contract can be enforced in Guinea-Bissau and that you are protected if the other side fails to perform.
What we do for you
- Clause-by-clause risk review
- Security under OHADA law
- A dispute clause designed for real enforcement
Good to know: OHADA Uniform Acts apply directly and prevail over domestic law.
I have a dispute or a debt to recover
You need to know quickly what your options are, how long it may take and which route works best: negotiation, arbitration or court.
What we do for you
- Initial assessment of your position and risks
- Strategy: negotiation, arbitration or litigation
- Debt recovery and enforcement of decisions
Good to know: Domestic and foreign arbitral awards can be enforced before Guinea-Bissau courts.
I am hiring staff
You want contracts, working hours and internal rules compliant with the 2022 Labour Code, and to avoid costly disputes.
What we do for you
- Employment contracts and internal rules
- Framework for expatriate staff
- Prevention and handling of labour disputes
Good to know: The firm contributed to the employment chapter of the Guinea-Bissau Investment Guide 2023/2024.
I have an energy, mining or infrastructure project
These are regulated sectors with State agreements and specific licences: the initial negotiation shapes the project for years.
What we do for you
- Regulatory framework and licensing
- Negotiation of agreements with the State
- Due diligence on assets and projects
Good to know: Mining, petroleum and forestry fall outside the Investment Code and follow specific laws or investment agreements.
Practice areas
Law focused on business decisions.
We advise companies, investors, institutions and individuals on complex legal matters in Guinea-Bissau — from structuring an investment to resolving a dispute.
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Corporate and Company Law
Incorporation, restructuring, corporate governance, shareholder relations and corporate transactions.
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Foreign Investment
Legal structuring of market entry and the development of investments in Guinea-Bissau.
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Commercial Contracts
Drafting, negotiation, review and enforcement of commercial contracts.
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Energy and Natural Resources
Legal support for operations and projects in regulated, strategic sectors.
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Infrastructure and Projects
Advice on projects, contracts, institutional relations and investment development.
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Agribusiness and Fisheries
Legal support for companies and investments in some of the country’s strategic economic sectors.
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Employment Law
Employment relations, hiring, workforce organisation and resolution of labour disputes.
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Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Representation and strategy in commercial and other disputes.
Read more
In figures
Facts, not promises.
Under professional rules, we do not publish success rates or promise outcomes.
- 2021Partnership with Abreu Advogados beginsGuinea-Bissau Desk: a direct Bissau–Lisbon link.
- 17States sharing one business lawOHADA: common rules on companies, security and arbitration.
- 8countries sharing one currencyWAEMU: CFA franc pegged to the euro.
- 8business practice areasFrom investment to litigation, one team.
Guinea-Bissau
Knowing the law is essential. Knowing the context matters too.
Investing and operating in Guinea-Bissau means reading several layers of rules together — and knowing how they work in practice.
Doing business in Guinea-Bissau →
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- 01National legislationInvestment Code, Labour Code, sector regimes.
- 02OHADA lawDirectly applicable Uniform Acts.
- 03WAEMU frameworkCFA franc, foreign-exchange rules, regional market.
- 04Sector regulationEnergy, mining, fisheries, banking, tourism.
- 05Administrative practiceRegistries, licensing, public bodies.
- 06Contracts and institutionsHow deals are negotiated, performed and enforced.
How it works
From first contact to ongoing support.
- 1
Tell us the essentials
Via the form, phone or email. A general description is enough — no confidential documents.
- 2
Conflict check
We confirm we can act, as professional rules require.
- 3
Initial review and proposal
A lawyer contacts you with an initial view, next steps and a clear fee proposal.
- 4
Ongoing support
A responsible lawyer, direct contact and regular updates.
Need legal support in Guinea-Bissau?
Tell us about your matter. A lawyer of the firm will review your request and reply with the next steps.