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  • Form of entity

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits a minimum of 2 shareholders. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the stockholders of the corporation.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits exclusively 1 shareholder. SAUs are not allowed to be incorporated or wholly owned by SAUs. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the only stockholder of the corporation.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits 1 or more shareholders. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the stockholders. Its incorporation and development are entirely digital.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 50. Managed by a single manager or several managers with full powers who may act individually, or by a Board of Managers acting by majority, appointed by the members.

  • Entity set up

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA) and Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    • 2 or more shareholders
    • The local management is in charge of a board of directors, which may have at least 1 member with no maximum number (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million). Directors shall last between 1 and 3 years or fiscal years in office, as provided in the bylaws. They may be re-elected. The majority of the board of directors must be composed of Argentine residents.

    • The president of the board is the legal representative of the company
    • Statutory auditor or supervisory board is optional. Mandatory if capital stock exceeds ARS50 million

    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate Books: stock ledger, shareholders' meeting minutes, board of directors' meeting minutes and attendance records book
    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent must be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    • Only 1 shareholder
    • The local management is in charge of a board of directors, which may have at least 1 member with no maximum number (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million). Directors shall last between 1 and 3 years in office, as provided in the bylaws. They may be re-elected. The majority of the board of directors must be composed of Argentine residents
    • The president of the board is the legal representative of the company
    • Permanent control by government
    • Statutory auditor or supervisory board is mandatory (at least 1 regular and 1 alternate statutory auditor)

    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate books: stock ledger, shareholders' meeting minutes, board of directors' meeting minutes and attendance records book
    • Capital stock shall be fully paid up upon execution of bylaws
    • SAUs are not allowed to be incorporated or wholly owned by another SAU

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    • 1 or more shareholders
    • The managers must be individuals, who may be appointed for an indefinite period. At least 1 director must be an Argentinean resident (provided that the Argentinian resident director is the legal representative of the company)
    • Statutory auditor or supervisory board is optional. Mandatory if capital stock exceeds ARS50 million.

    • Typical charter document: bylaws

    • Corporate books: carried by electronic means (stock ledger and minutes books)

    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent needs to be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    • 2 or more members
    • The local management is in charge of single or several managers with full powers who may act individually, or a board of managers acting by majority. Managers may be appointed for an indefinite term. The majority of the board of managers must be composed of Argentine residents
    • The legal representative of the company may be a single manager. All managers or a president of the board of managers are entitled with full powers
    • Statutory auditor is optional. Mandatory if capital stock exceeds ARS50 million (at least 1 regular and 1 alternate member)
    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate books: manager and quotaholders’ meeting minutes.
    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent must be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares.
  • Minimum capital requirement

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Minimum capital of SA is ARS100,000.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Minimum capital of SAU is ARS100,000.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Minimum capital of SAS shall be twice the national minimum vital and mobile wage established at the time of its incorporation (as of January 2024: ARS312,000 in total).

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    No minimum capital requirement.

  • Legal liability

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Directors must act honestly and in good faith in best interests of the company. Directors may be held personally liable to the company, shareholders and third parties if they fail to comply with their general legal duties or specific duties contained in Argentine Law 19,550.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Directors must act honestly and in good faith in best interests of the company. Directors may be held personally liable to the company, shareholders and third parties if they fail to comply with their general legal duties or specific duties contained in Argentine Law 19,550.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Liability of directors of a corporation under Law 19,550 is applicable to SAS managers. In addition, individuals who are not managers or legal representatives of an SAS, or legal persons acting as managers, are liable in the same way as managers, and their liability will be extended to the acts in which they did not intervene but which they habitually performed.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    In case of SRLs, when articles allow distribution of management powers among individual members of the board of managers, the board's liability depends on the individual performance of each manager.

  • Tax presence

    Sociedad Anónima (Corporation) and SRL (LLC)

    An SA, same as an SRL (LLC), is considered an Argentine resident for tax purposes and is obligated to pay taxes on income obtained worldwide, whether earned within Argentina or abroad. An SA may take the sums effectively paid abroad for analogous taxes for activities carried out abroad as a payment for taxes (within certain limits).

  • Incorporation process

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration and its tax ID within 5 to 10 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration and its tax ID within 5 to 10 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. There is an established form of bylaws and public notice that, if used, shall enable the registration of the SAS within 20 business days through digital means in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration, its tax ID and corporate books within 5 to 10 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

  • Business recognition

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Well regarded and widely used.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    This corporate type was introduced in Argentina in August 2016 pursuant the Argentine Civil and Commercial Code modification and is beginning to be used. Well regarded and widely used.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    This corporate type aims to be a more agile and economic alternative, both in its incorporation and in administration and management. Its incorporation and development are required to be entirely in digital form. However, some provinces or jurisdictions have restored the use of digital corporate documents for this type of company.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Well regarded and widely used. This is the type of company is usually preferred by foreign shareholders due to tax purposes.

  • Shareholder meeting requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve the financial statements of the company.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve financial statements of the company.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve financial statements of the company.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of members to approve financial statements of the company.

  • Board of director meeting requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    The board shall meet at least once every 3 months.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    The board shall meet at least once every 3 months.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Periodical meetings of the board are not required.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Periodical meetings of managers are not required.

  • Annual company tax returns

    All corporations must annually file tax returns with federal and state tax authorities.

  • Business registration filing requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual filings (ie, financial statements of the company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual filings (ie, financial statements of the company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual digital filings (ie. Financial statements of the Company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Initial registration is required. Only SRLs which capital stock exceeds ARS50 million shall file their annual financial statements with the Public Registry. However, all SRLs must file their financial statements with the tax authorities.

  • Business expansion

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    No need to change as business expands.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    If the number of shareholders exceeds 1, the SAU must convert to an SA or SAS.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    No need to change as business expands.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    If the number of members exceeds 50, the SRL must convert to an SA or SAS.

  • Exit strategy

    Any corporate type shall file dissolution documents with the Public Registry.

  • Annual corporate maintenance requirements

    Corporations and single-shareholder corporations must pay annual fee to the Public Registry.

  • Director / officer requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.
  • Local corporate secretary requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Local legal or admin representative requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Local office lease requirement

    In some circumstances, the Tax Authority requires evidence of the declared domicile. In the case of Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS) registered in the City of Buenos Aires, the existence and veracity of the domicile and registered office must be evidenced at the time of incorporation of the company or registration of the new registered office by means of an instrument authorized by the regulations.

  • Other physical presence requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Sufficiency of virtual office

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Provision of local registered address by law firm or third-party service provider

    A company must provide its registered address. In certain circumstances, a law firm office may provide the registered address until the local entity hires an office. In this case, the company is requested to move its registered office to its new location.

  • Provision of local director or corporate secretary by law firm or third-party service provider

    A company shall provide a local director. In certain circumstances, a law firm may provide a local director service at a monthly rate.

  • Nationality or residency requirements for shareholders, directors and officers

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Majority of members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Majority of the members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    At least 1 director must be Argentinean resident (provided that the Argentinean resident director is the legal representative of the company).

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Majority of the members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

  • Restrictions regarding appointment of nominee shareholders or directors

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Summary of director's, officer's and shareholder's authority and limitations thereof

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Public disclosure of identity of directors, officers and shareholders

    The appointment of the directors in all types of companies must be registered before the Public Registry of Commerce informing their personal data, which means that the identity of the members of the board of directors is public for any 3rd party not related to the company.

    Regarding the equity holders, their identity must only be registered before the Public Registry of Commerce in the Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL), while in the other types of companies, the shares can be transferred without the need to register the equity holders before the Registry.

  • Minimum and maximum number of directors and shareholders

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    • 2 or more shareholders
    • Board of directors, which must have at least 1 member with no maximum number requirement (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million)

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    • 1 shareholder
    • Board of directors, which must have at least 1 member with no maximum number requirement (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million)

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    • 1 or more shareholders
    • The managers must be 1 or more individuals, who may be appointed for an indefinite or definite period

    Limited Liability Company (SRL)

    • 2 or more members (within a maximum of 50 members)
    • The local management is maintained by a single manager, several managers with full powers who may act individually, or a board of managers acting by majority. Managers may be appointed for an indefinite term
  • Minimum number of shareholders required

    Corporation (SA)

    At least 2 shareholders.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (SAU)

    Only 1 shareholder is admitted.

    Simplified Corporation (SAS)

    At least 1 shareholder.

    Limited Liability Company (SRL)

    At least 2 members.

  • Removal of directors or officers

    Removal of directors or managers shall be approved by the shareholders meeting and then registered in the Public Registry.

  • Required and optional officers

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Board meeting requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Quorum requirements for shareholder and board meetings

    Corporation (SA)

    The Board makes decisions by a simple majority of directors present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In case of annual or regular shareholders' meetings, the required quorum shall be constituted by shareholders representing the majority of the voting shares. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a 2nd call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with any number of shareholders present. On the other hand, special meetings require the presence of shareholders representing 60 percent of the voting shares, unless the articles provide for a higher quorum. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with the presence of shareholders representing 30 percent of the voting shares, unless the articles provide otherwise.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (SAU)

    The board makes decisions by a simple majority of directors present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In the case of shareholders' meeting, quorum is reached if at least 1 shareholder of the company is present.

    Simplified Corporation (SAS)

    Meetings may be held physically or through digital means (ie, video or teleconference). Managers and members may call themselves to hold deliberations, with no need of prior notice. The management body's resolutions are valid as long as all members attend, and the majority as stated in the bylaws approve the agenda. Member's resolutions will be valid, provided that all partners attend and the agenda is passed unanimously.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    The board makes decisions by a simple majority of the managers present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In case of annual or regular members' meetings, required quorum is constituted by the shareholders representing the majority of the voting shares. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with any number of shareholders present. On the other hand, special meetings require the presence of members representing 60 percent of voting shares, unless articles provide for a higher quorum. If quorum is not reached, a meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with the presence of members representing 30 percent of voting shares, unless the articles provide otherwise.

  • Must a bank account be opened prior to incorporation, and must the bank account be local?

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Auditing of local financials. If so, must the auditor be located in local jurisdiction, and must the company's books be kept locally?

    All companies must have at least annual financial statements audited. The auditor must be located in Argentina and the company's corporate and accounting books must be kept locally.

  • Requirement regarding par value of stock

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Increasing of capitalization if needed

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Summary of how funds can be repatriated from your jurisdiction (ie dividends or redemption)

    When approving annual financial statements, shareholders' meeting may resolve to distribute dividends, which will be transferred to respective shareholders.

  • Restrictions on transferability of shares

    Corporation (SA)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (SAU)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Simplified Corporation (SAS)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Limited Liability Company (SRL)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers shall be reported and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

  • Obtaining a name and naming requirements

    Corporate name must contain the type of company it adopted or the corresponding acronym. Name must be reserved before registering the company by paying and filing a form with the Public Registry, in case the chosen name is available.

  • Summary of "know your client" requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Approval requirements for amending charter document

    Amendments to bylaws in all companies must be approved by shareholders or members' meeting and then filed for registration by the Public Registry.

  • Licenses required to conduct business in jurisdiction

    For the conduct of certain activities, it would be necessary to obtain a license from the corresponding government agencies.

  • Process of purchasing and utilizing a shelf company

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

  • Key contacts
    Martin Mittelman
    Martin Mittelman
    Partner DLA Piper (Argentina) [email protected] T +5411 41145500 View bio
    Antonio Arias
    Antonio Arias
    Partner DLA Piper (Argentina) [email protected] T +5411 4114 5500 View bio

Director / officer requirements

Argentina

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Australia

Branch

Not required to have a local director, but a registered foreign company must have 1 local agent.

Proprietary company

Must have at least 1 director, and at least 1 director must ordinarily reside in Australia.

Public company

Must have at least 3 directors, at least 2 of whom must ordinarily reside in Australia.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Austria

Stock corporation (AG)

At least 1 member of the management board is required and at least 3 members of the supervisory board (individuals only).

Limited liability company (GmbH) and Flexible Company (FlexKapG)

At least 1 managing director is required and, if at all, at least 3 members of the supervisory board are required.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Bahrain

With Limited Liability (WLL)

At least 1 director to be appointed by the shareholders.

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

At least 3 directors to be appointed by the shareholder.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

At least 1 director to be appointed by the parent company.

Belgium

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap)

The directors can be either Belgian or foreign natural persons or legal entities.

If a legal entity is appointed as director, this legal entity must appoint a "permanent representative" in charge of performing the mandate of the director/legal entity on behalf and for the account of the director/legal entity. The permanent representative should be a natural person (ie, employee, director or shareholder of the legal entity), and they will bear the same civil and criminal liability as the director or company which they represent.

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

The directors can be either Belgian or foreign natural persons or legal entities.

If a legal entity is appointed as director, this legal entity must appoint a "permanent representative" in charge of performing the mandate of the director or legal entity on behalf and for the account of the director or legal entity. The permanent representative should be a natural person (ie, employee, director or shareholder of the legal entity), and they will bear the same civil and criminal liability as the director or company which they represent.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

No directors are required to be appointed in the Belgian branch office. However, 1 or more legal representatives must be appointed.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Brazil

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

The Sociedade Limitada shall have at least 1 manager, and all the managers must be individuals (Brazilian citizens or foreigners with an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil, as further detailed below). The Sociedade Limitada may have a Board of Directors and the rules established in the Brazilian Corporations Law (Rule No. 6,404/76) regarding the Board of Directors shall be applied by analogy.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

At least 1 officer is required, and all the officers must be individuals (Brazilian citizens or foreigners with an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil, as further detailed below).

The board of directors shall have at least 3 members (Brazilian citizens or foreigners with an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil, as further detailed below). In general, Directors are only mandatory in case of listed corporations and corporations with authorized capital.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Canada

Corporate subsidiary (Corporation form rather than flow-through form)

Directors are elected by the shareholders; officers are almost always appointed, but not generally legally required. See above comments for residency requirements of Directors in some jurisdictions.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Chile

A company must have a representative before the tax authorities who is a Chilean resident. This is not applicable to directors and other officers except in the case of certain industries.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

China

Directors (or a sole director), general manager, finance manager and supervisor(s) are normally required. LLCs with a limited number of shareholders or relatively small size of operation may adopt a single supervisor instead of a board of supervisors, or even no supervisor is acceptable upon unanimous consent of all shareholders.  

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Colombia

General partnership (Sociedad Colectiva)

All partners must participate and manage a general partnership, unless a 3rd person is designated unanimously by the partnership board.

Limited partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple y por Acciones)

All managing partners must participate and manage a limited partnership.

Limited liability partnership (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)

All partners must participate and manage a limited liability ´partnership; however, partners can designate a manager.

Corporation (Sociedad Anónima)

The board of directors can designate officers and legal representatives.

Simplified stock company (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada)

The shareholders general assembly and, if there is a board of directors, the board of directors can designate officers and legal representatives.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Czech Republic

Limited liability company

At least 1 managing director and at least 1 member of the supervisory board, if formed, are required. A legal entity can become a managing director. In such a case, a specific (natural) person who is acting on behalf of this legal entity must be listed in the commercial register. A managing director cannot be a member of the supervisory board.

The law sets out 3 grounds for ineligibility to be a member of an elected body. They are based on a decision of a Czech or foreign public authority prohibiting the person from holding office, and on grounds related to insolvency proceedings or conviction for selected criminal offences. A register of excluded persons is established to facilitate the identification of obstacles to the performance of a member of an elected body. It contains reasoning of such obstacle as well as its period and personal information of the excluded person.

Joint stock company

At least three members of management board and at least three members of supervisory board required, unless articles of association prescribe otherwise. A legal entity can become a member of management board.

Again, a specific (natural) person who is acting on behalf of this legal entity, must be listed in the commercial register. A member of supervisory board cannot be simultaneously a member of a management board. Provided the joint stock company is employing over 500 employees, 1/3 of the seats in the supervisory board is elected by company’s employees.

In the single-tier governance system, at least three members of the administrative board are required, unless articles of association prescribe otherwise.

The law sets out three grounds for ineligibility to be a member of an elected body. They are based on a decision of a Czech or foreign public authority prohibiting the person from holding office, and on grounds related to insolvency proceedings or on grounds of conviction for selected criminal offences. A register of excluded persons is established to facilitate the identification of obstacles to the performance of a member of an elected body. It contains reasoning of such obstacle as well as its period and personal information of the excluded person.

Denmark

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

The term "management" covers both members of the board of directors, the supervisory board and the executive board.

All limited companies need to have 1 or more general managers – together the executive board (Direktion). However, the choice of managing structure can vary depending on the form of the company chosen.

A public limited company and a limited partnership company may choose between 2 management systems, which are both structured as a 2-tier system:

  • A system with a board of directors responsible for the overall and strategic management of the company and an executive director or an executive board consisting of several managing directors responsible for the day-to-day management. The executive board is appointed and dismissed by the board of directors.
  • An executive director or an executive board, which is responsible for the overall and strategic management as well as the day-to-day management. The executive(s) must be appointed and dismissed by a supervisory board.

The private limited company can also choose to have a 2-tier management system, but is not required to, as opposed to the public limited company and the limited partnership company. They may therefore choose either of the 2 options above or:

  • A system with only an executive director or an executive board. In this case, the executive board assumes the responsibilities that would otherwise have been those of the board of directors.

In a public limited company and a limited partnership company, the board of directors or the supervisory board must consist of at least 3 members while the same does not apply to the private limited company.

None of the limited companies are subject to requirements with regards to nationality or addresses for any member of the management.

There are no rules that prohibits the members of the executive board from being members of the board of directors too. However, in a public limited company, the majority of the board of directors cannot be members of the executive board and the chairman cannot be member of the executive board.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Egypt

JSC

  • Minimum of 3 board members appointed by the general assembly for 3 years. As an exception, the term of the first appointed BoD can be 5 years from the date of incorporation.
  • Management is typically named by the BoD,
  • The BoD usually appoints, among its members, a chairman and vice-chairman to the company. The chairman represents the company before courts.
  • The powers and responsibilities of the company's chairman, executive chairman, board members and employees are usually provided under the company's AoA and its internal bylaws.

LLC

  • At least 1 manager is required who is appointed for the first time by the quotaholders.

  • The manager(s) shall have the responsibility to represent the company, unless otherwise provided under the company's AoI.
  • The removal of the manager(s) shall be by virtue an EGM resolution. Such resolution is issued by the numerical majority of 3/4 of the quotas represented at the meeting.

OPC

A founder can be a manager or can appoint manager(s).

Branch

One or more managers must be appointed to run the business activities in Egypt.

RO

At least 1 manager. A manager does not need to be an Egyptian national.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Finland

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

A legal person may not serve as a director. A director must be over 18 years of age. They must not be declared bankrupt, be prohibited to carry on business or have a guardian.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

France

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

Shareholders enjoy total freedom to set in the bylaws the composition of the management structure of the SAS. The only obligation is to have the SAS represented by a president.

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

One or more manager(s) (Gérant(s)) appointed by the shareholders is/are required. The number of managers is freely determined by the bylaws.

The SARL shall be managed by one or more individuals.

Société anonyme (SA)

One of the following management structures is required:

  • Either a board of directors with 3 to 18 members (Conseil d’Administration) or
  • Or an executive board (Directoire) (with a maximum of 5 members) with a supervisory board (Conseil de Surveillance) with 3 to 18 members.

Germany

GmbH – limited liability company

Managing directors are required (at least 1).

A supervisory board is optional, unless the Company is subject to co-determination (500 employees and above), then, the supervisory board is mandatory.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Greece

Societe anonyme (S.A.)

The board of directors is appointed by the shareholders of the company.

The initial board of directors could be specified in the articles of association or by a pertinent shareholders’ decision

In principle, the BoD consists of 3 to 15 members by law. There is an exception for SAs with small annual turnover (categorized as small- and/or small-sized entities) where the possibility exists that 1 director may be appointed. In this case, the sole director may solely be a natural person.

The shareholders may -either via a general meeting resolution or through a special provision to the Company’s Articles of Association- elect to have corporate matters managed by a staggered board.

The board appoints its legal representative.

Limited liability company (L.L.C.)

Director of the company is appointed either by the articles of association or by the decision of partners meeting. There can be 1 or more directors, who can be partners or 3rd parties. In case there is no specific provision in the articles, all partners of the company act as directors by law.

Private Company (P.C.)

Director of the company is appointed either by the articles of association or by the decision of partners meeting. There can be 1 or more directors, who can be partners or 3rd parties. In case there is no specific provision in the articles, all partners of the company act as directors by law.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Hong Kong, SAR

Limited private companies

At least 1 director; at least 1 director must be a natural person.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Hungary

Basically, any natural person can be appointed as director provided that such person is of legal age and their legal capacity is not restricted.

A person may not serve as a director if they:

  • Were sentenced by a final court decision to imprisonment, until the person is deemed relieved from the detrimental consequences related to the committed criminal act.
  • Are barred by a final court decision from accepting a director (or other executive officer) position or
  • Are barred by a final court decision from exercising a regulated profession, which is in the scope of major business activities pursued by the Zrt.

In case of a Kft., legal entities (eg, a Kft.) may also be appointed as managing director (ie, corporate director). In this case, a natural person is appointed to represent a corporate director.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

India

Private limited company

At least 2 directors; new company law regulations mandate the appointment of a resident director. Consequently recommend 3 directors: 1 from India and 2 from parent company’s location.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Indonesia

Limited liability company

Generally, every company must have at least 1 director and 1 commissioner. In certain lines of business, the board of directors and the board of commissioners are each required to have at least 2 members, as well as an independent commissioner.

No director or commissioner may, within the 5 years before their appointment, have been:

  • Declared bankrupt
  • A member of a board of directors or a board of commissioners found by a court to have caused a company to be declared bankrupt or
  • Sentenced for a criminal offense which caused the state to suffer a financial loss or related to the financial sector.
For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Ireland

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

Must have at least 1 director. A body corporate cannot act as a director. 

External company

Determined by the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Israel

Company

Minimum of 1 director. General manager and other officers are not required.

Branch / representative office

Not applicable.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Italy

Società a responsabilità limitata (S.r.l.) and Società per azioni (S.p.A.)

Italian Fiscal Code

Directors are required.

Officers are not applicable.

According to a recent change in Italian corporate law, individuals assuming the office of directors of a limited liability or joint stock company are obliged to declare, before their appointment, the absence of the causes of ineligibility stated under article 2382 of the Italian Civil Code. Article 2382 of the Italian Civil Code states that the following persons cannot be appointed as directors and, if appointed, must cease from their office: (i) individuals who are subject to disqualification ( interdetti), (ii) individuals who are subject to disablement ( inabilitati), (iii) individuals who have filed bankruptcy or (iv) individuals who have been sentenced to punishment which entails interdiction from public offices or incapacity to assume managerial offices ( uffici direttivi).

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Japan

Registered branch

At least 1 representative in Japan who has an address in Japan is required.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

At least 1 director is required for every KK. A KK with a board of directors must have 3 or more directors and 1 or more statutory auditors. An accounting auditor which is a CPA or an accounting firm is required if the KK has stated capital of at least JPY500 million or liabilities of at least JPY20 billion (this kind of KK is called a "large company").

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

No requirements regarding directors. Normally, members execute the business of the GK, and such members represent the GK. The GK may also appoint specific members (ie, managing members) who execute the business. In this case, only the managing members represent the GK. In the case where a managing member is a legal entity, such legal entity must appoint natural person(s) who will execute the business affairs on behalf of such managing member as executive manager(s).

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Luxembourg

Private limited liability company (Société à responsabilité limitée or S.à r.l.)

At least one manager required (individual or legal person).

Public limited liability company (Société anonyme or S.A.)

An S.A. may be organized as a one-tier company, in which case at least 3 directors are required (individuals or legal persons). If a legal person is appointed as director, the company must appoint a permanent representative to perform such mission in the name and on behalf of the legal person. Directors are elected for a term of a maximum of 6 years, which may be renewed.

If the S.A. is held by a sole shareholder, the company may be managed by a sole director.

An S.A. can also be organized as a two-tier company (i.e., an executive board (directoire) and a supervisory board ( conseil de surveillance).

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

There is no board of directors. The SCSp is managed by one or several managers, which may be unlimited partner(s). The limited partnership agreement must designate the managers of the SCSp.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Malaysia

  • Must be a natural person and at least 18 years of age

  • Must be of sound mind

  • Must ordinarily reside in Malaysia by having a principal place of residence in Malaysia

  • Not an undischarged bankrupt under the Insolvency Act 1967

  • Not disqualified under the Companies Act 2016

  • Has not been convicted, whether inside or outside of Malaysia, of any offense and

  • Has not been imprisoned for any offenses prescribed under the Companies Act 2016 within 5 years immediately preceding their appointment.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Mauritius

All companies, except for Authorized Companies as specified above, are required to have a minimum of 1 director who must be ordinarily resident in Mauritius.

Global Business Corporations are required to have at least 2 directors who are resident in Mauritius and board meetings must be held in Mauritius. This is to show that the business is being managed and controlled from Mauritius. There is no requirement to have a resident director for an Authorized Company.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Mexico

S.A. de C.V.

Either a sole administrator or a board of directors.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

Either a sole manager or a board of managers.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

A board of directors.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Netherlands

Branch office

Determined by governing law of the head office.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

A BV must have at least 1 director. From perspective of Dutch tax substance rules, it’s recommended that at least 50 percent of the board consist of Dutch tax resident directors. There is no requirement to have any officers (which under Dutch law are proxy holders to whom the board of directors of the BV can grant representation powers).

Co-operative U.A.

A co-operative must have at least 1 board member. Only members of the co-operative can be appointed as board members, unless the articles of association allow non-members to be appointed as board members. From perspective of Dutch tax substance rules, it’s recommended that at least 50 percent of the board consist of Dutch tax resident directors. There is no requirement to have any officers (which under Dutch law, are proxy holders to whom the management board of the co-operative can grant representation powers).

C.V. (a limited partnership)

A CV must have at least 1 general partner and I limited partner. If provided for by the partnership agreement, a CV can have a management committee (who are proxy holders granted representation powers by the general partner).

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

New Zealand

Limited liability company

Limited liability companies must have at least 1 director appointed, and at least 1 director must be a New Zealand resident or a person who is a resident of Australia and is also a director of a company registered in Australia.

Companies listed on a licensed market operated by NZX Limited must have at least 3 directors. There must be at least 2 directors who are residents in New Zealand and 2 directors who are independent.

If a change in directors of a company occurs, the Board must notify the Companies Office within 20 working days of:

  • the change occurring, in the case of the appointment or resignation of a director, or
  • the company first becoming aware of the change, in the case of the death of a director or a change in the name or residential address of a director.

Branch

Not required to have a local director. The Companies Office must be notified of any change in directors of an overseas company.

Nigeria

A company, whether private or public, is required to have at least 2 directors, save for small companies, which are allowed to have a single director. The directors must be natural persons and may either be Nigerians or foreigners. The following persons are disqualified from being directors:

  1. An infant, that is, a person under the age of 18 years
  2. A lunatic or person of unsound mind
  3. A person who has once been removed as a director before the end of their tenure
  4. A bankrupt and
  5. A corporation, other than its representative

A public company is required to have at least 3 independent directors. Where a person proposed to be appointed or appointed as a director of a public company is 70 years or more of age, the company is required to give special notice in respect of the resolution appointing or approving the appointment of such a director which shall state the age of the director and the director is required to disclose this fact to the members of the company. They must also disclose multiple directorships when applicable.

Norway

Private LLCs

All directors must be of age. Therefore, directors must be above the age of 18 and have legal capacity to act. If the company has 3 or more directors, certain requirements apply with respect to gender composition of the board of directors. These requirements are being implemented in stages between 2024 and 2028. By July 1, 2028, companies which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have either (i) combined operational and financial revenues above NOK50 million, or (ii) more than 30 employees, shall have a board composition which ensures that both genders are represented by approximately. 30-50 percent or more on the board (this percentage varies depending on the total number of directors). The same applies in stages to certain companies as follows:

  • By December 31, 2024, for companies which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have combined operational and financial revenues above NOK100 million;
  • By June 30, 2025, for companies which are not encompassed by the bullet point above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have more than 50 employees;
  • By June 30, 2026, for companies which are not encompassed by the 2 bullet points above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have more than 30 employees; and
  • By June 30, 2027, for companies which are not encompassed by the 3 bullet points above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have combined operational and financial revenues above NOK70 million.

Where 3 or more directors are to be elected by and from the employees, all such directors shall not be of the same gender, unless more than 80 percent of the employees are of the same gender. Where there are more than 200 employees, both genders shall be represented by approximately 30-50 percent or more among the directors elected by the employees.

Public LLCs

All directors must be of age. Therefore, directors must be above the age of 18 and have legal capacity to act. There are further requirements regarding the gender composition of the board. In essence, it is required that both genders are represented by approximately 30-50 percent or more on the board.

Where 2 or more directors are to be elected by and from the employees, all such directors shall not be of the same gender, unless more than 80 percent of the employees are of the same gender. Where there are more than 200 employees, both genders shall be represented by approximately 30-50 percent or more among the directors elected by the employees.

Partnerships with unlimited liability

All directors must be of age. Therefore, directors must be above the age of 18 and have legal capacity to act.

If the company has 3 or more directors, certain requirements apply with respect to gender composition of the board of directors. These requirements are being implemented in stages between 2024 and 2028. By July 1, 2028, companies which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have either (i) combined operational and financial revenues above NOK50 million, or (ii) more than 30 employees, shall have a board composition which ensures that both genders are represented by approximately. 30-50 percent or more on the board (this percentage varies depending on the total number of directors). The same applies in stages to certain companies as follows:

  • By December 31, 2024, for companies which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have combined operational and financial revenues above NOK100 million;
  • By June 30, 2025, for companies which are not encompassed by the bullet point above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have more than 50 employees;
  • By June 30, 2026, for companies which are not encompassed by the 2 bullet points above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have more than 30 employees; and
  • By June 30, 2027, for companies which are not encompassed by the 3 bullet points above, which, at the date of its most recent annual accounting, have combined operational and financial revenues above NOK70 million.

Where 3 or more directors are to be elected by and from the employees, all such directors shall not be of the same gender, unless more than 80 percent of the employees are of the same gender. Where there are more than 200 employees both genders shall be represented by approximately 30-50 percent or more among the directors elected by the employees.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Peru

A company must have a legal representative registered before the Peruvian tax authority who must be a Peruvian resident. This is not applicable to directors and other officers.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Philippines

Generally not applicable.

As an exception in subsidiary, there must be:

  • No more than 15 directors, each of whom must own at least 1 share in the capital stock of the corporation registered in their name in the books of the company.
  • At least 3 officers:
    • President, who must be a director
    • Treasurer, who must be a Philippine resident and
    • Secretary, who must be a resident and citizen of the Philippines.

Note: No person may be president and secretary, or president and treasurer, at the same time.

Poland

General provisions

Only a natural person with full capacity for acts in law can be a member of a management board, supervisory board, or audit commission. No person who was convicted by a valid judgment for the specific offences determined by the applicable law can be a member of the management board, supervisory board or audit commission.

Partnerships

A management board may be appointed in a professional partnership. Member of the management board of professional partnership can be a 3rd party. However, at least 1 partner shall be a member of the management board. In other partnerships, business is generally managed by partners.

Corporations

Commercial companies are represented by management board members.

Limited liability companies

Appointment of a supervisory board or an audit committee is mandatory only if the share capital exceeds PLN500,000 and if the company has at least 25 shareholders.

Joint-stock companies and joint-stock partnerships

Appointment of a supervisory board or an audit committee is always required. In limited joint-stock partnerships, a supervisory board must be appointed where the number of shareholders exceeds 25. In simplified joint-stock companies, a supervisory board is optional.

Branches

In branches and representative offices, a person representing the founding foreign company must be listed in the business register.

Portugal

Prior to being appointed, a director must be granted a Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF). This is easily obtained, as the appointee or a proxy may request for said number in a Tax Authority office.

For supervised entities an adequacy assessment (on professional qualifications, independency and accumulation of positions) may apply.

Directors are not employees of the company. If a labor agreement was in place prior to the appointment, such agreement is suspended and reinstated after the end of the relevant mandate.

Puerto Rico

Corporations

  • A corporation must have at least 1 director. There is no maximum limit to the number of directors.
  • Generally, a corporation's certificate of incorporation or its bylaws state the number of directors on the board.
  • Every corporation must have officers with such titles and duties as are provided in the corporation’s bylaws or in a resolution of the board of directors. One of the officers must be appointed president, chief executive officer or any other analogous title.

Limited Liability Companies

  • No director/officer requirement, unless otherwise established in the operating agreement

Romania

Joint stock company (JSC) 

Directors may be either legal entities or individuals. Managers must be individuals.

Limited liability company (LLC)

Directors may be either legal entities or individuals.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Russia

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

Board of directors is required (the charter of a company with less than 50 shareholders may provide that the functions of the board of directors shall be carried out by the general shareholders' meeting); executive body (sole or sole and collective) is required; internal auditor (or auditing commission) is required.

Limited liability company

Executive body (sole or sole and collective) is required; internal auditor/audit commission is required in a company with more than 15 members. The company’s charter may provide for the formation of a board of directors.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Saudi Arabia

Limited liability company

Shareholders may appoint a manager, executive managers and/or a board of directors.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Singapore

Limited liability company 

At least 1 director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore, which means that the director's usual place of residence is in Singapore and a local residential address is required. Persons who may fulfill such criteria may include a Singapore citizen, Singapore permanent resident, an EntrePass holder or an Employment Pass holder. An Employment Pass holder is however typically required to obtain approval to act as a director of a Singapore company that does not sponsor their employment pass. Any person above the age of 18 years old can be a director of a company. There is no maximum age limit for a director. However, certain individuals (e.g., bankrupts and/or persons convicted of offences involving fraud or dishonesty) are disqualified from holding director positions.

South Africa

Private company and personal liability company

It is required that a private company have at least 1 director in addition to the minimum number of directors required to satisfy any applicable requirement to appoint an audit and/or social and ethics committee.

Public company

It is required that a public company have at least 3 in addition to the minimum number of directors required to satisfy any applicable requirement to appoint an audit and/or social and ethics committee.

External company

Regulated by the foreign company's place of incorporation.

South Korea

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

Representative director, directors and statutory auditor are required (a joint stock company with a paid-in capital of less than KRW1 billion is not required to have a board of directors or a statutory auditor).

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

1 or more directors are required; in case a limited company has 2 or more directors, representative director is required.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Spain

Branch (Sucursal)

A representative for the branch must be appointed from incorporation with a specific delegation of powers.

Limited liability company (Sociedad Limitada)

Directors of limited liability companies (sociedad limitada) may be individuals or corporate bodies and are required. If there is a board, the board must appoint a chairman and a secretary.

Joint-stock company (Sociedad Anónima)

Directors of joint-stock companies may be individuals or corporate bodies and are required. If there is a board, the board must appoint a chairman and a secretary.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Sweden

Limited company (aktiebolag, AB)

Director(s) and, where applicable, deputy director(s) and employee representatives. Managing director is required in public ABs and is optional in private ABs.

A legal person may not serve as a director. A director or officer must be over 18 years of age. They she must not be declared bankrupt, be prohibited to carry on business or have a guardian.

Trading partnership (handelsbolag, HB)

There is no requirement to appoint specific directors. Partners represent an HB individually unless otherwise agreed. One or more partners must always be authorized as a signatory or signatories.

A branch cannot be registered as a partner. Natural persons must not be declared bankrupt, have a guardian, or in any other way be prohibited to carry on business in order to be registered in a HB.

Limited partnership (kommanditbolag, KB)

There is no requirement to appoint specific directors. General partners represent a KB individually unless otherwise agreed. One or more partners must always be authorized as a signatory or signatories. However, limited partners cannot be authorized to represent or sign on behalf of a KB.

A branch cannot be registered as a partner. Natural persons must not be declared bankrupt, have a guardian, or in any other way be prohibited to carry on business in order to be registered in a KB.

Branch office (filial, Branch)

A branch must appoint a managing director but does not have a board of directors. A managing director is to have a special power of attorney which empowers them to sign and act on behalf of a foreign company in all matters relating to the company's business in Sweden. One or more deputy managing directors for the branch can be appointed, and these persons must also have their own powers of attorney. Managing director and any deputy managing directors of a branch should be resident within the EEA.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Switzerland

Stock corporation

If there are several directors, one director must be appointed as chairman. The board of directors appoints a secretary (responsible for protocol of board of directors meeting and other administrative duties; not required to be member of the board or management). No requirement to delegate day-to-day management to officers, but articles of incorporation may authorize the board of directors to do so.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

Taiwan, China

Company limited by shares

At least 3 directors, 1 supervisor and a chairman of the board are required. If its articles of incorporation so permit, a non-public status company may have only 1 director (acting as the chairman of the company and exercising all functions of the board of directors) and 1 supervisor. Furthermore, if there is only1 corporate shareholder and its articles of incorporation so permit, then the company is exempt from the requirement to appoint a supervisor.

Closely-held company limited by shares

At least 3 directors, 1 supervisor and a chairman of the board are required. If its articles of incorporation so permit, a CHC may have only 1 director acting as the chairman of the company and exercising all functions of the board of directors.  Furthermore, if there is only 1 corporate shareholder and its articles of incorporation so permit, then the CHC is exempt from the requirement to appoint a supervisor.

Limited company

The company must have at least 1 director, who must be a member or a representative designated by a corporate member.

Branch office of a foreign company

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Thailand

Private limited

No minimum number requirement; therefore, a sole director is allowed.

Public limited company

A board of directors must consist of at least 5 directors of which not less than 1/2 shall reside in Thailand.

Turkey

No specific requirements, apart from the sector-specific requirements in the relevant sector-specific laws.

Ukraine

Limited Liability Company

At least one director, or any greater number provided for by the charter. As a general rule, directors should be natural persons. LLCs registered as the Diia City residents (a special tax and legal regime for Ukrainian tech companies) can have a legal entity as an executive body (director).

If established, the board of directors may include the executive directors who manage the LLC’s day-to-day activity and non-executive directors who oversee and control the executive directors and the LLC. Non-executive directors may be independent directors if they meet the established criteria.

Private Joint-Stock Company

In a one-tier governance structure, at least 3 directors, or any greater number provided for by the charter. Directors are elected by the general meeting for a period of up to 3 years. The board of directors includes executive directors and may include non-executive directors. In PJSCs with up to 10 shareholders, the sole director may be appointed instead of the board of directors, and the board of directors may comprise only of executive directors.

In a two-tier governance structure - at least one director, or any greater number provided for by the charter.

In both governance structures, directors should necessarily be natural persons and may not be a person convicted by a court for breaching officers’ fiduciary duties (such limitation applies within 3 years after a court decision)

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

United Arab Emirates

LLC

At least 1 director/manager to be appointed by the shareholders.

Branch

1 general manager to be appointed by the parent company.

FZ-LLC

At least 1 manager, director and secretary to be appointed (1 individual may in certain free zones hold the office of a manager, director and secretary).

FZ-Branch

Same as branch.

Dual Licence Branch

Same as branch.

United Kingdom

Private limited company

Minimum of at least 1 director (or any greater number provided for by articles), at least 1 of whom is a natural person. The company's articles may require there to be more than 1 director.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

Not applicable.

Registered UK establishment

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

United States

For corporations, at least 1 director is required. Certain states may require a Board chair position and, where the corporation is held by more than 1 shareholder, more than 1 director. Certain states may also require statutory officers such as President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary. For an LLC, the entity must be managed by the members or managed by a manager appointed in the operating agreement.

Vietnam

Directors (ie, members of the BOM) are only relevant and applicable to JSCs – not LLCs. Under Vietnamese law, a director must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Have full capacity for civil acts and not fall into the category of persons not permitted to manage an enterprise as stipulated by law and
  • Have professional expertise and experience in business management of the company and not be a shareholder of the company, unless otherwise stipulated in the charter of the company.

Additionally, an independent director might be required to satisfy other special conditions relating to the independence feature.

Regardless of whether a company is JSC, LLC2 or LLC1, an officer (ie, general director or director under Vietnamese law) must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Have full capacity for civil acts
  • Do not fall into the category of entities not permitted to manage enterprises in accordance with the Law on Enterprises and
  • Have professional qualifications and experience in business administration of the company if the charter of the company does not stipulate otherwise.