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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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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).

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Annual company tax returns

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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Exit strategy

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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Annual corporate maintenance requirements

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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Director / officer requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Local corporate secretary requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Local legal or admin representative requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Other physical presence requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Sufficiency of virtual office

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Restrictions regarding appointment of nominee shareholders or directors

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

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

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Removal of directors or officers

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

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Required and optional officers

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Board meeting requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

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

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Requirement regarding par value of stock

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Increasing of capitalization if needed

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Summary of "know your client" requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • 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.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

  • Process of purchasing and utilizing a shelf company

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 27 Jun 2024

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

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Argentina

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.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Australia

Branch

Allowed.

Proprietary company

Allowed.

Public company

Allowed.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Austria

Stock corporation (AG)

Allowed for incorporation.

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

Allowed for incorporation.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Bahrain

With Limited Liability (WLL)

In the absence of an existing commercial address, the company cannot use the address of a law firm. However, it can use the address of a 3rd-party service provider – registered with the MOIC – as a temporary address for a period of 3 months, after which the company must change its commercial address to a permanent address of its own.

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

In the absence of an existing commercial address, the company cannot use the address of a law firm. However, it can use the address of a 3rd-party service provider (registered with the MOIC) as a temporary address for a period of 3 months, after which the company must change its commercial address to a permanent address of its own.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

In the absence of an existing commercial address, the company cannot use the address of a law firm. However, it can use the address of a 3rd-party service provider (registered with the MOIC) as a temporary address for a period of 3 months, after which the company must change its commercial address to a permanent address of its own.

Last modified 21 Jun 2024

Belgium

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap)

A public limited company mut have a local registered address. This can be obtained with the help of a 3rd-party service provider or an accountant and cannot be the address of a law firm. Regarding the language requirements, please see above.

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

A limited company must have a local registered address. This can be obtained with the help of a 3rd-party service provider or an accountant and cannot be the address of a law firm. Regarding the language requirements, please see above.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

As mentioned in the “Local office lease requirement” section, a 3rd-party service provider can provide a local registered office.

Last modified 21 Jun 2024

Brazil

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

Allowed. The address of the company's headquarters or branch must be adequate for the activities it will perform on such site.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

Allowed. The address of the corporation's headquarters shall be adequate for the activities it will perform on such site.

Note: Law firms do not usually render this type of service (to provide local registered address).

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Canada

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

Allowed for incorporation, though not common.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Chile

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

China

Generally not permitted unless in certain pilot trial areas. For example, certain approved domestic law firms in the Shanghai free trade zone are permitted to provide registered address subject to restrictions.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Colombia

Permitted.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Czech Republic

Allowed and widely used, at least on temporary basis.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Denmark

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

It is accepted that the limited company has its registered address at a law firm or 3rd-party service provider, and as such the address can be a c/o-address at the office of another entity in Denmark.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Egypt

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 30 Aug 2023

Finland

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

Allowed for incorporation.

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

France

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

Law firms cannot provide for a registered address. The accountant may provide for a local registered address.

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

Law firms cannot provide for a registered address. The accountant may provide for a local registered address.

Société anonyme (SA)

Law firms cannot provide for a registered address. The accountant may provide for a local registered address.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

Germany

GmbH – limited liability company

Yes, but should be only an interim solution as this bears the risk of not having enough "substance" from a tax perspective. However, in the recent past some commercial register judges have refused to register an address of a law firm. Therefore, it might not be possible to register in the future with an address of a law firm or 3rd-party provider.

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

Greece

A local registered address can be temporarily provided by a law firm or a 3rd party until a permanent registered address is found.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Hong Kong, SAR

Limited private companies

Allowed.

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

Hungary

Provision of a local registered address is strictly regulated in Hungary. Law firms are no longer authorized to provide this service, however, 3rd-party service providers may provide the registered address on the basis of a written contract.

If the local registered address is provided by a 3rd-party service provider and an administrative penalty was imposed on the corporate entity due to the hindrance of tax administration proceedings in the last 3 years, then the corporate entity will qualify as a "risky taxpayer" resulting in, amongst other consequences, less favorable rules for VAT refunds and potentially higher default penalties in the case of tax audits conducted by the Hungarian tax authority.

As a general rule, only real estate that is in the sole ownership of the service provider or such service provider is entitled to use it under a right (eg., usufruct) which is registered in the land registry can be provided as a registered seat to corporate entities.

An exception to the general rule is if the owner of the real estate gives its prior written consent to the provision of such service and one of the following conditions is met:

  • the parties (ie, the service provider and the corporate entity) are affiliated entities;

  • the service provider is registered as a delivery agent (of a foreign shareholder or quotaholder or executive officer of a corporate entity) into the companies register kept by the Court of Registration; or

  • there is a bookkeeping mandate relationship between the parties ( ie, the service provider and the corporate entity).

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

India

Private limited company

Allowed for incorporation; preferable to use it temporarily.

Last modified 22 May 2023

Indonesia

Limited liability company

May apply in certain circumstances and subject to certain requirements.

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

Ireland

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

Permitted.

 

External company

Permitted.

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

Israel

Company

Allowed.

Branch / representative office

Allowed.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

Italy

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

Allowed, for a limited period of time.

Last modified 24 Jun 2024

Japan

Registered branch

Allowed for registration.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

Allowed for incorporation.

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

Allowed for incorporation.

Last modified 25 Jun 2024

Luxembourg

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

Corporate services providers may provide a registered office address.

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

Corporate services providers may provide a registered office address.

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

Corporate services providers may provide a registered office address.

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Malaysia

Local registered address with the corporate secretary is required.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Mauritius

Other than a small private company, local companies must at all times have a qualified company secretary who is resident in Mauritius. It can be either an individual or, subject to the Registrar of Companies’ approval, a corporate body. A law firm or a 3rd-party service provider can also act as company secretary.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

Mexico

S.A. de C.V.

Sufficient for tax registration.

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

Sufficient for tax registration.

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

Sufficient for tax registration.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Netherlands

Branch office

Allowed. In the Netherlands, there are trust companies that provide these services. Law firms in the Netherlands are not allowed to do so.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

Allowed. In the Netherlands, there are trust companies that provide these services. Law firms in the Netherlands are not allowed to do so.

Co-operative U.A.

Allowed. In the Netherlands, there are trust companies that provide these services. Law firms in the Netherlands are not allowed to do so.

C.V. (a limited partnership)

Allowed. In the Netherlands, there are trust companies that provide these services. Law firms in the Netherlands are not allowed to do so.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

New Zealand

Limited liability company

Allowed, but subject to completion of AML/KYC requirements.

Branch

Allowed, but subject to completion of AML/KYC requirements.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Nigeria

There are no restrictions imposed against the use of the address of a law firm or 3rd-party service provider as the local registered address.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Norway

Private LLCs, public LLCs and partnerships must be registered with a Norwegian address.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Peru

If agreed by the respective parties, the domicile of a law firm or another 3rd-party service provider may be used as the legal address (fiscal residence) of a specific company.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Philippines

Third party shared offices service providers are available.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Poland

Generally sufficient; however, potentially problematic for tax purposes (especially VAT registration).

Last modified 27 Jun 2022

Portugal

No legal impediments; it is a common practice for multinational companies whose directors are not permanently located in Portugal.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Puerto Rico

Corporations

Permitted and sufficient for tax registrations.

Limited Liability Companies

Permitted and sufficient for tax registrations.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Romania

In certain circumstances, company can use a third-party service provider for headquarters.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Russia

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

Leased or owned premises are required. May be provided by a third-party service provider.

Limited liability company

Leased or owned premises are required. May be provided by a third-party service provider.

Last modified 27 Jun 2022

Saudi Arabia

Limited liability company

Registered address must be an address where the office is leased by the company.

Last modified 25 May 2023

Singapore

Limited liability company 

May be obtained from law firms or third-party service providers subject to certain criteria.

Last modified 28 Jun 2022

South Africa

These services are provided by some law firms and there are other service providers who offer company secretarial services.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

South Korea

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

None.

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

None.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Spain

Allowed.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Sweden

Allowed for incorporation.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Switzerland

Stock corporation

Possible.

Last modified 28 Jun 2024

Taiwan, China

Permitted but subject to certain restrictions.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

Thailand

Applicable subject to internal policy of such law firm or third-party service provider.

Last modified 26 Jun 2024

Turkey

The company must have a registered address in Turkey which will be registered with the relevant Trade Registry and tax office. The law firms cannot provide a registered address due to their code of conduct.

Last modified 27 Jun 2024

Ukraine

It is a common practice, which, however, is not specifically regulated by law.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

United Arab Emirates

LLC

Not sufficient.

Branch

Same as LLC.

FZ-LLC

Not sufficient.

FZ-Branch

Same as FZ-LLC.

Dual Licensee Branch

Same as Branch.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

United Kingdom

Private limited company

Permitted.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

Permitted.

Registered UK establishment

Permitted.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

United States

Yes, this is allowed.

Last modified 1 Jul 2024

Vietnam

Such a service is not officially recognized by Vietnamese law.

Last modified 31 May 2023

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