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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

Nationality or residency requirements for shareholders, directors and officers

Argentina

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.

Australia

Branch

Must have at least 1 local agent – an Australian company or resident in Australia.

Proprietary company

Must have at least 1 director who must ordinarily reside in Australia. If a company has 1 or more company secretaries, at least 1 of them must ordinarily reside in Australia.

There are no nationality requirements for shareholders, but certain acquisitions of shares by non-Australian persons may require notification and approval under Australia’s Foreign Investment regime (commonly referred to as FIRB approval).

Public company

Must have at least 3 directors, at least 2 of whom must ordinarily reside in Australia. Must have at least 1 company secretary, and at least 1 company secretary must ordinarily reside in Australia.

There are no nationality requirements for shareholders, but certain acquisitions of shares by non-Australian persons may require notification and approval under Australia’s Foreign Investment regime (commonly referred to as FIRB approval).

Austria

Stock corporation (AG)

In most cases, no, except for certain areas of business (eg, airline businesses, where at least 50 percent of the shares must be held by European shareholders).

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

In most cases, no, except for certain areas of business (eg, airline businesses, where at least 50 percent of the shares must be held by European shareholders).

Bahrain

With Limited Liability (WLL)

Nationality restrictions of shareholders are dependent on the business activity of the company. Generally speaking, no nationality restrictions when appointing directors.

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

Nationality restrictions of shareholders are dependent on the business activity of the company. Generally speaking, no nationality restrictions when appointing directors.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

Generally speaking, no nationality restrictions when appointing directors.

Belgium

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap)

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

Should non-Belgian nationals be appointed as directors, a copy of the identity card or international passport of the directors must be communicated to the clerk's office of the enterprise court. The following information must be given to the clerk's office, if it is not mentioned on the copy:

  • Surname
  • First name
  • Place of residence
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

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

Should non-Belgian nationals be appointed as directors, a copy of the identity card or international passport of the directors must be communicated to the clerk's office of the enterprise court together with recent proof of their registered address. The following information must be given to the clerk's office, if it is not mentioned on the copy: surname, first name, place of residence, date of birth and place of birth.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Brazil

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

Under Brazilian Law, all foreign quotaholders (legal entities or individuals) must constitute an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil with powers to receive service of process on their behalf, to be empowered to manage their assets in Brazil and to represent them with tax authorities. Also, the quotaholders must be registered with the Corporate Taxpayer Roll (CNPJ).

Managers of a Sociedade Limitada are not required to be resident in Brazil, but managers who do not reside in Brazil must be enrolled before Brazilian tax authorities (CPF - Cadastro de Pessoa Física) and constitute an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil with powers to receive service of process on their behalf.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

Under Brazilian Law, all shareholders (legal entities or individuals) that are not Brazilian residents must constitute an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil with powers to receive service of process on their behalf, to be empowered to manage their assets in Brazil and to represent then with tax authorities. Also, the shareholders must be registered with the Corporate Taxpayer Roll (CNPJ).

Directors who do not reside in Brazil must constitute an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil with powers to receive service of process on their behalf.

Officers are not required to be resident in Brazil, but officers who do not reside in Brazil must be enrolled before Brazilian tax authorities (CPF - Cadastro de Pessoa Física) and constitute an attorney-in-fact resident in Brazil with powers to receive service of process on their behalf.

However, although Brazilian law has allowed non-residents to hold such positions, the Brazilian Federal Revenue system still needs to be duly updated to reflect such appointments and therefore still has operational barriers to include the non-resident officer's complete data (specifically the officer's address). In this sense, to be able to complete the enrolment of the non-resident officer before the Brazilian fiscal authorities, and, therefore, registering the appointment of non-resident individuals as officers of Brazilian companies, a pathway is to indicate the address of the Brazilian entity's headquarters or the attorney-in-fact 's address in Brazil.

Canada

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

Only for directors under some corporate statutes. See above. 

Chile

Partners or shareholders may be local or foreign. However, they must be registered as such with the tax authority. 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.

China

None.

Colombia

There are no specific nationality requirements; however, in the incorporation documents, intended partners of a future entity must state their nationality and domicile.

Czech Republic

In most cases, no, except for certain areas of business where, for regulatory purposes, a majority of shares cannot be held by foreigners.

Denmark

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

None of the limited companies are subject to requirements with regards to nationality or addresses of the shareholders, directors, officers or any member of the management.

Egypt

Shareholders/quotaholders/founders

  • There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. A company may be wholly owned by foreigners except in the event that the company participates in any activity that is restricted for foreigners by law – for example:
    • A commercial agency which is required to be wholly owned by Egyptians or persons who have held Egyptian nationality for at least 10 years
    • Importation activities for trading purposes whereby 51 percent of the shareholders must be Egyptians and
    • Acquiring of lands and/or real estate in Sinai whereby the company is required to be wholly owned by Egyptians.
  • Security clearance must be obtained for foreign shareholders, quotaholders and founders.
  • For foreign companies operating in Sinai and/or acquiring lands/real estate, certain security clearances may be required.

Directors and officers

JSC

  • All board members may be non-Egyptians including the chairman and the managing director.
  • Security clearance must be obtained for foreign board members.
  • Work and residence permits for foreign employees including the board members must be obtained if they will reside and work in Egypt.
  • An entity may conduct business while its security clearances are pending. However, and by way of exception, some foreign nationalities (routinely subject to change) require the security clearance to be issued prior to starting the entity’s business. The time required to obtain the security clearance is subject to the discretion of the competent authority after the submission of all requested documents.
  • There are some restrictions regarding the appointment of directors of some activities under the Egyptian laws which require the managers to be Egyptians such as importation for trade purposes and commercial agency.

LLC

  • A company must be managed by manager(s) appointed by quotaholders whether Egyptians or foreigners.
  • Security clearance for a foreign manager(s) must be obtained.
  • An entity may conduct business while its security clearances are pending. However, and by way of exception, some foreign nationalities (routinely subject to change) require the security clearance to be issued first prior to starting the entity’s business. The time required to obtain the security clearance is subject to the discretion of the competent authority after the submission of all requested documents.
  • Work and residence permits for foreign manager(s) must be obtained.
  • There are some restrictions regarding the appointment of directors and some activities under the Egyptian laws require the managers to be Egyptians (eg, importation for trade purposes and commercial agency).

OPC

  • A company must be managed by manager(s) appointed by a founder. The manager does not need to be an Egyptian national.
  • Security clearance for foreign manager(s) must be obtained.
  • An entity may conduct business while its security clearances are pending. However, and by way of exception, some foreign nationalities (routinely subject to change) require the security clearance to be
  • issued first prior to starting the entity’s business. The time required to obtain the security clearance is subject to the discretion of the competent authority after the submission of all requested documents.
  • Work and residence permits for foreign manager(s) and employees must be obtained.
  • There are some restrictions regarding the appointment of directors and some activities under the Egyptian laws require the managers to be Egyptians (eg, importation for trade purposes and commercial agency).

Branch

  • A branch must be managed by a manager(s); the manager does not need to be an Egyptian national.
  • Security clearance must be obtained for foreign manager(s).
  • Work and residence permits must be obtained for foreign manager(s).

RO

  • An RO must be managed by a manager(s); the manager does not need to be an Egyptian national.
  • Security clearance must be obtained for foreign manager(s).
  • Work and residence permits must be obtained for foreign manager(s).

Finland

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

Shareholders: None.

Directors (unless granted an exemption by the Trade Register): At least 1 ordinary member of the board shall be resident within the European Economic Area.

Managing director and possible deputy managing director (unless granted an exemption by the Trade Register): Required to be resident within the European Economic Area.

France

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

None.

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

None.

Société anonyme (SA)

None.

Germany

GmbH – limited liability company

None as long as they can easily enter Germany (or obtain easily a Visa).

Greece

Directors, shareholders and officers should have an official work/residence permit if they are non-EU citizens.

Hong Kong, SAR

Limited private companies

None, except for the company secretary (see local corporate secretary requirement).

 

Hungary

As a general rule, not applicable for this jurisdiction. It is possible and lawful to establish a wholly foreign-owned and -managed company. In certain regulated areas (eg, banks) the presence of Hungarian tax residents on the board of director may be mandatory.

India

Private limited company

None except for the local director requirement and the restriction on investment from countries which share land border with India.

Indonesia

Limited liability company

In certain business fields which are closed to foreign investment, all shareholders must be Indonesian (legal entities or individuals). Shareholders are not subject to any residency requirement.

In general, no Indonesian nationality or residency requirement applies to either directors or commissioners, except that the director or other officer that handles or is responsible for employment matters must be Indonesian.  For certain lines of business, a specific requirement on the nationality or residency of a director or a commissioner may apply.

Ireland

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

At least 1 director of the company must be resident in the European Economic Area. Alternatively, the company must:

  • Put in place a bond to pay any fines or penalties which may be imposed on the company under the Companies Act 2014 or the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 or
  • Obtain a certificate from the CRO confirming that the company has a real and continuous link with 1 or more economic activities in Ireland.

External company

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Israel

Company

None.

Branch / representative office

Required to execute a power of attorney in favor of a person regularly residing in Israel, authorizing him to act in its name.

Italy

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

For certain jurisdictions, it could be necessary to assess whether reciprocity condition is satisfied.

Japan

Registered branch

At least 1 representative in Japan must have an address in Japan, but such person does not have to be a Japanese national.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

None.

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

None.

Luxembourg

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

No nationality or residency requirements for both managers and shareholders from a corporate perspective.

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

No nationality or residency requirements both for directors and shareholders from a corporate perspective.

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

No nationality or residency requirements both for managers and partners from a corporate perspective.

Malaysia

At least 1 director of a private limited company is required to be a resident of Malaysia and have a principal place of residence in Malaysia.

Mauritius

Private and public company

Subject to the sector of activity/industry in which the company is involved, a company incorporated in Mauritius can be 100 percent foreign-owned.

With respect to directors, at least 1 director should be ordinarily resident in Mauritius, unless it is an Authorized Company as specified above.

Global Business Corporations

A Global Business Corporation can be 100 percent foreign-owned.

With respect to directors, at least 2 directors should be ordinarily resident in Mauritius.

Authorized Companies

Shares can only be held by foreign entities/individuals.

Mexico

S.A. de C.V.

Requirements for shareholders depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For directors or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the corporation grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

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

Requirements for partners depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For managers or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the entity grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

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

Requirements for shareholders depend on the corporate purpose of the entity (certain activities have foreign investment limitations). For directors or officers, there are no specific requirements (except if the corporation grants powers of attorney to such directors or officers, in which case, to be able to exercise such powers, they are required to have a proper visa).

Netherlands

Branch office

Determined by governing law of the head office.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

None from a pure legal perspective. From a tax substance rules perspective, it’s recommended that at least 50 percent of the board consist of Dutch tax resident directors.

Co-operative U.A.

None from a pure legal perspective. From a tax substance rules perspective, it’s recommended that at least 50 percent of the board consist of Dutch tax resident directors.

C.V. (a limited partnership)

None.

New Zealand

Limited liability company

Must have at least 1 director who is resident in New Zealand, or who is resident in Australia and is also a director of an Australian registered company.

There are no nationality requirements for shareholders. However, if a company has more than 25 percent of its shares owned by overseas persons, the company will be considered an "overseas person" and may be subject to the Overseas Investment Act 2005. This could restrict its ability to acquire additional businesses, shares, or an interest in “sensitive land”.

Branch

A branch must have a person authorized to accept service on the branch's behalf in New Zealand. This is often a business professional.

Nigeria

There is no restriction on the nationality or residency of a shareholder, director or officer of a Nigerian company. However, any foreigner who wishes to be a resident and work in Nigeria must be issued a work permit, specifically the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC). Notably, under the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act, foreign ownership is permitted in all industries. However, there are restrictions on the acquisition of shares by foreign nationals in specific industries, including the oil  and gas, aviation, broadcasting, advertising, pharmaceutical, engineering and marine industries.

Norway

Private LLCs and public LLCs

The general manager and at least 1/2 of the directors

  • Have to be residents in Norway or in another EEA state, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland or Switzerland.

Partnerships with unlimited liability

No nationality or residency requirements.

Peru

Partners or shareholders may be local or foreign. However, they must be registered as such before the Peruvian tax authority. Additionally, 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.

Philippines

Not applicable in general.

There are some exceptions:

Subsidiary

Not more than 15 incorporators. Number of foreigners allowed to be incorporators would depend on the restrictions under the FIA, Philippine Constitution and other relevant laws.

Not more than 15 directors. If business activity is partly nationalized, the number of seats for foreigners on the board of directors is measured by a proportion of their present foreign equity to the number of directors as stated in the articles of incorporation. Additionally, the number of their seats should not exceed the proportion of the allowable foreign equity to the number of directors in the articles of incorporation in accordance with the Anti-Dummy Law.  The officers of entities engaged in nationalized activities are also required to be Filipinos.

Nationality of shareholders depends on the classification of the business entity (partly nationalized, 100 percent foreign or reserved for Filipinos).

Partnership

Subject to allowable foreign partners’ interest under the FINL.

Poland

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Portugal

There is no citizenship or residency requirements.

Puerto Rico

Corporations

Nonresidents of Puerto Rico and non-US citizens may own stock and serve as directors and officers of a Puerto  Rico corporation.

Limited Liability Companies

Nonresidents of Puerto Rico and non-US citizens may own membership interests and serve as managers of a  Puerto Rico LLC.

Romania

Not applicable for this jurisdiction. Nevertheless, please note that the FDI authorization for the establishment of a new company in Romania, as well as for the investments in existing companies which allow the investor to effectively participate in the management or control of such companies, is required if the legal criteria (regarding the field of activity of the investment and the amount of the investment) are fulfilled.

Russia

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

None. Though a work permit is required for foreign employees (ie, officers or sole executive bodies). Special requirements for foreign participation in certain types of businesses to be considered (eg, banking, insurance or strategically important sectors).

Limited liability company

None, though a work permit is required for foreign employees (ie, officers or sole executive bodies). Special requirements for foreign participation in certain types of businesses to be considered (eg, banking, insurance or strategically important sectors).

Saudi Arabia

Limited liability company

The general manager needs to be a resident in the KSA. Directors are not required to be nationals or residents. There are specific requirements regarding the nationality of shareholders in certain activities such as:

  • Trading activities: Saudi partner to own at least 25 percent of shareholding (unless the foreign investor meets the qualification to set up a 100 percent foreign owned trading company)
  • Services/transport Saudi shareholding requirements – bus 30 percent / metro 25 percent

  • Property financing projects 40 percent

  • Communications value added – 30 percent Saudi shareholding requirement

  • Insurance and reinsurance – 40 percent Saudi shareholding requirement

  • Engineering design and professional consultancy: Saudi partner to own at least 25 percent of shareholding

There are certain types of activities that are reserved for Saudi nationals only. The list is issued by MISA and amended from time to time.

Singapore

Limited liability company

Shareholders: none.

Directors: minimum requirement of 1 director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore.

South Africa

There are no nationality or residency requirements; however, the fact that the directors or shareholders of the company are not residents of South Africa must be declared.

South Korea

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

None.

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

None.

Spain

None. Tax efficiency considerations to be borne in mind for directors and officers.

Sweden

Limited company (aktiebolag, AB)

  • Founder (unless granted an exemption by the SCRO):
    • A natural person domiciled within the European Economic Area
    • A Swedish legal entity or
    • A legal entity which has been formed pursuant to the laws of a state within the European Economic Area and which has its registered office, its head office or its principal place of business within the Area.
  • Shareholders:
    • None,
  • Directors (unless granted an exemption by the SCRO):
    • Not less than 1/2 of directors and, where applicable, deputy directors, respectively, must be resident within the European Economic Area.
  • Managing director (unless granted an exemption by the SCRO):
    • Required to be resident within the European Economic Area.

Trading partnership (handelsbolag, HB)

There are no nationality or residency requirements in relation to partners.

However, a partner who is not registered in the Swedish population register must submit a certified copy of their passport or other official identity document with the application.

If the partner is a foreign legal entity, a certified copy of a certificate of registration must be submitted with the application.

Limited partnership (kommanditbolag, KB)

  • There are no nationality or residency requirements in relation to partners.
  • However, a partner who is not registered in Swedish population register must submit a certified copy of their passport or other official identity document with the application.
  • If the partner is a foreign legal entity, a certified copy of a certificate of registration must be submitted with the application.

Branch office (filial, Branch)

  • A managing director and, if applicable, any deputy managing directors must be resident within the EEA unless granted an exemption by the SCRO.

Switzerland

Stock corporation

At least 1 director or officer with single signatory power or 2 directors or officers with joint signatory power by 2 must be resident in Switzerland.

Taiwan, China

Company limited by shares

The nationality and residency requirements of an FIA company are exempt, provided that a Mainland Chinese (PRC) national is not permitted to act as the director or supervisor.

Closely-held company limited by shares

The nationality and residency requirements of an FIA company are exempt; provided that a PRC national is not permitted to act as the director or supervisor.

Limited company

The nationality and residency requirements of an FIA company are exempt, provided that a PRC national is not permitted to act as the director.

Branch office of a foreign company

The nationality and residency requirements are exempt, provided that a PRC national is not permitted to act as the designated representative of the foreign head office or branch manager.

Thailand

Private limited company

Unless the company's business is subject to certain specific laws, no nationality or residency requirements for shareholders or directors of the company.

Public limited company

Unless the company's business is subject to certain specific laws, no nationality or residency requirements for shareholders of the company. Board of directors must consist of at least 5 directors to conduct business of a company, not less than 1/2 of directors must reside within Thailand.

Partnerships

No nationality or residency requirements for partners or managing partners of the partnership.

Turkey

Not applicable, except for the BOs and sector-specific requirements.

Ukraine

Limited Liability Company

A person to be appointed as the director of the company should be a Ukrainian national at the stage of company’s incorporation. Once the company is incorporated, the director who is a Ukrainian national can be replaced with a director who is a foreign national subject to prior obtaining of a work permit. Work permit is also required for any other company’s officers or employees who are foreign citizens.

There are no nationality or residency requirements for company’s shareholders.

Private Joint-Stock Company

A person to be appointed as the director of the company should be a Ukrainian national at the stage of company’s incorporation. Once the company is incorporated, the director who is a Ukrainian national can be replaced with the director who is a foreign national subject to prior obtaining of a work permit. Work permit is also required for any other company’s officers or employees who are foreign citizens.

There are no nationality or residency requirements for company’s shareholders.

United Arab Emirates

LLC

A UAE national or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals must hold at least 51 percent of the shares (with the exception of single-shareholder companies with GCC ownership and exemptions under FDI). No more nationality restrictions are applicable to shareholders except for activities falling within the strategic list. No nationality restrictions when appointing a manager/director/officer. As noted earlier, this requirement is subject to the implementation.

Branch

Not applicable. No nationality restrictions when appointing a general manager.

FZ-LLC

No nationality restrictions. In most free zones, at least the manager (who is named on the license of the company) should have a UAE visa issued through the company (although it is not mandatory that he/she should reside in the UAE but they will need to visit at least once in 6 months to maintain the validity of his visa). In some free zones, there is no requirement for the manager to have a UAE visa. 

FZ-Branch

Not applicable. In most free zones, the general manager (who is named on the license of the company) should have a UAE visa issued through the branch (although it is not mandatory that they should reside in the UAE but they will need to visit at least once in 6 months to maintain the validity of his visa). In some free zones, there is no requirement for the manager to have a UAE visa. 

Dual Licensee Branch

Same as Branch.

United Kingdom

Private limited company

None. Requirement that at least 1 director is a natural person.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

Not applicable.

Registered UK establishment

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

United States

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Vietnam

In general, the company is required to have at least 1 legal representative residing in Vietnam.

Further, if the company is conducting certain conditional business lines (eg, aviation), the nationality or residence of shareholders, directors and officers may be required.