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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

Required and optional officers

Argentina

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Australia

Branch

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Proprietary company

A proprietary company may choose (but is not required) to have one or more company secretaries, at least one of whom must ordinarily reside in Australia.

Public company

A public company must have at least 1 company secretary, who must ordinarily reside in Australia.

Austria

Stock corporation (AG)

A management board and supervisory board are required; in addition, a holder of special power of representation (called a Prokurist) may be appointed by the management board with the approval of the supervisory board.

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

Managing directors and, as the case may be, a supervisory board, are required; in addition, a holder of special power of representation (called a Prokurist) may be appointed by the managing directors.

Bahrain

With Limited Liability (WLL)

No officers strictly required.

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

No officers strictly required.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

No officers strictly required.

Belgium

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Brazil

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

The quotaholders may set forth in the articles of association different functions to be attributed to each manager.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

At least 1 officer, with no specific designation, is required. The functions to be attributed to each officer may be established in the bylaws.

Canada

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

Officers are not strictly required. ‎Typically, a President and Secretary is appointed, which may be the same individual; any other officer is allowed but not required.

Chile

The board of corporations shall appoint 1 or more managers. One of them will be the CEO. The board is free to appoint any additional officers.

China

Typically a general manager and a finance manager are required; any other optional officer, such as the deputy general manager, is allowed.

Colombia

Legal representative is required.

Czech Republic

Limited liability company

Required are managing directors and, as the case may be, a supervisory board; in addition, a holder of special power of representation (so-called prokurista) may be appointed (by way of proxy granting by the company with approval of shareholders).

Joint stock company

Required:

  • Management board and a supervisory board or
  • An administrative board.

In addition, a holder of special power of representation (so-called prokurista) may be appointed (by way of proxy granting by the company with approval of shareholders).

Denmark

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

In a public limited company, the board of directors or the supervisory board need to appoint its chairman unless otherwise provided in the company’s articles of association.

Egypt

JSC

Minimum of 3 board members. The general assembly meeting must be attended by at least 3 board members. A company's AoA may provide the number of BoD meetings to be held per year.

LLC

At least 1 manager is required who is appointed for the first time by the quotaholders. If the number of quotaholders is more than 10, then control must be entrusted to a BoC, consisting of a minimum of 3 quotaholders as determined in the AoI. No minimum number of meetings per year.

OPC

Not applicable for this jurisdiction. However, the founder appoints manager(s) to manage the company, determines their authorities and ratifies their signatures. Such manager(s) will represent the company before courts and third parties and be responsible to the founder.

Branch

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

RO

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Finland

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

Where the board consists of 2 or more directors, a chairman shall be appointed.

Managing director is optional.

The board of directors may appoint 1 or more specially authorized signatories with authority to represent and sign on behalf of the company (no decision-making powers).

France

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

Only one president is required by law. Possibility to appoint (if it is provided in the bylaws) managing directors, deputy managing directors or a collegial governing body.

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

Typically one or more manager(s) is/are required; any other optional officer is not allowed.

Société anonyme (SA)

Board of directors: one individual to be the chairman of the board and CEO or 2 individuals to be chairman and CEO respectively is/are required. The board may appoint, upon CEO’s proposal, one or more persons to act as deputy managing directors (Directeurs Généraux Délégués).

Executive board: an executive board comprises generally 2 to 5 members who shall be individuals.

A managing director (Directeur Général) may be appointed by the supervisory board with full authority to represent the company vis-à-vis third parties, if the bylaws so provide. If stated capital is under EUR150,000, the executive board may be composed of only one person referred to as sole managing director (Directeur Général Unique).

Germany

GmbH – limited liability company

None.

Greece

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Hong Kong, SAR

Limited private companies

None, except director and company secretary.

Hungary

Private company limited by shares (Zrt.)

At least 3 directors are required for the board of directors.

In addition, company managers may be appointed by shareholders to assist directors in the day-to-day operations of a corporate entity in accordance with the instructions of the directors.

Directors may also authorize employees of a corporate entity to represent the company on a permanent basis, such authorization must -however- be  limited in scope.

The auditor and supervisory board may additionally be appointed by shareholders. Appointment is mandatory in certain instances.

Limited liability company (Kft.)

At least 1 managing director is required.

In addition, company managers may be appointed by quotaholders to assist managing directors in the day-to-day operations of a corporate entity in accordance with the instructions of the managing director(s).

The managing director may also authorize employees of a company to represent the company on a permanent basis, such authorization must -however- be  limited in scope.

The auditor and supervisory board may also be appointed by shareholders. Appointment is mandatory in certain instances.

India

Private limited company

None.

Indonesia

Limited liability company

A company is legally required to have a board of directors and a board of commissioners.

Ireland

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

Directors and secretary are the only officers required under statute. The constitution may allow for the appointment of a managing director or other executive officer(s).

External company

Determined by the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation (see "Local Legal or Admin Representative Requirement").

Israel

Company

None required. Any optional officer is allowed.

Branch / representative office

Not applicable.

Italy

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

Applicable (eg, attorney in fact).

Japan

Registered branch

Depends on the governing law of the foreign company.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

An accounting auditor is required for a KK that has stated capital of at least JPY-500 million or liabilities of at least JPY-20 billion (this kind of KK is called a "large company"). An accounting auditor is optional for all forms of KKs.

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

None.

Luxembourg

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

None.

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

None.

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

None.

Malaysia

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Mauritius

Except for resident directors (1 for domestic companies and 2 for global business corporations) and for a company secretary (registered agent for an Authorized Company), there are no other obligations under Mauritius laws.

Mexico

S.A. de C.V.

All are optional.

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

All are optional.

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

All are optional.

Netherlands

Branch office

Determined by governing law of the head office.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

None required; optional officers (proxy holders) are allowed.

Co-operative U.A.

None required; optional officers (proxy holders) are allowed.

C.V. (a limited partnership)

None required; optional management committee members (proxy holders) are allowed.

New Zealand

Limited liability company

Not applicable for New Zealand.

Branch

Not applicable for New Zealand.

Nigeria

A small company is required to have at least 1 director, it is not required to have a company secretary or an external auditor. A public company is required to have at least 2 directors, a company secretary and an external auditor. It is, however, worthy to note that certain sector-specific regulations mandate the employment of specific officers in a company.

Norway

Private LLCs

It is not mandatory to have a general manager in private LLCs. CFO and COO are deemed as ordinary employees and are not mandatory.

Public LLCs

Public LLCs must have a general manager who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company. No other officer is mandatory. CFO and COO are deemed as ordinary employees and are not mandatory.

Partnerships with unlimited liability

It is not mandatory to have a general manager or any other officers in a partnerships.

Peru

The board of directors (and when not applicable, the shareholders’ or the partners’ meeting) shall appoint 1 or more managers. 1 of them will be the CEO. These corporate bodies are allowed to appoint any additional officers and legal representatives.

Philippines

Subsidiary

Required: president, treasurer and secretary.

OPC

Required: treasurer and secretary. The single shareholder is the sole director and president of the OPC. They may also act as the treasurer, but they cannot be the secretary.

Branch office, representative office, regional or area headquarters and regional operating headquarters

Required: resident agent.

Partnership

Not applicable.

Poland

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Portugal

Not applicable.

Puerto Rico

Corporations

President and secretary are required. All others are optional.

 Limited Liability Companies

None, unless otherwise required in the LLC's operating agreement.

Romania

Joint stock company (JSC)

3 censors and an alternate, unless a higher number is provided by the articles of association (odd number required).

Upon the fulfillment of certain conditions, appointment of financial auditors becomes mandatory.

Limited liability company (LLC)

Over 15 shareholders, appointment of 1 or more censors is mandatory.

Upon the fulfillment of certain conditions, appointment of financial auditors becomes mandatory.

Russia

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

Typically, an executive body (sole or sole and collective) and internal auditor (or audit commission) are required.

Limited liability company

Typically, an executive body (sole or collective) is required. An internal auditor (or audit commission) is required in a company with more than 15 members.

Saudi Arabia

Limited liability company

An LLC must have a resident general manager.

Singapore

Limited liability company

Required: 1 local resident director or nominee director, auditor (unless exempted) and secretary.

Optional: managing director and chief executive officer.

South Africa

Public company

A public company is required to appoint an external auditor, as well as a company secretary.

A public officer must be appointed for tax purposes.

Private company

A private company is required to appoint an external auditor if it is required in terms of the Companies Act or Regulations, or in terms of its MOI, to have its annual financial statements audited. It may appoint a company secretary but is not required to do so.

A public officer must be appointed for tax purposes.

South Korea

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

A joint-stock company is required to appoint a statutory auditor (or compose an auditing committee), unless the paid-in capital of the company is less than KRW1 billion.

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

A limited company is not required, but may appoint 1 or more statutory auditor(s).

Spain

Branch (Sucursal)

A branch does not have officers.

Limited liability company (Sociedad Limitada)

Spanish companies do not have an equivalent of officers, though powers may be delegated to attorneys. Chairman and secretary are required if there is a board; vice-chairman and vice-secretary are allowed and typically used.

Joint-stock company (Sociedad Anónima)

Spanish companies do not have an equivalent of officers, though powers may be delegated to attorneys. Chairman and secretary are required if there is a board; vice-chairman and vice-secretary are allowed and typically used.

Sweden

Limited company (aktiebolag, AB)

Where the board consists of 2 or more directors, a chairman shall be appointed by the board.

A managing director is required in public ABs and is optional in private ABs.

A person authorized to receive service of process shall be appointed by the board of directors, where none of the AB's authorized representatives is a resident in Sweden. Such person is not granted any other authority or decision-making powers.

The board of directors may appoint 1 or more special company signatories with authority to represent and sign on behalf of the company (no decision-making powers).

Trading partnership (handelsbolag, HB)

HB must have 2 or more partners.

Partners may appoint 1 or more special company signatories with authority to represent and sign on behalf of a company (no decision-making powers). In addition, a power of procuration (Prokura) can be issued to give a natural or legal person a right to represent a HB in all matters related to the business activities and before authorities and courts.

Limited partnership (kommanditbolag, KB)

A KB must have 2 or more partners.

Partners may appoint 1 or more special company signatories with authority to represent and sign on behalf of a company (no decision-making powers). In addition, a power of procuration (Prokura) may be issued to give a natural or legal person the right to represent a KB in all matters related to the business activities and before authorities and courts.

Branch office (filial, Branch)

A foreign company may choose to appoint deputy managing director(s).

Switzerland

Stock corporation

None required; any optional officer is allowed, if the board of directors is authorized to delegate powers in the articles of incorporation.

Taiwan, China

 

No required officers.

Thailand

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Turkey

Not applicable for this jurisdiction, apart from certain industries (eg, banking, insurance).

Ukraine

Joint-Stock Company

For directors, there is a statutory minimum requirement of 1 director in a two-tier governance structure and 3 directors in a one-tier governance structure, and there is no maximum number.

United Arab Emirates

LLC

No other officers strictly required.

Branch

Same as LLC.

FZ-LLC

No other officers strictly required.

FZ-Branch

Same as FZ-LLC.

Dual Licensee Branch

Same as branch.

United Kingdom

Private limited company

At least 1 director required. Appointment of secretary optional.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

Requirements governed by LLP Agreement.

Registered UK establishment

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

United States

Typically a President or CEO and a Secretary is appointed; any other officer is allowed, but not required in most states; certain states may require statutory officers such as President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.

Vietnam

Generally, the company is required to have at least 1 general director or director. Any other optional officer, such as the deputy general director or deputy director, is allowed.