Company Incorporation & SAS Structuring in Colombia
Incorporating a company in Colombia is simpler than you think. Find out which structure fits your business, what documents you need, and how we set up your SAS from start to finish — in English and German.
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Company Incorporation & SAS Structuring in Colombia
Setting up a company in Colombia as a foreigner is entirely possible and for most investors, the SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is the right way to do it. Colombia does not restrict foreign ownership of local companies. You can own 100% of a Colombian SAS, form it remotely through a power of attorney, and have it operational in two to three weeks. The process involves registering with the Cámara de Comercio, obtaining your NIT from the DIAN, and — if bringing capital from abroad — registering your foreign investment with the Banco de la República. At Lynceus Law Firm, we handle company incorporation in Colombia for English and German speaking investors from our office in Medellín. We manage every step so you can focus on your business, not the paperwork.
What We Do — Company Incorporation Services in Colombia
We manage every step of your Colombian company registration from structure advice to DIAN compliance so you can focus on your business, not the paperwork.
Business Structure Advice
We assess your situation and recommend the right legal entity — SAS, SA, Ltda, or foreign branch — based on your goals, timeline, and industry.
SAS formation and structuring
We draft your articles of incorporation, structure your share capital, define governance rules, and register your company with the Cámara de Comercio de Medellín.
DIAN registration
We obtain your NIT and activate your RUT with the DIAN so your company is tax-compliant from day one.
Foreign investment registration
We register your capital contribution with the Banco de la República — required for repatriation of funds and investor visa applications.
Remote formation support
If you are not in Colombia, we prepare your apostilled power of attorney and manage the entire process on your behalf.
Our Process — 3 Steps to Incorporate Your Company in Colombia
A clear, predictable process — so you know exactly where you stand at every stage.
Consultation & structure recommendation
We review your business model and goals, recommend the right legal structure, and give you a clear quote and timeline.
Document preparation & registration
We draft your articles of incorporation, reserve your company name, handle Cámara de Comercio registration, and complete DIAN and Banco de la República filings.
Handover & compliance setup
You receive your full corporate file registration certificate, NIT, RUT, and a clear summary of your ongoing compliance obligations.
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Colombian S.A.S.
The SAS is the most widely used structure for foreign investors in Colombia. Understanding its strengths and limitations helps you make the right decision.
What Is an S.A.S. and How Does It Work?
The SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is a simplified stock company governed by Law 1258 of 2008. It has its own legal personality separate from its shareholders — the company’s obligations are not your personal obligations.
It can be formed by one or more shareholders — natural persons or legal entities, Colombian or foreign — with no minimum capital requirement.
When there is a single founder, it can be incorporated through a private document without a notary deed, saving time and cost.
Incorporation Process
Single Founder
Private document only — no notary required. Fast and cost-effective.
Multiple Founders
Private document unless real estate is contributed as capital, which requires a public deed.
Post-Registration
Document registered with Cámara de Comercio → legal personality acquired → NIT & RUT with DIAN.
- Disadvantages and Risks of an S.A.S. in Colombia
- Risk of Improper Use: Flexibility can be abused. When courts find fraudulent use, the corporate veil can be pierced and shareholders held personally liable.
- Governance Drift: Without mandatory board meetings or a revisor fiscal, companies can fall into poor documentation habits and compliance gaps.
- Full Tax Exposure: Corporate income tax, IVA, ICA, and payroll contributions apply in full — same as all other Colombian company structures.
- Main Advantages of Setting Up an S.A.S. in Colombia
- Agile Incorporation & Reduced Costs: No notary required for single-founder formations. Full formation in two to three weeks when documents are ready.
- Flexible & Autonomy: Define your own share classes, voting rights, and profit distribution. No mandatory board below size thresholds.
- Asset Protection: Genuine limited liability — personal assets protected from company obligations as long as corporate form is properly maintained.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No nationality or residency requirements. Can be formed remotely through a power of attorney.
Start Your Company Incorporation in Colombia — Consultation
We review your situation, recommend the right structure, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. We respond within 24 hours.
When and When Not — to Use an S.A.S.
Use an SAS when: you are a solo founder or small team, want flexible governance, are entering Colombia for the first time, operate in tech, services, real estate, tourism, or BPO, or need a fast low-cost formation.
Consider alternatives when: you need multiple institutional shareholders (SA may be better), operate in a heavily regulated sector with specific capital requirements, or require a formal governance framework from day one.
Why Company Incorporation in Colombia Matters for Foreign Investors
Operating informally in Colombia — invoicing as an individual, working on a tourist visa, or running a business without DIAN registration — creates serious legal and tax exposure. A properly incorporated Colombian company gives you the legal foundation to invoice clients, hire employees, open a corporate bank account, register foreign investment, and apply for an investor visa. It also separates your personal assets from your business liabilities. Getting the structure right from the start is far cheaper than fixing problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Incorporation in Colombia
Can an S.A.S. have only one shareholder?
No. The SAS has no minimum capital requirement. You define the initial capital in the articles of incorporation.
Is there a minimum capital requirement to incorporate an S.A.S.?
No. The SAS has no minimum capital requirement. You define the initial capital in the articles of incorporation.
How long does the incorporation process take?
Two to three weeks when all documents are in order. The bank account step can add additional time depending on the bank.
Is a lawyer required to incorporate an S.A.S. in Colombia?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended — especially for foreign investors. Errors in the articles of incorporation or missed registrations (DIAN, Banco de la República) create problems that are expensive to fix later.
Can a foreigner open a company in Colombia without a visa?
Yes. There are no nationality or residency requirements for SAS shareholders. You can form the company remotely through a power of attorney. A visa is only required if you plan to live in Colombia to manage the business.
What are the tax obligations of an SAS in Colombia?
Corporate income tax, VAT (IVA), industry and commerce tax (ICA), and payroll contributions if the company has employees. The same obligations apply to all Colombian companies regardless of structure.
Does an SAS need a revisor fiscal?
Only if it meets specific size thresholds set by law — which most small and medium foreign-owned companies do not. Below those thresholds, no revisor fiscal is required.
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