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.
Let’s Make Your Move to Colombia Simple and Stress-Free.
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.
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.
We assess your situation and recommend the right legal entity — SAS, SA, Ltda, or foreign branch — based on your goals, timeline, and industry.
We draft your articles of incorporation, structure your share capital, define governance rules, and register your company with the Cámara de Comercio de Medellín.
We obtain your NIT and activate your RUT with the DIAN so your company is tax-compliant from day one.
We register your capital contribution with the Banco de la República — required for repatriation of funds and investor visa applications.
If you are not in Colombia, we prepare your apostilled power of attorney and manage the entire process on your behalf.
A clear, predictable process — so you know exactly where you stand at every stage.
We review your business model and goals, recommend the right legal structure, and give you a clear quote and timeline.
We draft your articles of incorporation, reserve your company name, handle Cámara de Comercio registration, and complete DIAN and Banco de la República filings.
You receive your full corporate file registration certificate, NIT, RUT, and a clear summary of your ongoing compliance obligations.
The SAS is the most widely used structure for foreign investors in Colombia. Understanding its strengths and limitations helps you make the right decision.
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.
Private document only — no notary required. Fast and cost-effective.
Private document unless real estate is contributed as capital, which requires a public deed.
Document registered with Cámara de Comercio → legal personality acquired → NIT & RUT with DIAN.
We review your situation, recommend the right structure, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. We respond within 24 hours.
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.
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.
No. The SAS has no minimum capital requirement. You define the initial capital in the articles of incorporation.
No. The SAS has no minimum capital requirement. You define the initial capital in the articles of incorporation.
Two to three weeks when all documents are in order. The bank account step can add additional time depending on the bank.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please tell us with which topic do you need assistance?