Lebanon has a strategic geographical location, especially suited to international businesses and import/export companies. Lebanon offers a wide range of investment opportunities in the majority of its business sectors.
Before deciding to do business in the country, investors are advised to take note of the main Lebanon company formation steps.
Our agents who specialize in company formation Lebanon can assist you during the entire corporate registration process, regardless of the chosen type of legal entity.
Types of companies in Lebanon
Investors in Lebanon have access to different Lebanese business entities. The choice depends on the type of business, its size and plans for expansion and also on the available capital.
The most common types of companies in Lebanon are the following:
– the limited liability company;
– the joint stock company;
– the partnership, either general or limited;
– the holding company;
– the branch office and the representative office.
Investors may also choose to open offshore companies in Lebanon. They are a special type of joint stock company used for specific purposes, generally related to international investments and business activities that are exercised outside of the country. There are a set of prohibited activities for these types of companies.
Investors who open company in Lebanon should pay attention to the different particularities of each type of legal entity. The branch and representative office are suited for international businesses, however, some investors may prefer to register a limited liability company because it offers a greater degree of freedom and is not dependent on the foreign corporation.
Company registration in Lebanon
The Lebanon company formation process includes several steps before the actual registration with the Lebanese authorities. These are the following:
– drawing up the company’s Articles of Association;
– assembling the Board of Directors to appoint an auditor and a legal adviser;
– open a bank account and deposit the capital.
After these steps are complete, the registration phase includes the following:
– fill in the Commercial Circular and sign it as needed;
– fill in the company registration application form;
– submit the company’s constitutive documents, the Commercial Circular and certificate of capital deposit as well as the Minutes of the Board and copies of the shareholder’s identification documents with the Trade Register;
– pay the stamp duty and other applicable fees.
After all of the documents are submitted and processed, the Certificate of Incorporation is released and the company also received a tax identification number.
The entire Lebanon company formation phase can last four weeks, at most, depending on the type of company.
You can contact our agents who specialize in company registration in Lebanon for special assistance during the company formation phase or for any questions regarding investments in the country.