The S.A.S. is the standard entity for foreign investors in Colombia — flexible, tax-efficient, and built for one or many shareholders. Our legal team manages the entire formation on your behalf so you can focus on building your business.
Colombia's S.A.S. is the most popular corporate structure for good reason. Here's why nearly every foreign entrepreneur chooses it.
The Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (S.A.S.) was introduced by Law 1258 of 2008 and has since become the dominant entity type in Colombia. Over 90% of new companies registered with the Chambers of Commerce are S.A.S. entities — and for foreign investors, it is almost always the right choice.
Limited liability is built in from day one. Shareholders are only liable up to the amount of their capital contributions, protecting personal assets from business debts. Unlike the traditional S.A. or S.R.L., the S.A.S. can be formed by a single shareholder — no need for a Colombian partner or a minimum board of directors.
There is no minimum capital requirement, which makes it ideal for startups, consultants, and remote businesses establishing a Colombian presence. The bylaws — known as Estatutos — are highly customizable, allowing you to define governance, share classes, and transfer restrictions to suit your specific situation.
For foreign nationals, the S.A.S. also serves as the foundation for obtaining a business visa (Type M or V), registering foreign investment with the Banco de la República, and establishing proper tax residency through the DIAN. We structure every incorporation with these downstream requirements in mind.
Our incorporation package covers every step from document drafting to your first invoice. No hidden fees, no surprise extras.
Tailored Estatutos drafted by our legal team covering governance, capital structure, share classes, and transfer restrictions specific to your business.
Full registration with the DIAN to obtain your company's tax identification number (NIT) and taxpayer registry (RUT), including activity code selection.
Registration with the local Cámara de Comercio including the commercial registry (Matrícula Mercantil), certificate of existence, and legal representation filing.
Coordination with Colombian banks to open a corporate account. We prepare the documentation, schedule the appointment, and guide you through KYC requirements.
Setup of DIAN-compliant Facturación Electrónica through an authorized provider. Mandatory for all Colombian companies — we get you operational from day one.
Filing with the RUB (Registro Único de Beneficiarios Finales) as required by DIAN. We report your ultimate beneficial ownership structure and handle annual updates.
A clear, five-step approach. Our attorneys and accountants keep you informed at every stage and represent you in all interactions with government entities.
We assess your business model, shareholding structure, and visa needs to determine the optimal S.A.S. configuration.
Our legal team drafts the bylaws, powers of attorney, and all formation documents tailored to your situation.
Documents are authenticated and filed with the Chamber of Commerce. Your company officially comes into existence.
We register your S.A.S. with the tax authority, obtain the NIT/RUT, select activity codes, and set up your tax obligations.
Corporate bank account opening, electronic invoicing activation, and RUB filing. Your S.A.S. is ready to operate.
When a non-Colombian individual or entity holds shares in a Colombian S.A.S., additional regulatory requirements apply beyond standard incorporation. Understanding these obligations from the outset prevents costly compliance issues later.
Foreign investment registration with the Banco de la República is mandatory. Every capital contribution made by a foreign shareholder — whether in cash, in-kind, or through retained earnings — must be registered through the Inversión Extranjera regime. This registration protects your right to repatriate profits and recover capital.
All international fund movements require a Declaración de Cambio (exchange rate declaration), filed through the intermediary bank handling the transfer. This applies to incoming investment capital, dividend distributions, loan proceeds, and service payments between related parties across borders.
For multi-nationality structures — common among digital nomads and serial entrepreneurs — we analyze double taxation treaties, permanent establishment risk, and transfer pricing implications. Colombia has active treaties with Spain, the UK, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and several other jurisdictions. Proper structuring can significantly reduce withholding tax on dividends and royalties.
We advise on and manage all foreign investment regulatory compliance as part of the incorporation engagement — including Inversión Extranjera registration, Declaración de Cambio preparation, and coordination with your home-country advisors where cross-border tax planning is involved.
One flat fee covers the complete incorporation engagement. Government fees and notary costs are included in our quote.
Everything from bylaws to bank account. Government fees included.
Yes. Colombian law allows a single shareholder to form and fully own a S.A.S. There is no requirement for a Colombian partner, local nominee, or minimum number of shareholders. A foreign individual or legal entity can hold 100% of the shares.
The full process typically takes 3 to 5 weeks from start to finish. This includes document drafting, notarization, Chamber of Commerce registration, NIT/RUT assignment by DIAN, and bank account opening. Timelines can vary based on bank processing and document availability.
No. Through a power of attorney (poder), the entire process can be handled remotely. The power of attorney must be notarized and apostilled in your country of residence. However, some banks may require an in-person visit for account opening, which we can coordinate around your travel schedule.
There is no minimum capital requirement for a Colombian S.A.S. You can set the authorized capital at any amount and pay in subscribed capital over time. This makes the S.A.S. one of the most flexible entity types in Latin America for startup founders and small business owners.
After incorporation, a S.A.S. must file monthly tax returns (IVA and withholding), maintain NIIF-compliant accounting records, file an annual income tax return, renew the commercial registration annually with the Chamber of Commerce, update the RUB (Beneficial Ownership Registry), and issue electronic invoices for all transactions. We offer monthly retainer plans that cover all of this.
Yes. Once your S.A.S. is registered and has an active NIT, you can hire employees under Colombian labor law. This includes obligations for prestaciones sociales (social benefits), health insurance (EPS), pension (AFP), occupational risk insurance (ARL), and payroll taxes. We handle full payroll setup and management.
The RUB (Registro Único de Beneficiarios Finales) is Colombia's Beneficial Ownership Registry, administered by DIAN. All Colombian legal entities must report their ultimate beneficial owners — the natural persons who directly or indirectly own or control 5% or more of the company. Non-compliance carries significant fines. We handle the initial filing and annual updates.
Talk to our team about your S.A.S. formation. We'll walk you through the process, timeline, and costs — no obligation.