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Colombia Company Formation

Establish your business in one of Latin America's fastest-growing economies. Access strategic markets, skilled workforce, and government incentives in the gateway to the Americas.

Why Choose Colombia for Business?

Discover the strategic advantages of establishing your company in Colombia.

Gateway to Latin America

Strategic location connecting North and South America with access to both Pacific and Atlantic coasts for global trade.

Diverse Growing Economy

Strong sectors in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and a rapidly expanding technology and services sector.

Young & Skilled Workforce

Large, educated workforce with growing expertise in technology, engineering, and bilingual capabilities.

Pro-Business Reforms

Government initiatives to improve ease of doing business, reduce bureaucracy, and attract foreign investment.

Competitive Operating Costs

Lower operational costs compared to developed markets while maintaining quality infrastructure and services.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Growing startup ecosystem with government support for innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurship.

Colombia Formation Packages

Choose the perfect package for your business needs and growth objectives.

Most Popular
Essential SAS Formation

Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS) formation, the most popular and flexible entity for entrepreneurs and SMEs.

$2750
3-4 Weeks
Simplified Joint Stock Company (S.A.S.)
Min Capital: No Minimum Required
  • Company Name Verification & Reservation
  • Private Document Preparation (SAS)
  • Chamber of Commerce Registration
  • Tax Registration (RUT) with DIAN
  • Industry & Commerce Registration
  • Basic Corporate Documentation
  • Registered Office Service (1st Year)
  • Initial Legal Compliance Guidance
Business Pro Package

Comprehensive SAS formation with banking support, accounting setup, and full operational guidance for active businesses.

$4500
4-6 Weeks
S.A.S. with Full Support
Min Capital: No Minimum Required
  • All Essential Formation Services
  • Enhanced Articles of Incorporation
  • Colombian Banking Introduction & Support
  • Accounting & Bookkeeping Setup
  • VAT Registration (if applicable)
  • Labor Ministry Registration
  • Professional Office Address
  • Dedicated Colombian Project Manager
  • Initial Tax Planning Consultation
  • Business License Guidance
SA Corporation Package

Traditional corporation (SA) formation for larger enterprises requiring formal governance structure and public investment.

$6750
6-10 Weeks
Corporation (S.A.)
Min Capital: Varies by Sector
  • All Business Pro Services
  • Corporation (S.A.) Formation
  • Enhanced Capital Structure
  • Board of Directors Setup
  • Statutory Auditor Appointment
  • Share Certificate Issuance
  • Advanced Corporate Governance
  • Colombian Stock Exchange Preparation
  • Investor Relations Framework
  • Legal Counsel Coordination
  • Advanced Compliance Management
Free Trade Zone Package

Specialized formation for companies operating in Colombian Free Trade Zones with enhanced tax benefits and export focus.

$8500
8-12 Weeks
Free Trade Zone Company
Min Capital: Varies by Zone
  • All SA Corporation Services
  • Free Trade Zone Application
  • Special Tax Regime Registration
  • Export-Import License Support
  • Customs & Trade Compliance
  • International Banking Coordination
  • Logistics & Warehouse Setup
  • Export Incentive Optimization
  • Trade Agreement Utilization
  • Ongoing FTZ Compliance
  • International Trade Advisory

Colombian Business Structures

Choose the right legal entity for your business objectives.

Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (S.A.S.)

The most popular and flexible business structure in Colombia, ideal for startups, SMEs, and foreign investors seeking operational flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Can be formed by one or more shareholders
  • Flexible capital structure with no minimum requirement
  • Simple governance structure with management flexibility
  • Limited liability protection for shareholders
  • Easy transfer of shares
  • Can be formed through private document

Advantages:

Quick formationOperational flexibilityCost-effectiveSuitable for most businesses
Sociedad Anónima (S.A.)

Traditional corporation structure suitable for larger businesses, public companies, and those requiring formal governance structures.

Key Features:

  • Requires minimum three shareholders
  • Formal board of directors required
  • Statutory auditor appointment mandatory
  • Share certificates must be issued
  • More complex governance requirements
  • Can access public capital markets

Advantages:

Access to capital marketsFormal structureInvestor confidencePublic company option
Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (Ltda.)

Limited liability company structure for smaller businesses with restricted ownership transfer and partnership-like management.

Key Features:

  • Minimum two and maximum 25 partners
  • Limited liability for partners
  • Restricted transfer of ownership interests
  • Partnership-style management
  • Lower administrative requirements
  • Suitable for family businesses

Advantages:

Simple structureFamily business friendlyLower complianceStable ownership

Thriving Business Sectors

Colombia offers opportunities across diverse and growing industries.

Technology & Software

Growing IT sector with government support and international outsourcing opportunities

Agriculture & Food

World-class coffee, flowers, and diverse agricultural products with export potential

Mining & Energy

Rich natural resources including oil, coal, gold, and growing renewable energy sector

Manufacturing

Diverse manufacturing base with automotive, textiles, and consumer goods production

Tourism & Services

Expanding tourism industry and professional services sector

Financial Services

Sophisticated financial sector with regional banking and fintech growth

Free Trade Zone Opportunities

Access significant tax benefits and export incentives through Colombian Free Trade Zones.

Zona Franca de Bogotá

Bogotá

Services, technology, logistics

Key Benefits:

  • 0% income tax for first 5 years
  • 15% thereafter
  • Duty-free imports
  • Export incentives
Zona Franca del Pacífico

Valle del Cauca

Manufacturing, logistics, automotive

Key Benefits:

  • Strategic Pacific coast location
  • Tax incentives
  • Export processing
  • Manufacturing focus
Zona Franca de Barranquilla

Barranquilla

Port operations, logistics, manufacturing

Key Benefits:

  • Caribbean coast access
  • Port facilities
  • Regional distribution
  • Trade facilitation

Colombian Formation Process

Step-by-step guide to establishing your company in Colombia.

1

Company Name Verification

Check name availability with the Chamber of Commerce and reserve the chosen company name for registration.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare articles of incorporation and other required documents. For SAS, this can be done via private document; for SA, public deed required.

3

Chamber of Commerce Registration

Register the company with the local Chamber of Commerce and obtain the commercial registration certificate.

4

Tax Registration (RUT)

Register with DIAN (tax authority) to obtain the tax identification number (RUT) and activate tax obligations.

5

Industry & Commerce Registration

Register for local Industry & Commerce tax with the municipal authority where the company will operate.

6

Bank Account Opening

Open corporate bank account with Colombian bank and complete any required capital deposits.

Colombian Tax Overview

Understanding the tax framework for Colombian companies.

Tax TypeRateDescription
Corporate Income Tax35%Standard rate for resident companies on worldwide income
Non-Resident Tax35%Tax on Colombian-source income for non-resident companies
VAT (IVA)19%Value-added tax on goods and services
Industry & Commerce Tax0.2%-1%Municipal tax on gross income, varies by municipality and activity
Withholding TaxVariousDifferent rates apply depending on type of payment and recipient

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Colombian company formation.

Ready to Enter the Colombian Market?

Join thousands of international businesses that have chosen Colombia for growth. Our experts will guide you through every step of the process.