For a foreign company entering Colombia, choosing the right legal structure can feel like a technical incorporation question. In practice, it is a much bigger decision. A branch or a subsidiary in Colombia can determine who bears commercial liabilities, how the local operation is governed, how capital moves between Colombia and the parent company, and […]
For many foreign investors, one of the first questions about entering Colombia is surprisingly simple: Do I need a Colombian partner? The answer is no. A foreign individual or company can generally establish and own a Colombian business without giving shares to a Colombian citizen. Colombia’s simplified stock company, or SAS, can be incorporated by
When an international company enters into a commercial agreement involving Colombia, one of the questions that often appears near the end of the negotiation is also one of the most important: Which law will govern the contract? A foreign company may assume that the parties can simply choose the law of their preferred jurisdiction, particularly
Foreign companies often believe that avoiding incorporation in Colombia means avoiding Colombian taxes. Unfortunately, that assumption can become a very expensive mistake. As international businesses expand into new markets, they frequently begin with relatively limited operations. They hire a local consultant, appoint a country manager (check out our how-to guide here), lease a small office,
Expanding into Colombia does not always begin with incorporating a subsidiary or opening an office. For many international businesses, market entry starts with hiring local workforce. Perhaps a sales representative to explore commercial opportunities, a technical specialist to support existing clients, or a project manager to oversee local operations. Before making that first hire, however,
For many international companies, hiring a Country Manager is the first meaningful step toward establishing a presence in Colombia. Whether the goal is to explore market opportunities, build local partnerships, or launch operations, the Country Manager often becomes the face of the company in the market. Yet despite the importance of the role, many companies
Real estate investment opportunities in Colombia continue to draw sophisticated domestic and international capital because of legal protections for private property and openness to foreign buyers. After closing some tough deals in highly-demanded markets, the historical neighborhood of Getsemaní in Cartagena, for instance, transaction structure and risk management have risen as two factors that determine
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and while we’re looking forward to Colombian traditions and delicious food, we’re also focused on helping international entrepreneurs and business owners set up and run companies in Colombia smoothly and compliantly. The first quarter of every year is critical, both if you’re looking to incorporate a company
