How to Set Up a Company in Colombia (2026): 9 Steps

If you’re planning to set up a company in Colombia, understanding the legal requirements, incorporation process, and ongoing compliance obligations is essential before entering the market.

For most foreign investors, the Simplified Stock Company (S.A.S.) remains the preferred legal structure thanks to its flexibility, limited liability, and ability to be wholly foreign-owned.

Whether you are expanding your operations, opening a subsidiary, or entering the Colombian market for the first time, understanding the incorporation process and local compliance requirements is essential for a successful market entry.

This guide explains how to form a company in Colombia, the legal requirements and the key considerations for foreign investors in 2026.

What Has Changed for Foreign Investors in 2026?

• The S.A.S. continues to be the preferred vehicle for most foreign investors.
• Colombia continues to allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
• Companies should ensure their foreign investment is properly registered with the Banco de la República when applicable to preserve repatriation rights and comply with foreign investment regulations

Are you interested in setting up a company in Colombia? Here you’ll find a list of all steps you need to follow, to comply with the law.

1. Identify and select the right company type

Selecting the right type of company in Colombia is the first and one of the most important steps in order to open your business. There are some advantages and disadvantages to each type, but to choose one, it is necessary to think about the objectives and goals of the company, as well as the requirements.

It is also important to keep in mind what is the type of business the company is pursuing.

The 3 most common types of companies in Colombia are:

• • Simplified stock company or Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (S.A.S.): one or more shareholders, no minimum capital, formed by private document, with up to 2 years to pay in the capital.

  • Corporation or Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): at least 5 shareholders, none holding 95% or more, a board of at least 3 members and a statutory auditor.

  • Limited liability partnership or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (Ltda.): 2 to 25 partners, capital fully paid in at formation, formed by public deed.

2. Search for the availability of the name in the RUES (Registro Único Empresarial y Social)

This is an important step to incorporate in Colombia. The RUES (Registro Único Empresarial y Social) is the chambers of commerce’s public database, run by Confecámaras. This platform allows you to search for any other companies with the same name as yours. It is important to remember that the name of the company is not required to be the same as the name of the brand, product, or service offered to the market.

3. Elaboration and signature of power of attorney

You can incorporate a company in Colombia remotely! If your shareholders are not present in Colombia, a Power of Attorney will be required that allows your legal representative to carry out the process locally. This Power of Attorney has to be signed by the corresponding party.

Also, consider that for foreign shareholders, additional documentation will be required.

All documentation that comes from abroad must be duly legalized and apostilled (if applicable), and these hard-copy documents must be sent to Colombia. Finally, consider that documentation that is not in Spanish, will require translations to be accepted by the local agencies.

Although this step might sound time-consuming, it is a standard part of setting up a company in Colombia when the shareholders are abroad.

4. Prepare and draft the company’s bylaws

The bylaws documentation allows for the constitution of the company in Colombia. This document is going to work as the backbone of the company and rule the way it is run. Consider this document has to include:

• Company name

• Legal Representative information

• Share capital information

• Company activities

• Registered/ Legal address

• Management structure

• Extinction and liquidation details

• Other general dispositions

An S.A.S. is formed by private document, without a notary; a Ltda. or S.A. is formed by public deed before a notary. We recommend having a Colombian lawyer review the bylaws so they cover everything the law requires. At the bottom of this article, you can learn how Easyco can help.

5. Prepare the RUT information for the Chamber of Commerce

A new company does not get a tax ID from DIAN before it exists. Its tax details go on the RUT information form (often called the pre-RUT form), which is filed with the bylaws at the Chamber of Commerce. When the Chamber registers the company, it also registers it in the RUT (Registro Único Tributario) kept by the DIAN, the national tax and customs authority, and the company receives its NIT.

6. Register the company with the Chamber of Commerce

Once you have the name of the company and all the required documents, it’s time to register it with your corresponding Chamber of Commerce. This entity is responsible for the creation and regulation of all companies in Colombia.

When visiting the Chamber of Commerce, you need to bring the following requirements:

• Original identification document of the legal representative of the company

• Single Tax Registry (RUT) information Form

• Single Business and Social Registry (RUES) Information Form

• Other application forms available at the Chamber of Commerce location

• Constitution document of your Colombian company

Consider that all of the forms have to be completed and signed by your legal representative. Afterward, the Colombian Chamber of Commerce will be the one responsible for revising and approving the registration of your company. Once approved, your company formation in Colombia is completed.

7. Get the NIT and complete the RUT with DIAN

Once the company is registered, it appears in the RUT kept by the DIAN, and its NIT, which stands for ‘ Número de Identificación Tributaria’ in Spanish. This number serves as an official identification number for the company.

The RUT starts as provisional. The company completes it with DIAN, usually by providing a bank account certificate, and then sets up electronic invoicing, which is mandatory in Colombia. Capital sent from abroad comes in through the foreign exchange market and is registered with the Banco de la República as foreign investment.

Once your company has been incorporated, it’s also important to understand the tax benefits available to companies operating in Colombia, as these may influence your corporate structure and long-term planning.

8. Register your company books

A crucial step to complete once your company is registered in Colombia is to register your company’s statutory books.

This is a requirement carried out in the Chamber of Commerce and as stipulated in Decree 019 of 2012, the official statutory company books that have to be registered by any company in commerce are:

• Registry of Shareholders and owners of the company

• Minutes and Shareholder Meetings

• Depending on your company or association, other statutory books might be required

Non-compliance may result in sanctions from the regulatory agencies of companies, these are:

• Financial Superintendence (Superintendencia Financiera)
• Superintendency of Companies (Superintendencia de Sociedades)
• Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio)
• Registration has to be completed within the timeline established by the law, otherwise surcharges and additional interests will be generated in your registry tax. This is the most effective method of control, organization and updating of the legal entity.

9. Open your Company Bank Account

Finally, It is important to choose the right bank according to the company’s needs. Open corporate bank account in Colombia once the company is registered at the Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, it must already have the Tax Identification Number assigned.

Each bank offers different types of accounts with many benefits depending on the agreement and goals of the company. We recommend that the bank offers good pricing structures for international transactions.

Also, it is important to consider that some banks may have foreign transaction restrictions for companies that have foreign shareholders. It is crucial to take this into account as part of your company establishment strategy, as identifying a bank that has flexible policies will determine when your new company can start its operations.

Get Assistance from Easyco Experts!

Setting up a company in Colombia is a straightforward process when planned correctly. Choosing the appropriate legal structure, preparing compliant documentation, and understanding ongoing corporate obligations will help ensure a smooth market entry. Also, If you plan to operate under a brand name, you should also consider registering your trademark in Colombia to secure your intellectual property rights.

At Easyco, we assist international companies with company formation, payroll, accounting, corporate compliance, and ongoing business support throughout Colombia and across Latin America. Contact us to discuss your project.