Types of Companies in Ecuador (2026): SAS, Cía. Ltda., S.A.

What are the most common types of companies in Ecuador? Choosing the right legal structure is the first step to launching your business. The decision depends on how many owners you will have, the capital you will put in, and the nature of the activity.

Ecuador is a popular destination for business owners and investors: it offers clear company types under the Ley de Compañías, including the streamlined SAS, and foreigners can own 100% of ordinary commercial companies. Ready to incorporate? Follow our guide on how to set up a company in Ecuador.

Below we compare the main types of companies in Ecuador: SAS, Cía. Ltda., S.A. and foreign branch — owners, liability and capital rules for each.

Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS) — Simplified Stock Company

Recommended for most foreign founders.

• A SAS can be registered with one or more shareholders (individuals or companies).
• Compared with other Ecuadorian company types, the registration process is simpler and faster. It can be done electronically, semi-electronically, or in person.
• There is no legal minimum share capital. In practice Easyco typically suggests about USD 400, paid at incorporation.
• It is inscribed with the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros (SCVS), not with the Registro Mercantil.
• It may carry out ordinary mercantile activities (regulated activities such as insurance, securities markets or prepaid medicine need a different vehicle).

Compañía de Responsabilidad Limitada (Cía. Ltda.)

This is Ecuador’s limited liability company (often compared to an LLC). Prefer partners and participaciones — not “shareholders” and freely transferable “shares”.

• It may be formed with one to fifteen partners (Ley de Compañías reform, R.O. Suplemento 269, 15-III-2023). It may also subsist with a single partner.
• Partners have limited liability up to their contributions.
• The capital is divided into equal participaciones (ownership interests), not freely transferable shares.
• The legal minimum capital is USD 400; at least 50% must be paid at incorporation and the rest within 12 months.
• It needs appointed administrators, typically including a legal representative (often a manager and/or president).

Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) — Corporation

• A sociedad anónima may be formed by one or more shareholders under the 2023 reforms; there is no maximum.
• The legal minimum share capital is USD 800, with at least 25% paid in at incorporation.
• Capital is divided into shares that can be transferred under the bylaws and applicable law.
• It suits larger businesses or companies planning to bring in investors.
• Unlike the SAS, a traditional S.A. follows the path that includes the Registro Mercantil.

Sucursal — Foreign Branch Company

• You must present the parent company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, translated and legalized or apostilled as required.
• Capital assigned to the branch is typically a minimum of USD 2,000.
• A local legal representative must be appointed through a notarized power of attorney (PoA).
• Foreign corporate documents must evidence the parent company’s existence as required by the SCVS for branch registration.

How to register a company in Ecuador

In short: pick the type (we usually recommend the SAS), appoint a legal representative, reserve the name with the SCVS, file the constitutive documents, complete inscription, get the RUC and open a bank account. Full step-by-step: How to Set Up a Company in Ecuador (2026).

Get assistance from Easyco experts

Ecuador is a strong place to register your company in Latin America. At Easyco, we make company formation in Ecuador easy. Our corporate experts have vast experience helping companies and individuals register their businesses in Ecuador, fully remotely via power of attorney. Foreigners can own 100%. Timeline with Easyco: 1–2 months once all required documents are received and submitted. Contact us for a quote.

Start your company in Ecuador today!

Easyco also provides additional services to keep your company compliant:

• Appointment of legal representation
• Providing a registered office address
• Handling tax and accounting
• Hassle-free Payroll Services
• Managing your company bank account opening
• Managing your Trademark Registration
• Recruiting and Hiring Talent
• Corporate Legal Services
• PEO and EOR services