Registering a company in Ecuador is a process that involves selecting a company type, choosing a name, preparing documentation, and registering with the Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance and the Internal Revenue Service. By following this guide and using the provided resources, you should be able to successfully establish your business in Ecuador. Always adhere to the local laws and regulations to ensure a smooth registration process and a successful start for your company in this vibrant and emerging market.
Step 1: Choose your company type
The first step in registering a company in Ecuador is to decide on the type of company you want to establish. The most common types are:
- Limited Liability Company (Compañía de Responsabilidad Limitada)
- Stock Corporation (Sociedad Anónima)
- Branch of a foreign company
Step 2: Choose a company name
You will need to choose a suitable name for your company. The Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance (Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros) regulates company names. Check the availability of your desired name on their website: https://www.supercias.gob.ec
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents typically include:
- Articles of Association
- Application for Company Registration
The forms and guidelines can be found on the Superintendencia's website: https://www.supercias.gob.ec
Step 4: Identify company officers and shareholders
You will need to identify at least one director and the shareholders for the company. Directors must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Step 5: Capital requirements
Ecuador requires a minimum capital of $400 for Limited Liability Companies, and $800 for Stock Corporations. There is no minimum capital requirement for branches of foreign companies.
Step 6: Register your company
Once your documents are prepared, you can submit your application to the Superintendency of Companies, Securities, and Insurance. This can be done online via the following link: https://www.supercias.gob.ec The fees for registering a company vary based on the company's capital. The approximate cost is 1% of the company's capital.
Step 7: Register for taxes
After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Rentas Internas - SRI). You can do this online at: https://www.sri.gob.ec
Step 8: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need additional permits or licenses. Check with the relevant authorities and industry regulators for specific requirements.
Time-frame:
The entire registration process, from preparing documents to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, usually takes from 4 to 6 weeks.
Related Information
