Registering a company in Luxembourg is a step-by-step process that involves selecting a company type, choosing a name, preparing documentation, and registering with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register and Luxembourg Inland Revenue. By following this guide and utilizing the provided resources, you should be well on your way to successfully establishing your business in Luxembourg. Ensure you adhere to the requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth registration process and a successful start for your company in this economically prosperous nation.
Step 1: Choose your company type
The initial step in registering a company in Luxembourg is to decide the type of company you wish to register. The most common types are:
- Public Limited Company (Société Anonyme - SA)
- Private Limited Company (Société à responsabilité limitée - SARL)
- Partnership Limited by Shares (Société en commandite par actions - SCA)
- Branch of a foreign company
Step 2: Choose a company name
Prior to registering your company, you'll need to select an appropriate name. The Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés Luxembourg - RCSL) provides guidelines for acceptable names, which can be found at this link: https://www.rcsl.lu/
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Next, prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents are:
- Articles of Association (for SA, SARL, and SCA)
- Application for Company Registration (for all types)
These forms can be downloaded from the RCSL's website: https://www.rcsl.lu/
Step 4: Identify company officers and shareholders
You will need to identify at least one director (for SA, SARL, and SCA) or one representative (for Branch of a foreign company). Directors or representatives must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Step 5: Capital requirements
Luxembourg requires a minimum capital of €12,000 for SARLs, €30,000 for SAs, and €12,000 for SCAs. There is no minimum capital requirement for branches of foreign companies.
Step 6: Register your company
Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (RCSL). This can be done in person at their office or online via the following link: https://www.rcsl.lu/
The fees for registering a company are as follows:
- SARL: €75 (approximately)
- SA: €100 (approximately)
- SCA: €100 (approximately)
- Branch of a foreign company: €75 (approximately)
Step 7: Register for taxes
After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Luxembourg Inland Revenue (Administration des Contributions Directes). This can be done in person at the local office or online via the following link: https://www.impotsdirects.public.lu
Step 8: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain 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, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.