How to Setup a Colombian Business

If you are wondering how to setup a Colombian business, then you have come to the right place.
CL&A provides expertise services for the creation or modification of corporate constitutions and businesses; all types of commercials contracts; labor contracts; purchase and sales agreements for all types of commercial transactions. Commercial transactions typically include a range of services from purchases of corporations to real estate transactions. Our firm also handles due diligence of investments that you may make in Colombia.
We walk our clients through the complicated process of setting up corporations inside Colombia. We save our clients time and headaches with our professional legal messenger services. Most clients only need to visit the notary with us for the majority of legal corporate legal services – and then sit back and wait for us to handle the rest.
Steps involved to setup a Colombian Corporation:
Foreigners can be owners of corporations without Colombian nationals, however banks will not let persons who do not posses a Colombian ID card from a citizen or foreign resident to open bank accounts.
Here is a quick outline of steps involved to setup a Colombian Corporation:
Drafting of the corporate constiution
Presentation & Application for Colombian Bank Account
Registration of permanent tax ID
Registration of tax ID to obtain permanent business license
Obtaining temporary tax id for corporation – legal representatives, and shareholders
Payment of fees at tax offices
Registration at Camara de Comercio
Funding of share holders


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Colombian SAS Corporation in simple terms?
A SAS is a simplified joint-stock company that combines features of an LLC and a traditional corporation. It's flexible, low-cost, and designed to protect shareholders from personal liability.
Can I create a SAS with only one person?
Yes. A single shareholder can form a Colombian SAS Corporation. There’s no requirement for a board of directors or multiple owners.
Is a SAS corporation valid for applying for a Colombian visa?
Absolutely. A SAS can be used to support a Colombian Investor Visa application, provided it meets the required investment thresholds.
How much does it cost to start a SAS?
You can start a SAS with very low costs—often under $1,000 USD—depending on the services used and whether asset contributions require notarization.
Do I need to be in Colombia to start the process?
No. You can start remotely by giving power of attorney to our firm, and we can handle most of the process on your behalf.
Final Thoughts: Should You Open a SAS in Colombia?
If you're still wondering what is a Colombian SAS Corporation, the answer is simple: it's your easiest path to legally start a business, protect your assets, and access Colombian residency options.
📞 Ready to get started?
Let the experts at Colombia Legal & Associates and Visas by James help you form your Colombian company.
Visit www.colombiavisas.com or contact us today for a free consultation.