{"catalog":{"title":"Company Formation by Country","path":"/jurisdictions","updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:39:28.466Z","fields":[{"id":"region","label":"Region","type":"select","options":["European Union","Europe outside the EU","United States","Asia and Middle East","Offshore"]},{"id":"entity","label":"Company type","type":"text"},{"id":"cit_rate","label":"Headline corporate tax","type":"number","format":{"style":"percent","maximumFractionDigits":2}},{"id":"corporate_tax","label":"Corporate tax","type":"textarea"},{"id":"registration_fee","label":"Registration fee","type":"textarea"},{"id":"min_capital","label":"Minimum capital","type":"textarea"},{"id":"from_abroad","label":"Forming it from abroad","type":"textarea"},{"id":"local_requirements","label":"Local requirements","type":"textarea"},{"id":"vat","label":"VAT, GST or sales tax","type":"textarea"},{"id":"annual_filings","label":"Annual filings","type":"textarea"},{"id":"audit","label":"Audit","type":"textarea"},{"id":"beneficial_owners","label":"Beneficial owners","type":"textarea"},{"id":"notes","label":"Also know","type":"textarea"},{"id":"registry_name","label":"Company registry","type":"text"},{"id":"registry","label":"Registry website","type":"url"},{"id":"tax_authority","label":"Tax authority page","type":"url"},{"id":"reviewed","label":"Last reviewed","type":"date"},{"id":"sources","label":"Sources","type":"textarea"}]},"entries":[{"slug":"belize","name":"Belize","path":"/jurisdictions/belize","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:30:17.330Z","fields":{"region":"Offshore","entity":"Company limited by shares under the Belize Companies Act, 2022 (replaced the former IBC Act and Companies Act)","cit_rate":25,"corporate_tax":"The Income and Business Tax Act (Cap. 55) charges income tax on persons other than employed persons at 25% of chargeable income (40% for petroleum operations). In practice, business tax on gross receipts, with rates set by activity, is paid monthly and credited against income tax. BTS says that if income tax exceeds business tax paid, the difference is written off, so business tax is effectively the final tax.","registration_fee":"BCCAR incorporation fee for a company with share capital below 50,000: BZ$300 for verified Belizean natural persons registering themselves, or US$150 when filed through a registered agent. Above 50,000: BZ$2,000 or US$1,000. Incorporation is online only, in the Online Business Registry System (OBRS).","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"Incorporation is done only in OBRS. Non-Belizeans, or Belizeans without a Social Security ID, must use a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and manage the company. No in-person visit is stated.","local_requirements":"Non-Belizeans, and Belizeans without a Social Security ID, must use a licensed registered agent to access the Online Business Registry System and register and manage the company.","vat":"GST registration is mandatory once annual turnover reaches BZ$75,000, or if a business under 12 months old averages BZ$6,250 a month.","annual_filings":"An annual return is filed in the Online Business Registry System with the annual fee: US$250 through a registered agent for share capital under 50,000, or US$1,000 above (BZ$200 / BZ$2,000 for Belizeans filing themselves). An economic substance report (Form B, C or D) goes to the FSC through the registered agent within nine months of fiscal year end. Business tax returns are filed monthly with the Belize Tax Service by the 15th of the following month, and an income tax return is filed with the Belize Tax Service.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"The Belize Companies Act 2022 provides for registering the registers of members, beneficial owners and directors with the Registrar (s.93).","notes":"Under the Economic Substance Act 2019, an 'included entity' carrying on a relevant activity (banking, insurance, fund management, financing and leasing, headquarters, distribution and service centre, shipping, or a holding company of these) must have substantial economic presence in Belize. Every entity files Form B, C or D with the FSC through its registered agent; penalties run up to BZ$150,000–300,000 and strike-off. Companies registered under the old IBC Act or Companies Act had to re-register under the 2022 Act by 28 November 2023.","registry_name":"Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), under the Financial Services Commission","registry":"https://bccar.bz","tax_authority":"https://bts.gov.bz/guides/","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"BCCAR – Fees Schedule · https://bccar.bz/library/fees-schedule/\nBCCAR – Frequently Asked Questions · https://bccar.bz/frequently-asked-questions/\nBelize Companies Regulations 2022 (SI 152 of 2022), FSC · https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SI-No-152-of-2022-Belize-Companies.pdf\nBelize Companies Act, 2022 (Attorney General's Ministry) · https://www.agm.gov.bz/uploads/laws/639771ad84fb6_Act_No._11_of_2022_Belize_Companies_Act__2022.pdf\nFSC press release and FAQ on the Belize Companies Act 2022 · https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/05AUG22newcompaniesact_FINAL-1.pdf\nIncome and Business Tax Act, Cap. 55 (BTS) · https://bts.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Cap-55-Income-and-Business-Tax-Act.pdf\nBTS – ITX FAQ · https://bts.gov.bz/itx-faq/\nBTS – Guides and Guidelines (GST rate, threshold, business tax) · https://bts.gov.bz/guides/\nBTS – Registration · https://bts.gov.bz/registration/\nFSC – Economic Substance Act Guidance Notes · https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Guidance-Notes-March-3-2020_-1.pdf\nFSC – Economic Substance Form B · https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FORM-B.pdf\nFSC – Compliance Forms · https://www.belizefsc.org.bz/compliance-forms/"}},{"slug":"british-virgin-islands","name":"British Virgin Islands","path":"/jurisdictions/british-virgin-islands","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:30:10.631Z","fields":{"region":"Offshore","entity":"BVI business company (BC) limited by shares, under the BVI Business Companies Act","cit_rate":null,"corporate_tax":"The Inland Revenue Department issues Certificates of Tax Exemption to business companies that qualify for exemption from taxes. Payroll tax applies to employment in the BVI.","registration_fee":"Incorporation fee US$550 for a company authorised to issue no more than 50,000 shares, and US$1,350 above 50,000 shares (BC Act Schedule 1, as amended by the BVI Business Companies (Amendment of Schedule 1) (No. 2) Order 2022, in force 1 January 2023). The annual fee is the same: US$550 or US$1,350. Filing is electronic via the Registry's VIRRGIN system, and only a registered agent can file.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"The Act and the FSC say an application to incorporate may be filed only by the proposed registered agent. Only licensed trust and corporate service providers categorised as registered agents may form BVI companies, so founders instruct an agent rather than filing themselves. No personal visit is stated.","local_requirements":"A registered office and a registered agent in the Virgin Islands at all times. The memorandum and articles, register of members, register of directors and filed documents are kept at the registered agent's office. The registers of directors and members and the beneficial ownership information are filed with the Registrar.","vat":null,"annual_filings":"(1) The annual fee is paid to the Registrar through the registered agent. The due date depends on the incorporation half-year; the FSC notes that fees for 'second half' companies are due by 30 November. (2) An annual financial return (simple balance sheet and income statement) is filed with the registered agent within nine months after financial year-end (BC Act s.98A, BVI Business Companies (Financial Return) Order 2023). If a company fails to file, the agent must notify the Registrar within 30 days. (3) An economic substance declaration is filed via the registered agent on VIRRGIN within 6 months after the end of each financial period (ITA). (4) Changes to the registers of directors and members and to beneficial ownership information are filed with the Registrar.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"Since 2 January 2025, BVI companies file beneficial ownership information with the Registry of Corporate Affairs (VIRRGIN). The register is not public. From 1 April 2026, persons who show a legitimate interest (AML/CFT purposes) may apply for limited access, and beneficial owners may apply for an exemption from disclosure.","notes":"Under the Economic Substance (Companies and Limited Partnerships) Act, a company carrying on a 'relevant activity' (banking, insurance, fund management, finance and leasing, headquarters, shipping, holding, intellectual property, distribution and service centre) must meet substance requirements in the BVI. Every entity files an annual economic substance declaration through its registered agent, on VIRRGIN since 2 January 2026.","registry_name":"Registry of Corporate Affairs, BVI Financial Services Commission","registry":"https://www.bvifsc.vg","tax_authority":"https://bvi.gov.vg/content/certificate-tax-exemption","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"BVI FSC – BVI Business Companies (Amendment of Schedule 1) (No. 2) Order, 2022 · https://www.bvifsc.vg/sites/default/files/bvi_business_companies_amendment_of_schedule_1_no_2_order_2022.pdf\nBVI FSC – Corporate Structures · https://www.bvifsc.vg/products-services/corporate-structures\nBVI FSC – BVI Business Companies Act (consolidated PDF) · https://www.bvifsc.vg/sites/default/files/bvi_business_companies_act.pdf\nBVI FSC – User guide: Incorporating a company · https://www.bvifsc.vg/sites/default/files/documents/Guidance%20Notes/_modified_incorporating_a_company_user_guide_1_clean_.pdf\nBVI FSC – Newsletter May 2023 (annual financial return) · https://www.bvifsc.vg/news/industry-updates/bvi-fsc-newsletter-may-2023\nBVI FSC – Industry Circular 26 of 2025 (initial annual returns) · https://www.bvifsc.vg/news/industry-updates/industry-circular-26-2025-filing-initial-annual-returns\nBVI FSC – Industry Circular 12 of 2025 (BO filings) · https://www.bvifsc.vg/news/industry-updates/industry-circular-12-2025-beneficial-ownership-filings-implementation-update\nBVI FSC – Revised BO Guidance (2 January 2026) · https://www.bvifsc.vg/sites/default/files/revised_bo_guidelines_final_version_for_publication_02.01.26.pdf\nBVI FSC – Register of Director filings and Annual Fee Submissions · https://www.bvifsc.vg/publications/register-director-filings-and-annual-fee-submissions\nBVI International Tax Authority – VIRRGIN ES declarations guide (Feb 2026) · https://bviita.vg/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/VIRRGIN-ES-Final-Doc-3.pdf\nEconomic Substance (Companies and Limited Partnerships) Act · https://www.bvifsc.vg/sites/default/files/economic_substance_companies_and_ltd_partnerships_act.pdf\nGovernment of the Virgin Islands – Certificate of Tax Exemption (IRD) · https://bvi.gov.vg/content/certificate-tax-exemption"}},{"slug":"bulgaria","name":"Bulgaria","path":"/jurisdictions/bulgaria","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:57.415Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Limited liability company (дружество с ограничена отговорност, OOD; single-member: EOOD)","cit_rate":10,"corporate_tax":"The corporate tax rate is a flat 10% (Corporate Income Tax Act, art. 20).","registration_fee":"Commercial Register state fee for the initial registration of an OOD/EOOD: €56.24 (BGN 110) on paper or €28.12 (BGN 55) filed electronically.","min_capital":"€1 from 1 January 2026 (Commercial Act art. 117), with each share at least one euro cent. The statutory minimum must be paid in before registration; if the registered capital is higher, at least 70% must be paid in (art. 119).","from_abroad":"The application can be filed on paper or electronically; electronic filing needs a qualified electronic signature. It may be filed by the owner or manager, a procurator, or a lawyer with an explicit power of attorney.","local_requirements":"The articles must state the company's seat and management address; the seat is the place where the business is managed. At least one manager must be appointed (Commercial Act arts. 12, 115, 119).","vat":"From 1 January 2026, businesses established in Bulgaria must register for VAT when annual domestic turnover in the calendar year exceeds €51,130, applying within 7 days. The standard rate is 20% and the reduced rate 9%.","annual_filings":"The annual corporate tax return (CITA art. 92) is filed electronically with a qualified e-signature between 1 March and 30 June of the following year, together with the annual activity report. Annual financial statements are published in the Commercial Register (form G2, no fee); for financial year 2025 the deadline was 30 September 2026.","audit":"A small enterprise needs a statutory audit if at year-end it exceeds at least two of: total assets BGN 4,000,000, net sales BGN 8,000,000, average 50 employees (Accountancy Act art. 37, as published by the Registry Agency in January 2026, still in BGN). Medium and large enterprises are always audited.","beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners are entered in the Commercial Register under art. 63 of the Law on Measures against Money Laundering.","notes":"Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Minimum capital, state fees and the VAT threshold are now set in euro; some laws, such as the Accountancy Act audit limits, are still published in BGN at the fixed rate of 1.95583. The VAT threshold is measured per calendar year.","registry_name":"Registry Agency (Агенция по вписванията) – Commercial Register and Register of Non-Profit Legal Entities","registry":"https://portal.registryagency.bg","tax_authority":"https://nra.bg/wps/portal/nra/taxes/dds-v-balgariya","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"egov.bg – Registration of an OOD (fees, updated 09.02.2026) · https://egov.bg/wps/portal/egov/dostavchitsi%20na%20uslugi/izpalnitelni%20agentsii/uslugi-933/3074?cP=1&q=3074\negov.bg – Registration of an EOOD · https://egov.bg/wps/portal/egov/dostavchitsi%20na%20uslugi/izpalnitelni%20agentsii/uslugi-933/9501?cP=1\nRegistry Agency – Commercial Act (text as of Jan 2026) · https://www.registryagency.bg/media/filer_public/2026/01/08/trgovski_zakon.pdf\nRegistry Agency – Accountancy Act (text as of Jan 2026) · https://www.registryagency.bg/media/filer_public/2026/01/08/zakon_za_schetovodstvoto.pdf\nRegistry Agency – Commercial Register Act · https://www.registryagency.bg/media/filer_public/2026/01/08/zakon_za_trgovskiia_registr_i_registra_na_iuridicheskite_litsa_s_nestopanska_tsel_6hVKxkJ.pdf\nMinistry of Finance – Corporate Income Tax Act · https://www.minfin.bg/upload/63163/ZAKON_za_korporativnoto_podohodno_oblagane.pdf\nNRA – VAT in Bulgaria · https://nra.bg/wps/portal/nra/taxes/dds-v-balgariya\nNRA – VAT registration · https://nra.bg/wps/portal/nra/taxes/dds-v-balgariya/registratsiya-po-zdds/registraciq-po-zdds\nNRA – Filing the annual corporate tax return (art. 92) · https://nra.bg/wps/portal/nra/uslugi/podavane-na-deklaracia-za-oblagane-s-korporativen-danuk\nNSI/NRA/RA joint order 2026 on annual reports · https://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pages/GOD2025/Zapoved_NSI_NAP_2025.pdf"}},{"slug":"cayman-islands","name":"Cayman Islands","path":"/jurisdictions/cayman-islands","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:30:29.692Z","fields":{"region":"Offshore","entity":"Exempted company limited by shares under the Companies Act (2025 Revision)","cit_rate":0,"corporate_tax":"The General Registry states there are no corporation, capital gains, payroll, property or withholding taxes on any type of company, domestic or foreign. Exempted companies may apply for a tax undertaking under the Tax Concessions Act.","registration_fee":"Registration fee for an exempted company with authorised share capital up to CI$42,000: CI$700 (US$853.66). CI$42,001–820,000: CI$1,000 (US$1,219.51). CI$820,001–1,640,000: CI$1,984. Above that: CI$2,568. Fee schedule effective 1 January 2025.","min_capital":"No minimum capitalisation requirement (General Registry). Shares may have nominal or no par value, and capital may be in any currency.","from_abroad":"The Registry says the most convenient way to incorporate an exempted company is through a licensed professional firm, which provides the registered office and other services. No in-person requirement is stated. Companies without a licensed CSP as registered office file through the Cayman Business Portal (CBP).","local_requirements":"A registered office in the Cayman Islands (Companies Act s.50). An exempted company must also declare that its operations will be conducted mainly outside the Cayman Islands. Beneficial ownership registers are maintained through a corporate services provider under the Beneficial Ownership Transparency Act 2023.","vat":null,"annual_filings":"(1) An annual return and annual fee, set by authorised-capital band, are due in January each year from the first January after registration. The Registry's deadline is the last business day of March; late filing costs 33.33%, 66.67% or 100% of the annual fee depending on the quarter filed, and after 12 months the company is deemed defunct. Beneficial ownership information must be filed before the annual return can be filed. (2) An Economic Substance Notification (ESN) is required from every company before its annual return, by 31 March. (3) An ES return is due within 12 months after financial year-end for relevant entities carrying on a relevant activity.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"Companies must identify beneficial owners and keep a beneficial ownership register through their corporate services provider. The information sits on a competent-authority search platform, not a public register. Since 28 February 2025, members of the public with a legitimate interest (e.g. journalists, researchers, civil society) may apply for access, and beneficial owners may apply for protection from disclosure.","notes":"Under the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act, every company files an annual economic substance notification. A 'relevant entity' carrying on a relevant activity (banking, distribution and service centre, financing and leasing, fund management, headquarters, holding company, insurance, intellectual property, shipping) must pass the economic substance test and file an ES return within 12 months of year end. The exempted company's register of members is not open to public inspection.","registry_name":"Cayman Islands General Registry – Registrar of Companies","registry":"https://www.ciregistry.ky","tax_authority":"https://www.ciregistry.ky/companies-register/advantages-of-registration/","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"General Registry – Fees (Companies Act, schedule effective 1 Jan 2025) · https://www.ciregistry.ky/fees/\nGeneral Registry – Advantages of Registration · https://www.ciregistry.ky/companies-register/advantages-of-registration/\nGeneral Registry – Exempted Company · https://www.ciregistry.ky/companies-register/types-of-companies/exempted-company/\nGeneral Registry – FAQs · https://www.ciregistry.ky/faqs/\nGeneral Registry – FAQ: consequences of failing to file annual returns · https://www.ciregistry.ky/faq-items/are-there-consequences-for-failing-to-file-annual-returns-and-fees/\nGeneral Registry – FAQ: filing annual returns on CBP · https://www.ciregistry.ky/faq-items/i-need-to-file-my-annual-returns-on-cbp-how-do-i-proceed/\nCompanies Act (2025 Revision), General Registry · https://www.ciregistry.ky/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Companies-Act-2025-Revision.pdf\nDITC – Economic Substance Notification User Guide · https://www.ditc.ky/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Substance-Notification-User-Guide.pdf\nDITC – Economic Substance Guidance · https://www.ditc.ky/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Substance-Guidance.pdf\nBeneficial Ownership Transparency (Legitimate Interest Access) Regulations, 2024 · https://legislation.gov.ky/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2024/2024-0047/2024-0047_SL%2047%20of%202024.pdf\nGeneral Registry – Beneficial Ownership Legitimate Interest Access · https://www.ciregistry.ky/beneficial-ownership-legitimate-interest-access/\nBeneficial Ownership Transparency Act, 2023 (CIMA copy) · https://www.cima.ky/upimages/lawsregulations/BeneficialOwnershipTransparencyAct,2023_1705419742.pdf"}},{"slug":"cyprus","name":"Cyprus","path":"/jurisdictions/cyprus","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:31.365Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private company limited by shares (ιδιωτική εταιρεία περιορισμένης ευθύνης με μετοχές, Ltd)","cit_rate":15,"corporate_tax":"Corporate income tax is 15% from 1 January 2026: Law 244(I)/2025 replaced the 12.5% rate in the Income Tax Law with 15%.","registration_fee":"€165 Registrar fee to register a company with share capital (forms HE1, HE2, HE3), the same amount online via e-filing; €235 for a company without share capital; an extra €100 for accelerated processing. Optional certified copies cost €120 (€130 without a copy of the memorandum and articles).","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"The Registrar accepts incorporation through its e-filing system (CY Login). The statutory declaration (form HE1) must be signed and sworn before the court by the lawyer handling the incorporation.","local_requirements":"The registered office address must be in Cyprus (Registrar review criterion). First directors and a secretary must be notified on form HE3. A lawyer must swear the HE1 declaration.","vat":"VAT registration is mandatory once taxable transactions in the preceding 12 months (or expected in the next 30 days) exceed €15,600. The standard VAT rate is 19% (as stated by the Customs & Excise Department, Ministry of Finance).","annual_filings":"Annual return HE32 (€20, online) made up to the company's annual return date and filed with the Registrar within 28 days of its drafting date; late filing costs €50 plus €1 a day up to €150. Corporate tax return TD4: from tax year 2026, persons keeping audited accounts file by 31 January of the second year after the tax year, and tax is payable by the same date (Law 243(I)/2025). Provisional tax is paid in two instalments, on 31 July and 31 December. Beneficial owners must be confirmed each year between 1 October and 31 December.","audit":"All companies must prepare financial statements audited by an approved auditor.","beneficial_owners":"New companies must file beneficial-owner details in the electronic BO register within 90 days of incorporation and confirm them each year. Public access was suspended after the CJEU ruling: authorities have access, and obliged entities can buy limited data for €3.50 per entity.","notes":"The €350 annual company levy was abolished from 2024. The Stamp Duty Law was repealed by Law 239(I)/2025, published on 31 December 2025.","registry_name":"Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property","registry":"https://www.companies.gov.cy","tax_authority":"https://www.businessincyprus.gov.cy/doing-business-in-cyprus/start-your-business/registering-for-income-tax-and-value-added-tax/","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Registrar – Company incorporation forms & fees · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/knowledgebase/forms-fees/company-incorporation-forms\nRegistrar – Applying to incorporate a company · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/business-entities/2-company/5-lifecycle/1-starting-a-company/15-guidance/incorporating-a-company/applying-to-incorporate-a-company\nRegistrar – Main criteria of review for registration · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/knowledgebase/tips-notes/main-criteria-of-review-for-registration-of-company\nRegistrar – When to file an annual return · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/business-entities/2-company/5-lifecycle/1-running-a-company/5-guidance/filing-annual-returns-and-accounts/when-do-i-need-to-file-an-annual-return\nRegistrar – Forms and fee for filing annual return · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/knowledgebase/forms-fees/companies-forms-and-fees/1-forms-for-filing-annual-return/forms-for-filing-annual-return\nRegistrar – Abolition of the annual company fee (2024) · https://www.companies.gov.cy/en/knowledgebase/news/abolition-of-the-annual-company-fee-for-the-year-2024-onwards\nRegistrar – Guidance to the final solution of the BO register (05.02.2025) · https://www.companies.gov.cy/assets/modules/wgp/articles/202103/1777/docs/guidance_final_solution_05022025.pdf\nBusiness in Cyprus portal – Registering for income tax and VAT · https://www.businessincyprus.gov.cy/doing-business-in-cyprus/start-your-business/registering-for-income-tax-and-value-added-tax/\nLaw 244(I)/2025 amending the Income Tax Law (Official Gazette 31.12.2025) · https://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/arith/2025_1_244.pdf\nLaw 243(I)/2025 amending the Assessment and Collection of Taxes Law · https://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/arith/2025_1_243.pdf\nLaw 239(I)/2025 repealing the Stamp Duty Law · https://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/arith/2025_1_239.pdf\nCustoms & Excise Dept – VAT on importation · https://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/customs/customs.nsf/All/F321E8F8CB258B6AC22572A6003BC3BD"}},{"slug":"united-states-delaware","name":"Delaware LLC","path":"/jurisdictions/united-states-delaware","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:23.008Z","fields":{"region":"United States","entity":"Limited liability company (LLC), formed by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Division of Corporations","cit_rate":null,"corporate_tax":"A single-member LLC is disregarded for US federal tax by default (income flows to the owner); only if it elects corporate treatment (Form 8832) does it pay federal corporate tax, which the IRS states as a flat 21% of taxable income. Foreign-owned disregarded LLCs still file an information return (pro forma Form 1120 + Form 5472). Delaware LLCs pay a flat USD 400 annual state tax instead of a state income-based franchise tax.","registration_fee":"USD 110 to file the Certificate of Formation (domestic LLC); certified copy USD 50 extra; optional name reservation USD 75 (120 days); expedited 1-hour service USD 1,000, 2-hour USD 500. Filing via the Division's online Document Filing Service or by mail.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"Yes, no visit required: forms can be submitted through the Division's online Document Filing and Certificate Request Service or by mail; a Delaware registered agent with a physical Delaware street address is mandatory.","local_requirements":"A registered agent in Delaware (individual resident or authorised business entity) with a physical street address in Delaware. No resident manager/member requirement is stated by the Division.","vat":"No VAT. Delaware levies no sales tax on consumers; instead it has a Gross Receipts Tax on sellers of goods/services doing business in Delaware (rates 0.0945%-1.9914%, with monthly exclusions generally from USD 100,000). Federal: no VAT.","annual_filings":"State: USD 400 annual LLC tax for the prior year due on or before 1 June (no annual report for LLCs); late payment = USD 200 penalty plus 1.5% interest per month. Federal (foreign-owned single-member LLC): pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 by the 15th day of the 4th month after the tax year end (15 April for calendar year); USD 25,000 penalty for failure to file 5472.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"FinCEN's rule exempts companies created in the United States, including Delaware LLCs, from beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting; foreign entities registered to do business in a US state still report. The FinCEN database is not public.","notes":"A foreign-owned US disregarded entity is treated as a corporation for Form 5472 purposes and files a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached by the Form 1120 due date (generally the 15th day of the 4th month after year end, 15 April for a calendar year). Only the name, address and items B and E on page 1 of Form 1120 are required, and it cannot be e-filed. The penalty for failing to file Form 5472 is USD 25,000. The USD 400 annual LLC tax is not prorated and is owed for any year the LLC is active in the Division's records. Delaware warns of scam letters imitating annual-report notices.","registry_name":"Delaware Department of State, Division of Corporations","registry":"https://corp.delaware.gov/","tax_authority":"https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Delaware Division of Corporations - LLC/LP/GP Franchise Tax Instructions · https://corp.delaware.gov/alt-entitytaxinstructions/\nDelaware - Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company (form) · https://corpfiles.delaware.gov/LLC_Forms/LLC%20Formation.pdf\nDelaware - Fee schedule (August 2026) · https://corpfiles.delaware.gov/Fee%5FSchedule/AugustFee2026.pdf\nDelaware - How to Form a New Business Entity · https://corp.delaware.gov/howtoform/\nDelaware Division of Revenue - Gross Receipts Tax FAQs · https://revenue.delaware.gov/business-tax-forms/gross-receipts-tax-faqs/\nIRS - Instructions for Form 5472 · https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472\nIRS - Single member limited liability companies · https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/single-member-limited-liability-companies\nIRS - Publication 542, Corporations · https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542\nIRS - Instructions for Form 1120 · https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1120\nFinCEN - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting · https://www.fincen.gov/boi"}},{"slug":"estonia","name":"Estonia","path":"/jurisdictions/estonia","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:27:58.993Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited company (osaühing, OÜ)","cit_rate":22,"corporate_tax":"No corporate income tax on retained or reinvested profit; a resident company pays income tax on distributed profit (dividends) at 22/78 of the net distribution (22% of the gross), the single rate since 2025 (the former 14/86 rate for regular distributions was abolished from 2025).","registration_fee":"State fee for founding an OÜ electronically in the e-Business Register: €265 (State Fees Act).","min_capital":"Minimum share capital €0.01 (smallest share €0.01). If capital is no more than €50,000, founders may confirm that contributions were paid outside the portal; above €50,000 payment goes to a court deposit account before submission.","from_abroad":"Can be established fully online through the e-Business Register Company Registration Portal, logging in with Estonian ID card, Smart-ID or Mobile-ID (e-Residency digital ID for non-residents).","local_requirements":"If the company's address is abroad (e.g. management board outside Estonia using a foreign address), a licensed contact person must be appointed (trust and company service provider, advocate, sworn auditor, tax representative or notary); the contact person's address is then the company's address. A management board is required.","vat":"Mandatory VAT registration when taxable supply with Estonian place of supply exceeds €40,000 from the beginning of the calendar year. Standard VAT rate 24% since 1 July 2025 (previously 22%); other rates 13%, 9%, 0%.","annual_filings":"Annual report (annual accounts and management report) to the Commercial Register within 6 months of the end of the financial year, even with no activity. Income tax on dividends is declared on form TSD (Annex 7) and paid by the 10th day of the month following the distribution.","audit":"Audit compulsory if at least two of: sales revenue > €5,000,000, total assets > €2,500,000, average employees > 50; or if any one exceeds €15,000,000 revenue, €7,500,000 assets or 180 employees (thresholds in force from 17 January 2025). A review (lighter check) is required above lower thresholds (e.g. two of €2m revenue, €1m assets, 24 employees).","beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners must be submitted to the e-Business Register; from 10 July 2026 access is restricted to competent authorities, obliged entities and persons with a legitimate interest, and the data is no longer published as open data.","notes":"Estonian tax is triggered by distributions, not by profit earned; fringe benefits, gifts and non-business expenses are also taxed at 22/78. Non-resident owners should note EMTA's warning that the company is managed from abroad and the foreign country may tax profits of a permanent establishment there. Contact person appointments have a fixed term and must be renewed or the registrar can start deletion.","registry_name":"Commercial Register / e-Business Register (Registrite ja Infosüsteemide Keskus, RIK)","registry":"https://ariregister.rik.ee/","tax_authority":"https://emta.ee/en/business-client/taxes-and-payment/income-and-social-taxes/taxation-dividends","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"e-Business Register: establishment (select legal person type) · https://ariregister.rik.ee/eng/application/start\nAbiinfo: Establishment of a private limited company · https://abiinfo.rik.ee/en/applications-and-dashboard/establishment-new-legal-person/establishment-private-limited-company\ne-Residency: 5 steps to register a company online · https://learn.e-resident.gov.ee/hc/en-gb/articles/360000624838-5-steps-to-register-a-company-online\ne-Residency: Contact person & legal address · https://learn.e-resident.gov.ee/hc/en-us/articles/360000624858-Contact-person-legal-address\nEMTA: Taxation of dividends · https://emta.ee/en/business-client/taxes-and-payment/income-and-social-taxes/taxation-dividends\nEMTA: Income and social taxes · https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/taxes-and-payment/income-and-social-taxes\nEMTA: Tax liabilities of companies established by e-residents · https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/registration-business/non-residents-e-residents/tax-liabilities-companies\nEMTA: Value added tax · https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/taxes-and-payment/value-added-tax\nEMTA: Threshold calculation from 1 January 2025 · https://www.emta.ee/en/business-client/taxes-and-payment/value-added-tax/registration-vat-payer/threshold-calculation-1-january-2025\nRIK: Annual report · https://www.rik.ee/en/e-business-register/annual-report\nRiigi Teataja: Auditors Activities Act (English) · https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/akt/504022025002\nAbiinfo: Change in access to beneficial ownership data from 10 July 2026 · https://abiinfo.rik.ee/en/uudised/change-access-beneficial-ownership-data-10-july-2026\ne-Business Register open data: Beneficial owner API · https://avaandmed.ariregister.rik.ee/en/business-registry-rest-api/beneficial-owner"}},{"slug":"georgia","name":"Georgia","path":"/jurisdictions/georgia","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:16.787Z","fields":{"region":"Europe outside the EU","entity":"Limited liability company (შეზღუდული პასუხისმგებლობის საზოგადოება, შპს / LLC)","cit_rate":15,"corporate_tax":"Profit tax is 15% (Tax Code art. 98), charged on distributed profit and similar payments (Estonian model): the taxable amount is the payment divided by 0.85, and retained profit is not taxed. Banks, credit unions, microfinance organisations and loan providers pay 20%. Companies granted 'international company' status by the Government pay 5%.","registration_fee":"NAPR fee to register an entrepreneurial legal entity such as an LLC: GEL 200 for 1 working day, or GEL 400 for same-day registration.","min_capital":"None stated for an LLC: NAPR says indicating an LLC's capital in the registration data is not always mandatory (a JSC needs at least GEL 100,000).","from_abroad":"Founders' signatures on the instrument of incorporation must be notarised, unless certified by NAPR or another authorised body or made as a qualified electronic signature. A power of representation also needs a notarised or qualified electronic signature, so a representative can file.","local_requirements":null,"vat":"A taxable person must apply for VAT registration within 2 business days of exceeding GEL 100,000 of VAT-taxable supplies in any 12 consecutive months. The VAT rate is 18%.","annual_filings":"Financial statements (plus a management report where required) go to SARAS via reportal.ge no later than 1 October of the following year (9 months after year end for non-calendar years). Under the distribution model, the profit tax accounting period of a resident enterprise is a calendar month.","audit":"Public-interest entities and Category I and II enterprises must be audited. Category III and IV enterprises are exempt unless other legislation requires it. Category IV means meeting at least two of: assets ≤ GEL 1m, revenue ≤ GEL 2m, average staff ≤ 10.","beneficial_owners":"LLC partners and founders are registered in the NAPR Registry, and registry data are public (Law on Entrepreneurs, arts. 8(3) and 13(1)).","notes":"The Small Business (1% on turnover) and Micro Business regimes are open only to natural persons and individual entrepreneurs, not to LLCs (Tax Code arts. 83–89). 'International company' status (Tax Code art. 23) is granted by the Government for activities it lists by ordinance: 5% profit tax, 5% tax on employees' wages, no tax at source on dividends, and a property-tax exemption for the permitted activities.","registry_name":"National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) – Registry of Entrepreneurial and Non-entrepreneurial (Non-commercial) Legal Entities","registry":"https://napr.gov.ge","tax_authority":"https://www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/1043717/206/en/pdf","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"NAPR – Business registration fees and terms · https://napr.gov.ge/en/page/fees-and-terms/business-registration-fee\nNAPR – Frequently asked questions · https://napr.gov.ge/en/page/frequently-asked-questions\nMatsne – Tax Code of Georgia (English, consolidated) · https://www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/1043717/206/en/pdf\nMatsne – Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs (English) · https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/5230186/8/en/pdf\nSARAS – Report supervision (enterprise categories) · https://saras.gov.ge/en/Home/ReportSupervision\nSARAS – Law on Accounting, Reporting and Auditing (informal translation, 17.09.2025) · https://saras.gov.ge/Content/files/LAW_on_ACCOUNTING_REPORTING_AND_AUDIT_ENG.pdf"}},{"slug":"germany","name":"Germany","path":"/jurisdictions/germany","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:17.597Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH); low-capital variant: Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt), UG","cit_rate":15,"corporate_tax":"Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) is 15% for assessment periods up to 2027, plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge on the tax; trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) is added at 3.5% of trade income times the municipal multiplier. Enacted reduction: 14% (2028), 13% (2029), 12% (2030), 11% (2031), 10% from 2032.","registration_fee":"Commercial register (Handelsregister) fee for the first registration of a GmbH or UG: €225, or €360 if at least one contribution is in kind (HRegGebV items 2100/2101, raised from €150 on 1 June 2025). Notary fees are charged separately.","min_capital":"GmbH: minimum share capital €25,000; before filing, at least a quarter of each cash share and in total at least €12,500 must be paid in. UG (haftungsbeschränkt): capital below €25,000, paid in full in cash before filing, with 25% of annual net profit going into a legal reserve.","from_abroad":"The articles must be notarised, but notarisation (including the formation itself) may be done by video communication under §§ 16a–16e of the Notarisation Act, signing with qualified electronic signatures.","local_requirements":"Registered seat (Sitz) must be a place in Germany; the registration application must state a domestic business address (inländische Geschäftsanschrift). Notarial form is mandatory.","vat":"Small-business (Kleinunternehmer) VAT exemption if total turnover did not exceed €25,000 in the previous calendar year and does not exceed €100,000 in the current year (optional waiver, binding 5 years). Standard VAT rate 19% (reduced 7%).","annual_filings":"Annual financial statements (and, where required, management report and audit opinion) must be transmitted to the Unternehmensregister no later than one year after the balance-sheet date. Tax returns (corporate income tax, trade tax, annual VAT) are due seven months after the calendar year end; if prepared by a tax adviser, by the last day of February of the second following year.","audit":"Statutory audit required for corporations that are not 'small': small = not exceeding at least two of €7,500,000 balance-sheet total, €15,000,000 turnover, 50 employees on average (on two consecutive balance-sheet dates).","beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners are recorded in the Transparenzregister; since the CJEU ruling of 22 November 2022, members of the public get only restricted access and must show a legitimate interest.","notes":"UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is an official variant of the GmbH under § 5a GmbHG: capital below €25,000, paid fully in cash before filing, with a mandatory reserve of a quarter of annual net profit until capital reaches €25,000. Trade tax depends on the municipality's multiplier (Hebesatz); the GewStG text in force states a 280% rate where a municipality has set no higher rate. The CIT cut to 10% by 2032 was enacted in § 23 KStG (Investitionssofortprogramm, 2025). Notarisation is mandatory; a simplified founding with a model protocol (Musterprotokoll) is available for up to three shareholders and one managing director.","registry_name":"Handelsregister (commercial register, kept by local courts); Unternehmensregister for publication","registry":"https://www.handelsregister.de/","tax_authority":"https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/kstg_1977/__23.html","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"§ 23 KStG (Steuersatz) · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/kstg_1977/__23.html\n§ 4 SolzG 1995 · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/solzg_1995/__4.html\n§ 11 GewStG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gewstg/__11.html\n§ 16 GewStG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gewstg/__16.html\nBMF Monatsbericht August 2025: Investitionssofortprogramm · https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Monatsberichte/Ausgabe/2025/08/Inhalte/Kapitel-2-Fokus/investitionssofortprogramm-deutschland.html\nHRegGebV Anlage (Gebührenverzeichnis) · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hreggebv/anlage.html\n§ 2 GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__2.html\n§ 4a GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__4a.html\n§ 5 GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__5.html\n§ 5a GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__5a.html\n§ 7 GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__7.html\n§ 8 GmbHG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__8.html\n§ 12 UStG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ustg_1980/__12.html\n§ 19 UStG · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ustg_1980/__19.html\n§ 267 HGB · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/__267.html\n§ 316 HGB · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/__316.html\n§ 325 HGB · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/__325.html\n§ 149 AO · https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ao_1977/__149.html\nTransparenzregister Hilfe · https://www.transparenzregister.de/treg/de/hilfe"}},{"slug":"hong-kong","name":"Hong Kong","path":"/jurisdictions/hong-kong","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:42.640Z","fields":{"region":"Asia and Middle East","entity":"Private company limited by shares (Limited), incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)","cit_rate":16.5,"corporate_tax":"Profits tax for corporations is 16.5%; under the two-tiered regime (from YA 2018/19) the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits is taxed at 8.25% (only one entity in a group of connected entities can elect the lower tier). Only Hong Kong-sourced profits are taxed.","registration_fee":"Companies Registry: HKD 1,545 if filed electronically (HKD 1,720 on paper), of which the lodgement fee (HKD 265 / 295) is non-refundable. Plus the Business Registration fee and levy payable with the incorporation: for 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027, 1-year certificate HKD 2,200 + HKD 150 levy = HKD 2,350 (3-year: HKD 6,170). Total electronic filing with 1-year BR: HKD 3,895.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"Incorporation documents can be delivered electronically via the Companies Registry e-Services Portal (certificates normally issued within 1 hour) or in hard copy; directors need not be Hong Kong residents, but a Hong Kong-resident company secretary or HK-based corporate secretary is required.","local_requirements":"A company secretary who ordinarily resides in Hong Kong (or a body corporate with its registered or principal office in Hong Kong); at least one director who is a natural person (no residency requirement); registered office in Hong Kong. Sole director cannot also be the secretary.","vat":"No VAT/GST or sales tax in Hong Kong (per the HK government's Talent Engage tax overview).","annual_filings":"Annual return (Form NAR1) to the Companies Registry within 42 days after each anniversary of incorporation (fee HKD 105; late fees HKD 870-3,480). Profits Tax Return (BIR51): bulk issue on the first working day of April, file within 1 month of issue (first return about 18 months after incorporation), with audited financial statements and tax computation. Business Registration certificate renewal annually (or every 3 years).","audit":"Required for all companies except dormant companies (s.447). Small private companies meeting 2 of 3 conditions (revenue ≤ HKD 100 million, assets ≤ HKD 100 million, ≤ 100 employees) may prepare simplified reports but still need an audit.","beneficial_owners":"Yes: every local company must keep a Significant Controllers Register at its registered office or another place in Hong Kong; it is not filed with the Companies Registry and is open to law enforcement officers on demand, not the public.","notes":"The BR levy changed on 1 April 2026 (from HKD 0 to HKD 150 for a 1-year certificate). A company with only one director must still appoint a separate secretary. A designated representative must be appointed for the Significant Controllers Register. A further 1-month extension on application is available if the Profits Tax Return is e-filed voluntarily.","registry_name":"Companies Registry (Hong Kong)","registry":"https://www.cr.gov.hk/","tax_authority":"https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/faq/2tr.htm","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Companies Registry - FAQ Local Limited Companies: Incorporation · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/faq/local-company/incorporation.htm\nCompanies Registry - Major Fees under the Companies Ordinance · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/services/fees.htm\nCompanies Registry - How to register a new company · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/services/register-company.htm\nIRD - Business Registration Fee and Levy Table · https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/brfee_table.pdf\nGovHK - Tax Rates of Profits Tax · https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/taxfiling/taxrates/profitsrates.htm\nIRD - FAQ on Two-tiered Profits Tax Rates Regime · https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/faq/2tr.htm\nCompanies Registry - FAQ Annual Returns · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/faq/local-company/annual-return.htm\nCompanies Registry - Significant Controllers Register FAQ · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/legislation/scr/faq.htm\nCompanies Registry - FAQ Companies Ordinance: Accounts and Audit · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/faq/companies-ordinance/co-account-audit.htm\nCompanies Registry - Cap. 622 key changes: Accounts and Audit · https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/legislation/companies-ordinance/cap622/keychanges/account-audit.htm\nGovHK - Profits Tax Return · https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/taxfiling/filing/types/profitstax.htm\nHong Kong Talent Engage (HKSAR Government) - Tax basics · https://www.hkengage.gov.hk/en/essentials/basics/tax"}},{"slug":"ireland","name":"Ireland","path":"/jurisdictions/ireland","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:27:53.401Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private company limited by shares (LTD)","cit_rate":12.5,"corporate_tax":"Corporation Tax is 12.5% on trading income and 25% on non-trading income (e.g. rental and investment income) and income from an excepted trade.","registration_fee":"CRO fee for a new company (Form A1): €50, electronic filing via CORE only (paper: n/a). Optional online company name reservation €25 (deducted from the incorporation fee if used within 28 days).","min_capital":"No minimum stated for an LTD; each subscriber must take not less than one share, and an LTD may simply state that its share capital is divided into shares of a fixed amount. (A PLC needs at least €25,000.)","from_abroad":"Incorporation is filed online on CORE (Form A1 plus constitution). At least one director must be resident in an EEA state unless the company holds a €25,000 bond (which must accompany the application) or a section 140 certificate. The company must declare it will carry on an activity in Ireland.","local_requirements":"Registered office in the State (physical address, not a PO box; can be with an approved Registered Office Agent); at least one EEA-resident director or a €25,000 bond / section 140 certificate; a company secretary is mandatory (a single-director LTD must have a separate secretary); LTD may have one director.","vat":"Registration thresholds (from 1 January 2025): €42,500 for services; €85,000 for goods (and where 90%+ of turnover is from goods); other thresholds €10,000 for distance sales into the State and €41,000 for EU acquisitions. Standard VAT rate 23% (reduced 13.5% and 9%).","annual_filings":"Annual return (Form B1) to CRO, filed electronically no later than 56 days after the annual return date (first B1 due 6 months after incorporation, without financial statements); €20 fee, late filing penalties. Corporation Tax return (CT1) filed and balance paid nine months after the accounting period end, by the 23rd of the ninth month if filed and paid via ROS.","audit":"Small company audit exemption if 2 of 3 are met (current and preceding year): balance sheet ≤ €7.5m, turnover ≤ €15m, ≤ 50 employees, and the annual return is filed on time; since 16 July 2025 the exemption is lost for two years if the annual return is filed late more than once in five years.","beneficial_owners":"Companies must file beneficial ownership details with the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO); it is a restricted register: competent authorities have full access, designated persons restricted access, and the general public sees only entity details and the number of beneficial owners.","notes":"A company is only incorporated if it will carry on an activity in Ireland (CRO Leaflet 1). The EEA-director rule is a criminal-offence obligation; alternatives are a €25,000 bond (min. 2 years, from a bank/insurer) or a section 140 'real and continuous link' certificate after incorporation. Late annual returns can cost the audit exemption (rule in force from 16 July 2025). RBO access is limited following the CJEU ruling (C-37/20); a 'legitimate interest' access route exists under the RBO regulations.","registry_name":"Companies Registration Office (CRO)","registry":"https://cro.ie/","tax_authority":"https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/corporation-tax-for-companies/corporation-tax/basis-of-charge.aspx","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"CRO Company Fees · https://cro.ie/publications/fees/company/\nCRO Required Steps · https://cro.ie/registration/company/required-steps/\nCRO Company Incorporation (Leaflet 1) · https://cro.ie/information-leaflets/company-incorporation-leaflet-1/\nCRO Leaflet 1 PDF · https://cro.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Info-Leaflet-1-v8.2-2014-Act.pdf\nCRO Duties of Directors and Secretaries · https://cro.ie/post-registration/company-post/duties-of-directors-and-secretaries/\nCompanies Act 2014 s.137 · https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2014/act/38/section/137\nCRO Registered Office · https://cro.ie/registration/company/incidental-obligations/registered-office/\nCRO Audit Exemption · https://cro.ie/annual-return/financial-statements-requirements/audit-exemption/\nCRO Info Leaflet 23 Annual Returns · https://cro.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Info-Leaflet-23.pdf\nRevenue: Corporation Tax basis of charge · https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/corporation-tax-for-companies/corporation-tax/basis-of-charge.aspx\nRevenue: CT payment and filing · https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/corporation-tax-for-companies/corporation-tax-payment-and-filing/payment-and-filing.aspx\nRevenue: EU VAT SME Scheme domestic layer · https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/value-added-tax/part10-special-schemes/vat-ecommerce-rules/eu-vat-sme-scheme-domestic-layer.pdf\nRevenue: Current VAT rates · https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-rates/search-vat-rates/current-vat-rates.aspx\nRBO FAQ: access to search facility · https://rbo.gov.ie/faqs/access-to-the-search-facility-on-the-rbo-register/\nRBO home · https://rbo.gov.ie/\nOireachtas PQ 21 May 2025 on RBO access · https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2025-05-21/46/"}},{"slug":"lithuania","name":"Lithuania","path":"/jurisdictions/lithuania","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:05.146Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited liability company (uždaroji akcinė bendrovė, UAB)","cit_rate":17,"corporate_tax":"From tax periods starting in 2026 the standard profit tax rate is 17% (16% in 2025, 15% before). Small entities with income ≤ €300,000 pay 7%, and qualifying small entities owned only by natural persons pay 0% for their first and second tax periods.","registration_fee":"Registrų centras fee for registering a UAB: €14.02 when documents are submitted electronically; €30.83 by post or at a customer service office. Optional temporary name reservation €6.75.","min_capital":"Share capital of a UAB must be not less than €1,000; the founder pays contributions into an accumulation (kaupiamoji) bank account opened as part of formation.","from_abroad":"A UAB can be established electronically through the Registrų centras self-service. EU citizens with an electronic signature issued in their own country can also register electronically.","local_requirements":"Registered office (buveinė) in Lithuania: premises registered in the Real Property Register, with the written consent of the premises owner if the company does not own them.","vat":"Mandatory VAT registration (from 1 May 2025) when consideration from VAT-taxable activity in Lithuania exceeds €45,000 in the current or previous calendar year; also if EU acquisitions exceed €14,000. Standard VAT rate 21%.","annual_filings":"Annual financial statements approved by the ordinary general meeting within 4 months after the financial year end and filed with the Register of Legal Entities within 30 days of approval. Annual profit tax return (PLN204) filed and tax paid by the 15th day of the 6th month of the next tax period (15 June for a calendar year).","audit":"Audit mandatory (financial statements from 2024) if at least 2 of: balance-sheet assets > €2,500,000; net sales > €4,500,000; average employees > 50; or if state/municipal funding or support received exceeds €500,000 in the year.","beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners are recorded in the JANGIS subsystem of the Information System of Legal Entity Participants (JADIS); extracts are available to the declaring entity and to persons with a data-provision contract with Registrų centras (paid), not openly to the public.","notes":"Profit tax rose to 16% in 2025 and 17% from 2026; the 0% small-entity rate now covers the first two tax periods (from the 2026 tax period) if the entity is owned only by natural persons and its activity is not suspended, liquidated, reorganised or its shares transferred to new participants over three consecutive periods. The registration fee shown is the official Registrų centras price list; fees are indexed, so confirm at payment.","registry_name":"Register of Legal Entities (Juridinių asmenų registras), Registrų centras","registry":"https://www.registrucentras.lt/","tax_authority":"https://www.vmi.lt/evmi/5724?lang=en","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Registrų centras FAQ: steps to register a UAB · https://www.registrucentras.lt/duk/atsakymas/kokius-veiksmus-reikia-atlikti-norint-iregistruoti-uzdaraja-akcine-bendrove-uab\nRegistrų centras: legal entity registration fees · https://www.registrucentras.lt/p/ja-registravimo-ikainiai\nVMI: profit tax changes from 2026 · https://www.vmi.lt/evmi/5724?lang=en\nVMI: VAT payers · https://www.vmi.lt/evmi/lt/pvm-moketojai\nMinistry of Finance: Value Added Tax · https://finmin.lrv.lt/en/competence-areas/taxation/main-taxes/value-added-tax/\nVMI: annual profit tax returns PLN204 · https://www.vmi.lt/evmi/metines-pelno-mokescio-deklaracijos-pln204-pln204a-pln204n-pln204u-\nRegistrų centras FAQ: filing annual financial statements · https://www.registrucentras.lt/duk/atsakymas/kaip-pateikti-metines-finansines-ataskaitas-registru-centrui-kas-jas-gali-teikti-kokie-nustatyti-finansines-atskaitomybes-pateikimo-terminai\nMinistry of Finance: explanation on mandatory audit criteria (Dec 2024) · https://finmin.lrv.lt/public/canonical/1735816647/24194/D%C4%97l%20privalomo%20finansini%C5%B3%20ataskait%C5%B3%20audito%20nuostat%C5%B3%20pagal%20Finansini%C5%B3%20ataskait%C5%B3%20audito%20ir%20kit%C5%B3%20u%C5%BEtikrinimo%20paslaug%C5%B3%20%C4%AFstatym%C4%85%20taikymo.pdf\nRegistrų centras FAQ: registered office · https://www.registrucentras.lt/lt/duk/atsakymas/kokia-tvarka-keiciama-juridinio-asmens-buveine-ar-yra-galimybe-juridinio-asmens-buveines-adresa-pakeisti-elektroniniu-budu-per-registru-centro-savitarna\nRegistrų centras FAQ: JANGIS purpose · https://www.registrucentras.lt/duk/atsakymas/kokiu-tikslu-tvarkomi-asmens-duomenys-jadis-naudos-gaveju-posistemyje-jangis\nRegistrų centras: JANGIS extract service · https://www.registrucentras.lt/paslauga/0320a093-3dc3-49e7-aea7-dad172caee80"}},{"slug":"malta","name":"Malta","path":"/jurisdictions/malta","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:37.265Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited liability company (Ltd)","cit_rate":35,"corporate_tax":"Maltese companies pay corporate tax at 35% on worldwide income and capital gains. When dividends are distributed, shareholders can claim a refund of part or all of the tax the company paid (full imputation system). Legal Notice 188 of 2025 (Final Income Tax Without Imputation Regulations, published 2 September 2025) adds an elective alternative regime.","registration_fee":"The Registrar's registration fee depends on authorised share capital. Filed electronically via BAROS, it is €100 for authorised capital up to €1,500, rising by bands to a maximum of €1,900 (over €2.5m).","min_capital":"Minimum authorised share capital is €1,164.69 for a private company. At least 20% of the nominal value of each share taken up must be paid up on signing the memorandum (MFSA registration guide, 2019).","from_abroad":"The Malta Business Registry's BAROS portal provides electronic filing and registration.","local_requirements":"The memorandum must state a registered office in Malta, and every company must have a company secretary (MFSA registration guide).","vat":"The standard VAT rate is 18%; reduced rates are 12%, 7%, 5% and 0%.","annual_filings":"Annual return and annual BO confirmation are made up to each anniversary of registration and filed within 42 days, with a fee by authorised capital (€85 electronic up to €1,500, maximum €1,200 electronic). Annual accounts are approved within 10 months of year end and filed online within 42 days after that 10-month period. The company income tax return and self-assessment are due within nine months of year end; companies with year ends from January to June file by 31 March of the following year. MTCA extensions apply to e-filing only, not payment; for years ending 31 December 2025 the manual deadline is 30 September 2026 and the web deadline 27 November 2026.","audit":"Accounts must generally be filed with an auditor's report. Private companies that do not exceed two of these three limits on their balance sheet date are exempt from the auditor's report requirement: balance sheet total €46,600, turnover €93,000, 2 employees.","beneficial_owners":"Companies file beneficial-owner information with the MBR and confirm it annually. Access was limited to competent authorities and subject persons after the 2022 CJEU ruling; amending regulations in force since 10 July 2026 (LN 184 of 2026) add a 'legitimate interest' access tier for AML purposes.","notes":"An elective Final Income Tax Without Imputation regime exists under Legal Notice 188 of 2025.","registry_name":"Malta Business Registry (MBR) – Registrar of Companies","registry":"https://www.mbr.mt","tax_authority":"https://mtca.gov.mt/business-tax/corporate/corporate_tax","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"MBR – Fee structure · https://www.mbr.mt/website-pages/fee-structure\nMBR – Annual filings · https://www.mbr.mt/website-pages/annual-filings\nMBR – Home (BAROS) · https://www.mbr.mt/\nMBR – Notice on BO access after CJEU ruling (2022) · https://www.mbr.mt/post/notice-to-the-general-public-provision-requiring-public-access-to-bo-information-declared-invalid\nMBR – Informative note on BO Regulations amendment (July 2026) · https://www.mbr.mt/post/informative-note-entry-into-force-of-legislation-3\nMTCA – Corporate tax · https://mtca.gov.mt/business-tax/corporate/corporate_tax\nMTCA – Income tax (company tax return) · https://mtca.gov.mt/business-tax/corporate/Income_Tax\nMTCA – Electronic filing extension for 2026 · https://mtca.gov.mt/news-results-page/2026/01/13/electronic-filing-extension-of-corporate-income-tax-returns-for-2026\nMTCA – VAT rates · https://mtca.gov.mt/business-tax/vat1/vat-compliance/vat-rates/vat-rates\nMFSA – A Guide to the Registration of Companies (2019) · https://www.mfsa.mt/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/A_Guide_to_the_Registration_of_Companies.pdf\nLegislation Malta – LN 188 of 2025 · https://legislation.mt/eli/ln/2025/188/eng"}},{"slug":"netherlands","name":"Netherlands","path":"/jurisdictions/netherlands","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:11.457Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited company (besloten vennootschap, BV)","cit_rate":25.8,"corporate_tax":"Corporate income tax (vennootschapsbelasting) in 2026: 19.0% on taxable profit up to €200,000 and 25.8% on the excess; rates unchanged from 2023–2025.","registration_fee":"KVK one-off registration fee €85.15 (2026 tariff) for a new registration in the Business Register; the BV itself must be set up by a civil-law notary via a notarial deed (notary fees are separate; KVK indicates €500–€1,500).","min_capital":"At least €0.01 paid into the company as starting capital (cash or in kind); no other start-up capital required.","from_abroad":"Formation requires a Dutch civil-law notary, who draws up the deed and registers the BV (and its UBOs) with KVK, so founders do not have to visit KVK; founders can arrange the setup digitally but still need a notarial deed. Government guidance for starting from abroad requires structural physical business activities and a business address in the Netherlands.","local_requirements":"A business address in the Netherlands (not a PO box), and a civil-law notary for incorporation.","vat":"No registration threshold: the Tax Administration issues VAT numbers after KVK registration. Optional small business scheme (KOR) VAT exemption if turnover is no more than €20,000 per calendar year (current and previous year). Standard VAT rate 21% (reduced 9%, 0%).","annual_filings":"Board draws up annual accounts within 5 months of year end (extendable by 5 months by shareholders), shareholders adopt within 2 months, and accounts are filed with KVK within 8 days of adoption, in any case within 12 months of year end (8 August for a calendar year without extension). Corporate income tax return due before 1 June of the following year for a calendar financial year (within 5 months of year end otherwise); extension can be requested.","audit":"Statutory audit only for companies meeting 2 of 3 criteria: more than 50 employees, €15 million turnover, €7.5 million balance sheet total (medium and large); micro and small BVs are not audit-obliged.","beneficial_owners":"UBOs must be registered in the KVK UBO register (the notary does this at incorporation); the register is not public: UBOs see their own data, the company sees its own registration, and access is limited to authorities and recognised Wwft/sanctions institutions.","notes":"The KVK registration fee is indexed annually (€85.15 in 2026). A BV registered from abroad must show real economic activity in the Netherlands; KVK may ask for evidence. UBO register access is being gradually reopened only for recognised Wwft and sanctions institutions (expanded from 1 April 2026), not for the general public.","registry_name":"Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) Business Register (Handelsregister)","registry":"https://www.kvk.nl/en/","tax_authority":"https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/zakelijk/winst/vennootschapsbelasting/tarieven_vennootschapsbelasting","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"KVK Registration fee · https://www.kvk.nl/en/registration/registration-fee/\nKVK Private limited company (BV) · https://www.kvk.nl/en/starting/private-limited-company-bv/\nKVK Registering a Dutch BV · https://www.kvk.nl/en/registration/registering-a-dutch-bv-or-nv/\nBusiness.gov.nl: Private limited company (BV) · https://business.gov.nl/running-your-business/legal-forms-and-governance/private-limited-company-in-the-netherlands/\nBusiness.gov.nl: Start a business in the Netherlands from abroad · https://business.gov.nl/starting-your-business/starting-situations/starting-a-business-in-the-netherlands-from-abroad/\nBelastingdienst: Tarieven vennootschapsbelasting · https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/zakelijk/winst/vennootschapsbelasting/tarieven_vennootschapsbelasting\nBelastingdienst: Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR) · https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/zakelijk/btw/hoe_werkt_de_btw/kleineondernemersregeling/\nBelastingdienst: KOR voorwaarden · https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/nl/btw/content/kor-voorwaarden\nKVK Final date for filing financial statements · https://www.kvk.nl/en/filing/when-do-i-have-to-file-my-annual-accounts/\nKVK Filing financial statements · https://www.kvk.nl/en/filing/filing-financial-statements/\nOndernemersplein: jaarrekening of jaarverslag · https://ondernemersplein.overheid.nl/bedrijfsvoering/administratie/jaarverslag-of-jaarrekening/\nBelastingdienst: Aangifte vennootschapsbelasting doen · https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/zakelijk/winst/vennootschapsbelasting/aangifte-vennootschapsbelasting-doen/\nKVK Who has access to UBO data · https://www.kvk.nl/en/ubo/who-has-access-to-ubo-data/"}},{"slug":"panama","name":"Panama","path":"/jurisdictions/panama","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:30:23.399Z","fields":{"region":"Offshore","entity":"Sociedad anónima (S.A.), corporation under Ley 32 de 1927","cit_rate":25,"corporate_tax":"The DGI states that legal entities pay income tax (ISR) at 25% of net taxable income from 2011 onwards. Panama taxes income produced within its territory. From fiscal year 2027, Ley 526 de 2026 taxes certain foreign-source passive income of entities in multinational groups at a flat 15% unless they meet the new economic substance rules.","registration_fee":"At registration in the Registro Público, the first annual Tasa Única (B/.300 according to the Registro Público manual) is paid together with the review (calificación) fee and registration rights. Registration rights rise with capital: B/.0.60 per additional thousand from B/.100,000 up to B/.1,000,000, and B/.0.12 per thousand above that.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":null,"local_requirements":"A resident agent (agente residente) is required: a Panamanian lawyer or law firm licensed by the Supreme Court. The agent must register the company and its beneficial owners in the RUBF, keep copies of share certificates and the shareholder register, and receive the company's accounting records (or copies) each year.","vat":"ITBMS (Panama's VAT) standard rate 7% since 1 July 2010. ITBMS filing is mandatory when annual income exceeds B/.36,000 (or depending on the activity). Below that, a certificate of non-taxpayer status can be obtained.","annual_filings":"(1) Annual Tasa Única of B/.300 is due by 15 July for companies registered January–June, or by 15 January for those registered July–December. A late surcharge of B/.50 applies. (2) The income tax return (declaración jurada de rentas) for legal entities is due by 31 March, or within three months after fiscal year-end; a one-month extension to 30 April is available on request. (3) Accounting records, or copies, go to the resident agent each year by 30 April for the fiscal year ended 31 December; records are kept for at least 5 years (Ley 52 de 2016 as amended by Ley 254 de 2021). (4) The resident agent files a sworn statement with the DGI by 15 July listing where the records are kept.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners must be registered by the resident agent in the RUBF (Sistema Privado y Único de Registro de Beneficiarios Finales, Ley 129 de 2020), run by the Superintendencia de Sujetos no Financieros. It is private, restricted-access and not public.","notes":"Ley 526 of 28 May 2026 (Gaceta Oficial 30534-B) adds economic substance rules to the Fiscal Code from fiscal year 2027: a Panamanian entity in a multinational group that earns foreign-source passive income must show adequate substance in Panama, or that income is taxed at a flat 15%. Missing two Tasa Única payments triggers a B/.300 fine, and ten unpaid years lead to removal from the Registro Público (Ley 49 de 2009).","registry_name":"Registro Público de Panamá","registry":"https://registro-publico.gob.pa","tax_authority":"https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/DInforme/Tarifa","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"DGI – Tarifa ISR personas jurídicas · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/DInforme/Tarifa\nDGI – Preguntas frecuentes Tasa Única · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/Preguntas/TasaU\nDGI – Preguntas frecuentes Pagos (Tasa Única deadlines) · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/Preguntas/Pagos\nLey 49 de 2009 (art. 318-A Código Fiscal), DGI · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/INM/LDR/Ley49-de-2009-sep-17-2009.pdf\nRegistro Público – Manual de calificación · https://registro-publico.gob.pa/images/PDF/manualdecalificacion.pdf\nPanamá Digital – Constitución de sociedades (Registro Público) · https://www.panamadigital.gob.pa/InformacionTramite/constitucion-de-sociedades-y-fundaciones-de-interes-privado\nDGI – ITBMS Generalidades · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/itbms/Generalidades\nDGI – Preguntas ITBMS · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/Preguntas/Itbms.php/DevolucionImpuestos\nDGI – Declaración de Impuesto sobre la Renta · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/DInforme/D-IsRenta\nDGI – Declaración Jurada de Renta Personas Jurídicas · https://dgi.mef.gob.pa/DInforme/DJRP-Publico\nLey 52 de 2016 (as amended by Ley 254 de 2021), MEF/CNBC · https://cnbc.mef.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ley-52-de-2016.pdf\nLey 129 de 2020 (RUBF), MEF/CNBC · https://cnbc.mef.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ley-129-de-2020.pdf\nSSNF – Preguntas frecuentes RUBF · https://ssnf.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Preguntas-frecuentes.pdf\nGaceta Oficial 30534-B – Ley 526 de 28 de mayo de 2026 (sustancia económica) · https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/storage/gacetas/2026/05/30534_B/GacetaNo_30534b_20260528.pdf"}},{"slug":"portugal","name":"Portugal","path":"/jurisdictions/portugal","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:43.821Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited company by quotas (sociedade por quotas, Lda; single-member: sociedade unipessoal por quotas)","cit_rate":19,"corporate_tax":"The general IRC rate is 19% for tax periods starting in 2026, 18% in 2027 and 17% from 1 January 2028 (Lei 64/2025). SMEs and Small Mid Caps pay 15% on the first €50,000 of taxable profit from 2026, with the excess taxed at the general rate.","registration_fee":"Empresa Online: €220 with a pre-approved articles model, or €360 with articles drafted by the founders; urgent requests cost €440 or €720. Empresa na Hora (in person at a counter): €360. The fee includes the name admissibility check.","min_capital":"Capital is set freely by the partners, but each quota must be at least €1, so the minimum is €1 per partner. If the capital is not deposited at formation, partners may declare they will deposit it within 5 business days or by the end of the first financial year.","from_abroad":"Empresa Online is open to holders of a Portuguese Cartão de Cidadão with an active digital signature or Chave Móvel Digital. Lawyers, notaries and solicitors with a professional digital certificate can also create a company online. At an Empresa na Hora counter all partners must be present or legally represented.","local_requirements":null,"vat":"Taxable persons established in Portugal whose domestic turnover in the previous calendar year did not exceed €15,000 can use the Article 53 exemption; exceeding the threshold by more than 25% (€18,750) during the year triggers the normal regime. The standard rate is 23% on the mainland, 22% in Madeira and 16% in the Azores.","annual_filings":"IRC return (Modelo 22) is due by the last day of May, or the last day of the 5th month after a special tax period ends. The annual accounting and tax information declaration (IES) is due by 15 July. IRC payments on account are due in July, September and by 15 December. The RCBE beneficial-owner confirmation is due by 31 December each year.","audit":"An Lda without a supervisory board must appoint a statutory auditor (ROC) if it exceeds two of three limits for two consecutive years: balance sheet total, net sales and other income, and 50 employees (Commercial Companies Code, art. 262(2)).","beneficial_owners":"The first RCBE (Registo Central do Beneficiário Efetivo) declaration is due within 30 days of registration, changes within 30 days, and a confirmation by 31 December each year. The official guide says some of this information is made publicly available.","notes":"The IRC rate falls in steps: 19% for 2026, 18% for 2027, 17% from 2028. The Article 53 VAT exemption applies only to taxable persons with their seat or domicile in Portugal. Empresa Online authentication uses Portuguese e-ID; lawyers, notaries and solicitors with a professional digital certificate can also create a company online.","registry_name":"Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) – Registo Comercial","registry":"https://registo.justica.gov.pt/Empresa","tax_authority":"https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/informacao_fiscal/informacoes_vinculativas/rendimento/circ/Documents/PIV_29609.pdf","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Justiça.gov.pt – Custos (Empresa Online) · https://justica.gov.pt/Como-criar-uma-empresa-online/Quanto-custa\ngov.pt – Criar uma empresa online · https://www2.gov.pt/pt/servicos/criar-uma-empresa-online\ngov.pt – Criar uma empresa na hora · https://www2.gov.pt/pt/servicos/criar-uma-empresa-na-hora\nJustiça.gov.pt – Capital social · https://justica.gov.pt/Como-criar-uma-empresa-online/Capital-social\nAT – Informação vinculativa 29609 (IRC rates, Lei 64/2025) · https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/informacao_fiscal/informacoes_vinculativas/rendimento/circ/Documents/PIV_29609.pdf\nAT – CIVA artigo 53.º · https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/informacao_fiscal/codigos_tributarios/civa_rep/Pages/artigo-53-o-do-civa.aspx\ngov.pt – IVA em Portugal · https://www.gov.pt/guias/imposto-sobre-valor-acrescentado-iva-em-portugal\ngov.pt – IRC em Portugal · https://www.gov.pt/guias/imposto-sobre-o-rendimento-das-pessoas-coletivas-irc-em-portugal\nAT – Instruções Modelo 22 (2026) · https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/apoio_contribuinte/modelos_formularios/irc/Documents/M22-IRC.pdf\nJustiça.gov.pt – Quando registar um beneficiário efetivo · https://justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Registo-de-Beneficiario-Efetivo/Quando-registar-um-beneficiario-efetivo\nJustiça.gov.pt – Guia do RCBE · https://justica.gov.pt/Guias/guia-do-registo-central-do-beneficiario-efetivo-rcbe\nPGD Lisboa – CSC art. 262.º (original text) · https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_busca_art_velho.php?artigonum=524A0262&n_versao=1&nid=524&so_miolo="}},{"slug":"seychelles","name":"Seychelles","path":"/jurisdictions/seychelles","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:30:03.839Z","fields":{"region":"Offshore","entity":"International Business Company (IBC) under the International Business Companies Act, 2016","cit_rate":15,"corporate_tax":"The Seychelles Revenue Commission states the company business tax rate as 15% on the first SCR 1 million of taxable income and 25% above SCR 1 million (in force since January 2022). Seychelles historically taxes only Seychelles-sourced income; since 16 September 2021 'covered companies' must pass an economic substance test for foreign passive income to stay outside the tax net.","registration_fee":"IBC (non-PCC): US$130 registration fee and US$140 annual fee (FSA fee schedule). The application is filed by a licensed registered agent.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"The FSA says an IBC is registered only through an International Corporate Service Provider (ICSP) licensed by the FSA, which deals with the FSA for the founder. The FSA does not state any in-person visit requirement.","local_requirements":"A registered agent licensed to provide international corporate services, and a registered office in Seychelles. Accounting records must be lodged at that office at least twice a year, and the register of beneficial owners is kept at the agent's place of business. From the IBC (Amendment) Act 2026, the first director must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation (previously nine months).","vat":"VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies reach SCR 2 million in a 12-month period. Voluntary registration is possible from SCR 100,000 (effective 1 January 2025). The standard rate is 15%, and exports are zero-rated.","annual_filings":"The annual fee is paid through the registered agent. Accounting records are lodged at the Seychelles registered office at least twice a year. An annual financial summary is kept at the registered office within 6 months of financial year end (every company except a non-large holding company). A business tax return is filed with the Seychelles Revenue Commission by 31 March, whether or not there is a liability or loss. Beneficial ownership changes are submitted to the FIU database by the resident agent within 14 days.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"Every IBC must keep a register of beneficial owners at its resident/registered agent, and the agent uploads it to the FIU's Seychelles Beneficial Ownership database, which only authorised officers of specified authorities can access (not public).","notes":"Seychelles taxes Seychelles-sourced income, but under the 2021 Business Tax amendments a company in a multinational group that earns foreign passive income (dividends, interest, royalties) is taxed on it unless it passes the economic substance test. The IBC (Amendment) Act 2026 (Act 13 of 2026) requires nominee-director status to be recorded in the register of directors by 31 December 2026, puts current directors' names on the Registrar's register and search certificates from 1 January 2027, and cuts the time to appoint the first director to 30 days.","registry_name":"Financial Services Authority (FSA) Seychelles – Registry of International Business Companies","registry":"https://www.fsaseychelles.sc","tax_authority":"https://src.gov.sc/seychelles-tax-system/","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"FSA – Licensing and Registration Fees (Appendix A: Registry) · https://fsaseychelles.sc/images/Licensing_and_Registration_Fees.pdf\nFSA – FAQs (How do I incorporate an IBC?) · https://fsaseychelles.sc/media-corner/faqs\nFSA – IBC legislation list (incl. IBC (Amendment) Act 2026) · https://fsaseychelles.sc/component/edocman/legislations/fiduciary/ibc\nSRC – Seychelles Tax System (business tax, VAT, returns, economic substance) · https://src.gov.sc/seychelles-tax-system/\nOfficial Gazette – IBC (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act 32 of 2021), s.175 accounting records · https://www.gazette.sc/sites/default/files/2021-08/Act%2032%20-%20International%20Business%20Companies%20%28Amendment%29%20Act%202021.pdf\nOfficial Gazette – IBC (Amendment) Act 2026 (Act 13 of 2026) · https://www.gazette.sc/sites/default/files/2026-08/Act%2013%202026%20-%20International%20Business%20Companies%20%28Amendment%29%20Act%202026.pdf\nOfficial Gazette – Beneficial Ownership Act 2020 · https://www.gazette.sc/sites/default/files/2020-12/Final%20Beneficial%20Ownership%20Act%202020.pdf\nOfficial Gazette – Beneficial Ownership Regulations 2020 (SI 107 of 2020) · https://www.gazette.sc/sites/default/files/2020-12/SI%20107%202020%20-%20Beneficial%20Ownership%20Regulations_0.pdf\nSeychelles FIU – Beneficial Ownership · https://seychellesfiu.sc/beneficial-ownership/"}},{"slug":"singapore","name":"Singapore","path":"/jurisdictions/singapore","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:35.635Z","fields":{"region":"Asia and Middle East","entity":"Private company limited by shares (Pte. Ltd.), often an exempt private company","cit_rate":17,"corporate_tax":"Flat 17% on chargeable income. Qualifying new start-ups (first 3 years of assessment): 75% exemption on the first SGD 100,000 and 50% on the next SGD 100,000; other companies: 75% exemption on the first SGD 10,000 and 50% on the next SGD 190,000. For YA 2026 a corporate income tax rebate of 50% of tax payable (capped at SGD 40,000) applies, with a SGD 2,000 cash grant for companies that employed a local employee in 2025.","registration_fee":"SGD 15 name application + SGD 300 company registration via Bizfile (online only).","min_capital":"At least SGD 1 of share capital (minimum one issued share); shares may be issued without full payment, so no prior pay-in requirement is stated by ACRA.","from_abroad":"Foreigners cannot self-file: ACRA states foreigners must engage a corporate service provider (CSP/registered filing agent) to register; Singpass holders who will be director or secretary can apply directly on Bizfile.","local_requirements":"At least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore (citizen, PR or someone meeting local residency rules); a company secretary (natural person, local resident, not the sole director) within 6 months; a registered office at a Singapore address open to the public at least 3 hours each business day.","vat":"GST registration compulsory when taxable turnover exceeds SGD 1 million (calendar-year retrospective test or 12-month prospective test); standard GST rate 9% (since 1 January 2024).","annual_filings":"ACRA annual return within 7 months after financial year end (non-listed companies; late penalty SGD 300/600). IRAS: Estimated Chargeable Income within 3 months after FYE (waived if revenue ≤ SGD 5 million and ECI nil); Form C-S/C-S (Lite)/C by 30 November each year (YA 2026 deadline 30 Nov 2026). Financial statements filed in XBRL unless exempt (solvent exempt private companies need not file).","audit":"Private companies are audit-exempt as 'small companies' if they meet at least 2 of 3 criteria for the past two consecutive financial years: revenue ≤ SGD 10 million, total assets ≤ SGD 10 million, ≤ 50 employees. Dormant companies are also exempt.","beneficial_owners":"Yes: companies must keep a Register of Registrable Controllers and file it with ACRA's Central RORC (on the day of registration for companies registered from 16 June 2025); it is not available to the public, only to law enforcement.","notes":"Start-up tax exemption requires the company to be incorporated and tax resident in Singapore and meet shareholding conditions; foreign company branches cannot claim it. Appoint an auditor within 3 months of registration unless audit-exempt. Solvent exempt private companies (fewer than 20 members, no corporate shareholder) need not file financial statements with ACRA but must declare solvency. Private companies may be exempt from holding an AGM.","registry_name":"Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) - Bizfile","registry":"https://www.acra.gov.sg/","tax_authority":"https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/corporate-income-tax/basics-of-corporate-income-tax/corporate-income-tax-rate-rebates-and-tax-exemption-schemes","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"IRAS - Corporate Income Tax Rate, Rebates & Tax Exemption Schemes · https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/corporate-income-tax/basics-of-corporate-income-tax/corporate-income-tax-rate-rebates-and-tax-exemption-schemes\nACRA - Service & transaction fees: Companies · https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/service-transaction-fees/\nACRA - Registering a local company via Bizfile · https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/registering-different-business-structures/local-company/registering-via-bizfile/\nACRA - Choosing company directors & other key officers · https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/registering-different-business-structures/local-company/appointing-company-directors-other-key-officers/\nACRA - Deciding on share capital & share types · https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/registering-different-business-structures/local-company/deciding-on-share-capital-share-types/\nACRA - Applying for a new business entity name · https://www.acra.gov.sg/resources/guides-forms/apply-for-new-business-entity-name/\nACRA - Deadline & requirements for annual returns · https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/legal-requirements-common-offences/filing-annual-returns-companies/deadline-requirements/\nACRA - Audit exemptions: small company concept · https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/legal-requirements-common-offences/preparing-financial-statements/audit-exemptions/\nACRA - Filing with the Central RORC · https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/legal-requirements-common-offences/maintaining-local-companys-information-registers/rorc/central-rorc/\nACRA - Post-registration guide: local company · https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/after-registering/local-company/\nACRA - Financial statements filing requirements & exemptions · https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/legal-requirements-common-offences/filing-financial-statements-in-xbrl-format/requirements-exemptions/\nIRAS - Do I need to register for GST · https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/gst-registration-deregistration/do-i-need-to-register-for-gst\nIRAS - Current GST rates · https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/goods-services-tax-(gst)/basics-of-gst/current-gst-rates\nIRAS - Basic Guide to Corporate Income Tax for Companies · https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/corporate-income-tax/basics-of-corporate-income-tax/basic-guide-to-corporate-income-tax-for-companies"}},{"slug":"spain","name":"Spain","path":"/jurisdictions/spain","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:28:50.828Z","fields":{"region":"European Union","entity":"Private limited company (sociedad de responsabilidad limitada, SL / SRL)","cit_rate":25,"corporate_tax":"The general corporate tax rate is 25%. Micro-companies (net turnover under €1m in the prior period) pay 19% on the first €50,000 and 21% on the rest for periods starting in 2026; this falls to 17%/20% from 2027. Companies with turnover under €10m (art. 101 LIS) pay 23% in 2026 and 22% in 2027. Newly created companies pay 15% in their first profitable period and the next.","registration_fee":"Fixed notary and registry fees apply when an SL is formed telematically through CIRCE: €60 notary plus €40 registry where capital is at most €3,100 and the Ministry's standard statutes are used, otherwise €150 plus €100. The negative name certificate from the Registro Mercantil Central costs €18.19. BORME publication of the incorporation is fee-exempt.","min_capital":"€1 minimum (Ley 18/2022, amending LSC art. 4), fully subscribed and paid up at formation.","from_abroad":"CIRCE/PAE submits the single electronic form (DUE) to all agencies online; the official CIRCE page says founders still visit the notary.","local_requirements":null,"vat":"Spain has no small-business VAT exemption (franquicia) threshold, so there is no turnover-based registration threshold. The general VAT rate is 21% (reduced rates 10% and 4%).","annual_filings":"Corporate tax return (Modelo 200) is due within 25 calendar days after the six months following the end of the tax period; for calendar years that is 1–25 July (the 2025 return was due by 27 July 2026). Annual accounts must be deposited at the Registro Mercantil within one month of their approval by the general meeting, together with a beneficial-owner declaration sheet.","audit":"Audit is compulsory unless, for two consecutive year-ends, the company meets at least two of these conditions: total assets ≤ €2,850,000, net turnover ≤ €5,700,000, average headcount ≤ 50 (LSC art. 263).","beneficial_owners":"Beneficial owners are declared to the Registro Mercantil with the annual accounts deposit, with changes due within 10 days, and feed the Registro Central de Titularidades Reales (RD 609/2023). That register is not public: authorities and obliged entities have access, and others need a proven legitimate interest and see only limited data.","notes":"The micro-company and reduced-size rates are transitional (DT 44ª LIS): micro 21/22% in 2025, 19/21% in 2026, 17/20% from 2027; reduced-size entities 24% (2025), 23% (2026), 22% (2027), 21% (2028).","registry_name":"Registro Mercantil (provincial) / Registro Mercantil Central","registry":"https://www.rmc.es","tax_authority":"https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/ayuda/manuales-videos-folletos/manuales-practicos/manual-sociedades-2025/principales-novedades-impuesto-sobre-sociedades-2025/tipos-gravamen.html","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"AEAT – Tipos de gravamen (Manual Sociedades 2025) · https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/ayuda/manuales-videos-folletos/manuales-practicos/manual-sociedades-2025/principales-novedades-impuesto-sobre-sociedades-2025/tipos-gravamen.html\nAEAT – Folleto actividades económicas: tipo de gravamen · https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/ayuda/manuales-videos-folletos/manuales-practicos/folleto-actividades-economicas/4-impuesto-sobre-sociedades/4_3-tipo-gravamen-cuota-integra.html\nAEAT – Plazo de presentación IS · https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/ayuda/manuales-videos-folletos/manuales-practicos/folleto-actividades-economicas/4-impuesto-sobre-sociedades/4_9-declaracion/4_9_1-plazo-presentacion.html\nAEAT – Tipos impositivos IVA 2026 · https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/static_files/Sede/Tema/IVA/IVA_reperc/Tipos_IVA_2026.pdf\nPunto de Acceso General – IVA tipos y exenciones · https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/empresas/impuestos/IVA/tipos-exenciones\nBOE – Real Decreto-ley 13/2010 art. 5 · https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2010-18651\nBOE – Ley 18/2022 (Crea y Crece) · https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2022-15818\nPlataforma ONE – Creación de empresas · https://one.gob.es/es/tramites/creacion-de-empresas\nMinisterio de Industria – Qué es CIRCE · https://sedepyme.serviciosmin.gob.es/es-es/CreaEmpresaPorTiMismo/Paginas/Circe.aspx\nICAC – LSC art. 279 depósito de cuentas · https://www.icac.gob.es/sites/default/files/2020-11/Deposito_Cuentas.pdf\nICAC – BOICAC 96 (LSC art. 263 audit) · https://www.icac.gob.es/sites/default/files/2020-11/BOICAC_96_1213_7.PDF\nMinisterio de Justicia – Registro Central de Titularidades Reales · https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/tramites/registro-central-titularidades-reales\nBOE – Real Decreto 609/2023 · https://boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2023-16159"}},{"slug":"switzerland","name":"Switzerland","path":"/jurisdictions/switzerland","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:03.257Z","fields":{"region":"Europe outside the EU","entity":"Limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH / Sàrl / Sagl)","cit_rate":null,"corporate_tax":"There is no single national rate. Federal direct tax on company profit is a proportional 8.5% of net profit; the tax is itself deductible, so the effective federal rate is lower. Cantons and communes add their own profit tax and a capital tax, so the combined rate depends on the canton.","registration_fee":"Commercial register fee for a new entry of a capital company (including a GmbH): CHF 420 (GebV-HReg, annex item 1.3). Notary fees are set by each canton and are extra.","min_capital":"CHF 20,000 minimum share capital (OR art. 773), fully paid in (in cash or in kind) at formation.","from_abroad":"The foundation must be publicly notarised. EasyGov prepares the notary mandate online, and the commercial register entry follows the notarial act.","local_requirements":"Every Swiss GmbH must be representable by a person resident in Switzerland who has access to the register of members and beneficial owners.","vat":"VAT registration is mandatory for businesses with at least CHF 100,000 annual turnover from non-exempt supplies in Switzerland and abroad. Rates: standard 8.1%, accommodation 3.8%, reduced 2.6%.","annual_filings":"The annual report must be prepared within six months of the financial year end and submitted for approval (OR art. 958(3)). GmbH accounts are not filed with the commercial register. Tax returns are filed with the canton. The transparency-register report is due within one month of the commercial register entry.","audit":"An ordinary audit is required if the company exceeds two of three thresholds in two consecutive years: CHF 20m balance sheet total, CHF 40m revenue, 250 full-time staff. Otherwise a limited audit applies. With the consent of all members, a company with no more than 10 full-time positions can opt out of audit entirely.","beneficial_owners":"Under the Federal Act on the Transparency of Legal Entities (TJPG, AS 2026 323) and its ordinance (in force 1 October 2026), companies must report beneficial owners to a federal transparency register within one month of commercial register entry. The register is not public: only authorities, financial intermediaries and AML-regulated advisers have access.","notes":"Switzerland has no single headline profit tax rate: the federal 8.5% is levied on profit after tax, and cantonal and communal rates are added. Existing companies have transitional deadlines for the transparency register under TJPG art. 51.","registry_name":"Cantonal commercial registers (Handelsregister) – central index Zefix","registry":"https://www.zefix.ch","tax_authority":"https://www.estv2.admin.ch/stp/ds/e-steuersatz-steuerfuss-de.pdf","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"KMU-Portal – GmbH: Haftung, Stammkapital, Gründung · https://www.kmu.admin.ch/de/gmbh-haftung-stammkapital-gruendung\nKMU-Portal – Anmeldung im Handelsregister · https://www.kmu.admin.ch/de/anmeldung-eines-unternehmens-im-handelsregister\nFedlex – GebV-HReg SR 221.411.1 · https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/180/de\nESTV – Steuersatz und Steuerfuss · https://www.estv2.admin.ch/stp/ds/e-steuersatz-steuerfuss-de.pdf\nESTV – Geltende Steuern · https://www.estv2.admin.ch/stp/ds/c-geltende-steuern-de.pdf\nESTV – MWST-Steuerpflicht · https://www.estv.admin.ch/de/mwst-steuerpflicht\nESTV – Grundsätze der Mehrwertsteuer · https://www.estv2.admin.ch/stp/ds/d-grundsaetze-der-mehrwertsteuer-de.pdf\nKMU-Portal – Kriterien Revisionsstelle · https://www.kmu.admin.ch/de/kriterien-fuer-die-revisionsstelle-und-revisionsart\nKanton Zürich Handelsregisteramt – Opting-out Merkblatt (OR 727, 727a, 958) · https://www.zh.ch/content/dam/zhweb/bilder-dokumente/themen/wirtschaft-arbeit/handelsregister/rechtsformuebergreifend/allg_merkblatt_kmu_erklaerung_opting_out.pdf\nFedlex – TJPG AS 2026 323 · https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/oc/2026/323/de\nFedlex – TJPV AS 2026 364 · https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/oc/2026/364/de\nTransparenzregister – FAQ · https://www.transpareg.admin.ch/de/fragen-antworten"}},{"slug":"united-arab-emirates","name":"United Arab Emirates","path":"/jurisdictions/united-arab-emirates","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:50.208Z","fields":{"region":"Asia and Middle East","entity":"Limited liability company (LLC) on the mainland (licensed by the emirate's economic department, e.g. Dubai DET), or a free zone company (e.g. a DMCC company in Dubai)","cit_rate":9,"corporate_tax":"Federal corporate tax: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on Qualifying Income and 9% on other taxable income (no AED 375,000 0% band). Small Business Relief: resident taxable persons with revenue ≤ AED 3 million in the current and all previous tax periods may elect to be treated as having no taxable income, only for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026.","registration_fee":"Fees depend on the licensing authority and the business activity. Example from the DMCC free zone in Dubai (official DMCC figures, before discounts): application USD 282 (AED 1,035), registration USD 2,456 (AED 9,020), Articles of Association USD 550 (AED 2,020), licence USD 5,523 (AED 20,285) a year depending on activity, establishment card about USD 490 a year.","min_capital":"DMCC free zone company: minimum share capital USD 13,612, deposited in the company's UAE bank account within three weeks of the licence date.","from_abroad":"DMCC: application is online; if you cannot come to DMCC you can sign via one of its international service providers. Abu Dhabi DED offers an instant online licence without visiting a service centre. Mainland Dubai applications run through the Invest in Dubai digital window. A resident natural person must be named to the registrar for beneficial-owner disclosures.","local_requirements":"Mainland: 100% foreign ownership is allowed for most activities, except 'strategic impact' activities such as defence, banking, insurance and telecoms. A mainland LLC needs a notarised memorandum of association and business premises. Every legal person must name a natural person residing in the UAE who is authorised to disclose beneficial-owner data. Free zone: an office or flexi-desk address in the zone.","vat":"VAT 5% standard rate; mandatory registration when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the previous 12 months or are expected to in the next 30 days; voluntary registration threshold AED 187,500.","annual_filings":"Corporate tax: register with the FTA and file a CT return and pay tax within 9 months of the end of each tax period (all taxable persons, including free zone persons and those using Small Business Relief). VAT returns if registered. Economic substance notifications/reports are no longer required for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Licence renewal with the licensing authority (DMCC licence fee is annual).","audit":"For corporate tax, audited financial statements are required for taxable persons with revenue above AED 50 million in the tax period and for all Qualifying Free Zone Persons (Ministerial Decision 82 of 2023).","beneficial_owners":"Yes: under Cabinet Decision 109 of 2023 every legal person must keep a Beneficial Owner register and submit it to the registrar within 60 days of licensing; the Ministry and registrar may not disclose it without the beneficial owner's written approval, so it is not public.","notes":"All taxable persons, including free zone companies, must register for corporate tax. To keep 0% on qualifying income, a free zone person must keep adequate substance in the free zone, earn qualifying income, keep transfer-pricing documentation and audited financial statements and meet the de minimis test; otherwise 9% applies. Small Business Relief is not available to Qualifying Free Zone Persons and applies only to tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. Separate economic substance reporting ended for financial years ending after 31 December 2022.","registry_name":"Emirate-level registrars: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (mainland) / free zone authority registrar (e.g. DMCC Authority)","registry":"https://www.investindubai.gov.ae/en/business-setup/mainland-companies","tax_authority":"https://mof.gov.ae/en/public-finance/tax/corporate-tax-in-the-uae/","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"UAE Ministry of Finance - Corporate Tax in the UAE · https://mof.gov.ae/en/public-finance/tax/corporate-tax-in-the-uae/\nFTA - Cabinet Decision No. 116 of 2022 (AED 375,000 threshold) · https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Legislation/Corporate%20Tax/Cabinet%20Decision%20No.%20116%20of%202022%20-%20for%20publishing.pdf\nFTA - Basic Tax Information bulletin: Free Zone Person · https://tax.gov.ae/datafolder/Files/Pdf/2024/CT%20Bulletin/Basic%20Tax%20Information%20bulletin-%20Free%20Zone%20Person-English.pdf\nFTA - Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 on Small Business Relief · https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Legislation/Corporate%20Tax/Ministerial%20Decision%20No.%2073%20of%202023%20-%20for%20publishing.pdf\nFTA - Small Business Relief topic page · https://tax.gov.ae/en/taxes/corporate.tax/corporate.tax.topics/small.business.relief.23.aspx\nFTA - Accounting Standards and Interaction with Corporate Tax guide · https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Guides/CT/Accounting%20Standards%20Guide%20-%2006%2011%202023.pdf\nFTA - Registration for VAT · https://tax.gov.ae/en/taxes/vat/vat.topics/registration.for.vat.aspx\nUAE Ministry of Finance - Value Added Tax · https://mof.gov.ae/en/public-finance/tax/value-added-tax-vat/\nu.ae - Corporate tax · https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/corporate-tax\nu.ae - Full foreign ownership of commercial companies · https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/Doing-business/doing-business-on-the-mainland/full-foreign-ownership-of-commercial-companies\nu.ae - Steps to start a business on the mainland · https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/business/Doing-business/doing-business-on-the-mainland/steps-to-start-a-business-on-the-mainland\nDubai.ae (Government of Dubai) - Starting a business · https://www.dubai.ae/starting-a-business\nUAE Legislation - Federal Decree-Law 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies · https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1542\nMinistry of Economy - Cabinet Decision 132 of 2023 (UBO penalties, refers to CD 109/2023) · https://www.moet.gov.ae/documents/20121/0/CD%2B132%2B2023%2B-%2BFinal%2BEnglish%2BVersion%2B06062024.pdf/6d3c2e12-49be-f764-c9f9-163d51678307?t=1718181851692\nJAFZA (free zone authority) - Cabinet Decision 109 of 2023 on beneficial owner procedures · https://www.jafza.ae/resource-centre/downloads/regulating-beneficial-owner-procedure/\nUAE Ministry of Finance - ESR amendment announcement · https://mof.gov.ae/en/news/ministry-of-finance-announces-amendment-to-cabinet-decision-on-economic-substance-requirements/\nDMCC - Set up your business in Dubai · https://landing.dmcc.ae/business-setup\nDMCC - Schedule of charges · https://dmcc.ae/members/support/schedule-charges"}},{"slug":"united-kingdom","name":"United Kingdom","path":"/jurisdictions/united-kingdom","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:27:47.825Z","fields":{"region":"Europe outside the EU","entity":"Private company limited by shares (Ltd)","cit_rate":25,"corporate_tax":"Corporation Tax main rate is 25% for profits over £250,000; a 19% small profits rate applies to profits of £50,000 or less, with Marginal Relief between £50,000 and £250,000 (thresholds reduced for short periods and associated companies).","registration_fee":"Companies House incorporation fee: £100 online or via software, £124 by post (form IN01); same-day incorporation £156 (software only). Fees per Companies House fee schedule updated 2 July 2026.","min_capital":"No minimum stated: at least one shareholder is required and 'the price of an individual share can be any value'; shares only have to be paid in full if the company shuts down (no pre-registration paying-in requirement stated).","from_abroad":"Registration is an online Companies House service (also by post, via an agent or third-party software). Directors do not have to live in the UK. Directors and PSCs may need to verify identity online with GOV.UK One Login and provide a Companies House personal code.","local_requirements":"UK registered office: a physical address in the UK, in the same jurisdiction as the company (England and Wales), not a PO Box; a registered email address; at least one director aged 16 or over (no UK residency required); company secretary optional.","vat":"Must register when taxable turnover for the last 12 months exceeds £90,000 (or is expected to within the next 30 days); non-UK-established businesses supplying in the UK must register regardless of turnover. Standard VAT rate 20% (reduced 5%, zero 0%).","annual_filings":"Annual accounts to Companies House: 9 months after financial year end (first accounts: 21 months after incorporation). Confirmation statement: at least once every 12 months, up to 14 days after the review period ends (£50 online fee). Company Tax Return (CT600) to HMRC: 12 months after end of accounting period; Corporation Tax payment due 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period (profits up to £1.5m). From 1 April 2028 accounts must be filed using commercial software.","audit":"For financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025 a private company may be exempt from audit if it meets at least 2 of: turnover ≤ £15m, assets ≤ £7.5m, ≤ 50 employees; shareholders holding ≥10% can still demand an audit; some types (e.g. public, banking, e-money, MiFID firms) must always be audited.","beneficial_owners":"People with significant control (PSCs, e.g. >25% of shares or votes) must be registered with Companies House and verify their identity; most PSC information is on the public register except home address and full date of birth.","notes":"Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act regime: directors and PSCs must verify identity with Companies House (personal code). Companies House will require software-only accounts filing from 1 April 2028. The confirmation statement carries an annual £50 online fee. Guidance is for England and Wales; a Scottish or NI company must have its registered office in that jurisdiction.","registry_name":"Companies House","registry":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/","tax_authority":"https://www.gov.uk/corporation-tax-rates","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Companies House fees · https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/companies-house-fees/companies-house-fees\nSet up a private limited company: Register your company · https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/register-your-company\nCorporation Tax rates · https://www.gov.uk/corporation-tax-rates\nRegister for VAT: when to register · https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/when-to-register\nVAT rates · https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates\nAudit exemption for private limited companies · https://www.gov.uk/audit-exemptions-for-private-limited-companies\nRules for registered office and email addresses · https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/company-address\nAppoint directors and a company secretary · https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/appoint-directors-and-company-secretaries\nChoose your shareholders · https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-formation/shareholders\nAccounts and tax returns for private limited companies · https://www.gov.uk/prepare-file-annual-accounts-for-limited-company\nRunning a limited company: confirmation statement · https://www.gov.uk/running-a-limited-company/confirmation-statement\nCompany Tax Returns · https://www.gov.uk/company-tax-returns\nYour personal information on the Companies House register · https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-personal-information-on-the-companies-house-register\nPeople with significant control (PSCs) · https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-significant-control-pscs\nFile your company's annual accounts · https://www.gov.uk/file-your-company-annual-accounts"}},{"slug":"united-states-wyoming","name":"Wyoming LLC","path":"/jurisdictions/united-states-wyoming","category":null,"updatedAt":"2026-09-30T11:29:29.338Z","fields":{"region":"United States","entity":"Limited liability company (LLC), formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State","cit_rate":null,"corporate_tax":"A single-member LLC is disregarded for US federal tax by default (income flows to the owner); only if it elects corporate treatment (Form 8832) does it pay federal corporate tax, which the IRS states as a flat 21% of taxable income. Foreign-owned disregarded LLCs still file an information return (pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472).","registration_fee":"USD 100 to file Articles of Organization (domestic LLC); Series LLC: USD 10 per series. Online filing through WyoBiz (card payment) or paper filing.","min_capital":null,"from_abroad":"Yes: some domestic entity types can file online and are active immediately when filed online; a Wyoming registered agent with a physical Wyoming address is mandatory.","local_requirements":"Registered agent and registered office continuously maintained in Wyoming (physical street address; no PO box, virtual address, mail forwarding or UPS/FedEx store); entity and agent must keep an email address for service.","vat":"No VAT. Wyoming sales and use tax: a 4% state rate plus voter-approved local rates. Forming a Wyoming entity does not by itself require a sales tax licence.","annual_filings":"State: annual report due on the first day of the anniversary month of formation (can be filed up to 120 days early), with a licence tax of USD 60 or 0.0002 x Wyoming assets, whichever is greater (USD 60 if assets ≤ USD 300,000). Federal (foreign-owned single-member LLC): pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 by the 15th day of the 4th month after year-end; USD 25,000 penalty for failure to file 5472.","audit":null,"beneficial_owners":"FinCEN's rule exempts companies created in the United States, including Wyoming LLCs, from beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting; foreign entities registered to do business in a US state still report. The FinCEN database is not public.","notes":"A foreign-owned US disregarded entity files a pro forma Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached by the 15th day of the 4th month after year end; it cannot be e-filed, and the penalty for failing to file Form 5472 is USD 25,000. Failing to keep a registered agent leads to dissolution or revocation, and an annual report not paid within 60 days of the due date leads to dissolution.","registry_name":"Wyoming Secretary of State, Business Division","registry":"https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/","tax_authority":"https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472","reviewed":"2026-09-30","sources":"Wyoming SOS - Business Division Filing Fee Schedule · https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/docs/BusinessFees.pdf\nWyoming SOS - Business FAQs · https://sos.wyo.gov/FAQS.aspx?root=BUS\nWyoming SOS - How to Find (or Become) a Registered Agent · https://sos.wyo.gov/Business/Docs/HowToFindOrBecomeARegisteredAgent.pdf\nWyoming SOS - Registered Agent FAQs · https://sos.wyo.gov/faqs.aspx?root=RAO\nWyoming Department of Revenue, Excise Tax Division - FAQs · https://excise-tax-div.wyo.gov/general-administrative/excise-tax-faqs\nIRS - Instructions for Form 5472 · https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472\nIRS - Single member limited liability companies · https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/single-member-limited-liability-companies\nIRS - Publication 542, Corporations · https://www.irs.gov/publications/p542\nIRS - Instructions for Form 1120 · https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1120\nFinCEN - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting · https://www.fincen.gov/boi"}}]}