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  • Form of entity

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits a minimum of 2 shareholders. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the stockholders of the corporation.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits exclusively 1 shareholder. SAUs are not allowed to be incorporated or wholly owned by SAUs. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the only stockholder of the corporation.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits 1 or more shareholders. Managed by a board of directors who are elected by the stockholders. Its incorporation and development are entirely digital.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Separate and distinct legal entity. Admits a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of fifty. Managed by a single manager or several managers with full powers who may act individually, or by a Board of Managers acting by majority, appointed by the members.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Entity set up

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    • 2 or more shareholders
    • The local management is in charge of a board of directors, which may have at least 1 member with no maximum number (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million). Directors shall last between 1 and 3 years in office, as provided in the bylaws. They may be re-elected. The majority of the board of directors must be composed of Argentine residents.
    • The president of the board is the legal representative of the company
    • Statutory auditor is optional. Mandatory if capital stock exceeds ARS50 million
    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate Books: stock ledger, shareholders' meeting minutes, board of directors' meeting minutes and attendance records book
    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent must be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    • Only 1 shareholder
    • The local management is in charge of a board of directors, which may have at least 1 member with no maximum number (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million). Directors shall last between 1 and 3 years in office, as provided in the bylaws. They may be re-elected. The majority of the board of directors must be composed of Argentine residents
    • The president of the board is the legal representative of the company
    • Permanent control by government
    • Statutory auditor is mandatory (at least 1 regular and 1 alternate statutory auditor)
    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate books: stock ledger, shareholders' meeting minutes, board of directors' meeting minutes and attendance records book
    • Capital stock shall be fully paid up upon execution of bylaws
    • SAUs are not allowed to be incorporated or wholly owned by another SAU

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    • 1 or more shareholders
    • The managers must be individuals, who may be appointed for an indefinite period. At least 1 director must be an Argentinean resident (provided that the Argentinian resident director is the legal representative of the company)
    • Statutory auditor is optional
    • Corporate books: carried by electronic means (stock ledger, minutes and attendance records book)
    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent needs to be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    • 2 or more members
    • The local management is in charge of single or several managers with full powers who may act individually, or a board of managers acting by majority. Managers may be appointed for an indefinite term. The majority of the board of managers must be composed of Argentine residents
    • The legal representative of the company may be a single manager. All managers or a president of the board of managers are entitled with full powers
    • Statutory auditor is optional. Mandatory if capital stock exceeds ARS50 million (at least 1 regular and 1 alternate member)
    • Typical charter document: bylaws
    • Corporate books: manager and quotaholders’ meeting minutes.
    • Should cash be paid out as consideration for the stock: only 25 percent must be paid up front, and the balance is paid within 2 years after that. When considerations for the stock are contributions in kind, the stock must be fully paid off at the time of subscription of the shares.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Minimum capital requirement

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Minimum capital of SA is ARS100,000.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Minimum capital of SAU is ARS100,000.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Minimum capital of SAS shall be twice the national minimum vital and mobile wage established at the time of its incorporation (as of January 2023: ARS 95,700).

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    No minimum capital requirement.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Legal liability

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Directors must act honestly and in good faith in best interests of the company. Directors may be held personally liable to the company, shareholders and third parties if they fail to comply with their general legal duties or specific duties contained in Argentine Law 19,550.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Directors must act honestly and in good faith in best interests of the company. Directors may be held personally liable to the company, shareholders and third parties if they fail to comply with their general legal duties or specific duties contained in Argentine Law 19,550.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Liability of directors of a corporation under Law 19,550 is applicable to SAS managers. In addition, individuals who are not managers or legal representatives of an SAS, or legal persons acting as managers, are liable in the same way as managers, and their liability will be extended to the acts in which they did not intervene but which they habitually performed.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    In case of SRLs, when articles allow distribution of management powers among individual members of the board of managers, the board's liability depends on the individual performance of each manager.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Tax presence

    Sociedad Anónima (Corporation) and SRL (LLC)

    An SA, same as an SRL (LLC), is considered an Argentine resident for tax purposes and is obligated to pay taxes on income obtained worldwide, whether earned within Argentina or abroad. An SA may take the sums effectively paid abroad for analogous taxes for activities carried out abroad as a payment for taxes (within certain limits).

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Incorporation process

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration and its tax ID within 20 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration and its tax ID within 20 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. There is an established form of bylaws and public notice that, if used, shall enable the registration of the SAS within 20 business days through digital means in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    File bylaws for registration with the Public Registry. An "urgent" registration process may be followed to obtain the company's registration, its tax ID and corporate books within 20 business days, in case no observations are made by the Public Registry in the City of Buenos Aires.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Business recognition

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Well regarded and widely used.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    This corporate type was introduced in Argentina in August 2016 pursuant the Argentine Civil and Commercial Code modification and is beginning to be used. Well regarded and widely used.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    This corporate type aims to be a more agile and economic alternative, both in its incorporation and in administration and management. Its incorporation and development are required to be entirely in digital form. However, some provinces or jurisdictions have restored the use of digital corporate documents for this type of company.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Well regarded and widely used. This is the type of company is usually preferred by foreign shareholders due to tax purposes.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Shareholder meeting requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve the financial statements of the company.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve financial statements of the company.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders to approve financial statements of the company.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Required to hold an annual meeting of members to approve financial statements of the company.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Board of director meeting requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    The board shall meet at least once every 3 months.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Periodical meetings of the board are not required.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Periodical meetings of the board are not required.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Periodical meetings of managers are not required.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Annual company tax returns

    All corporations must annually file tax returns with federal and state tax authorities.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Business registration filing requirements

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual filings (ie, financial statements of the company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual filings (ie, financial statements of the company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Initial registration is required, as well as annual digital filings (ie. Financial statements of the Company before the Public Registry and the Tax Authority). Every appointment or resignation of directors, change of directors, change of domicile or bylaws' amendments must be filed with the Public Registry for registration.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Initial registration is required. Only SRLs which capital stock exceeds ARS50 million shall file their annual financial statements with the Public Registry. However, all SRLs must file their financial statements with the tax authorities.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Business expansion

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    No need to change as business expands.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    If the number of shareholders exceeds 1, the SAU must convert to an SA or SAS.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    No need to change as business expands.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    If the number of members exceeds 50, the SRL must convert to an SA or SAS.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Exit strategy

    Any corporate type shall file dissolution documents with the Public Registry.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Annual corporate maintenance requirements

    Corporations and single-shareholder corporations must pay annual fee to the Public Registry.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Director / officer requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    For more information on directors’ duties, see our Global Guide to Directors’ Duties.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Local corporate secretary requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Local legal or admin representative requirement

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Local office lease requirement

    In some circumstances, the Tax Authority requires evidence of the declared domicile.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Other physical presence requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Sufficiency of virtual office

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Provision of local registered address by law firm or third-party service provider

    A company must provide its registered address. In certain circumstances, a law firm office may provide the registered address until the local entity hires an office. In this case, the company is requested to move its registered office to its new location.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Provision of local director or corporate secretary by law firm or third-party service provider

    A company shall provide a local director. In certain circumstances, a law firm may provide a local director service at a monthly rate.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Nationality or residency requirements for shareholders, directors and officers

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    Majority of members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Majority of the members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    At least 1 director must be Argentinean resident (provided that the Argentinean resident director is the legal representative of the company).

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    Majority of the members of the board must be Argentinean residents.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Restrictions regarding appointment of nominee shareholders or directors

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Summary of director's, officer's and shareholder's authority and limitations thereof

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Public disclosure of identity of directors, officers and shareholders

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Minimum and maximum number of directors and shareholders

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    • 2 or more shareholders
    • Board of directors, which must have at least 1 member with no maximum number requirement (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million)

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    • 1 shareholder
    • Board of directors, which must have at least 1 member with no maximum number requirement (at least 3 directors and 1 alternative director in case the company's capital stock exceeds ARS50 million)

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    • 1 or more shareholders
    • The managers must be individuals, who may be appointed for an indefinite period

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    • 2 or more members (within a maximum of 50 members)
    • The local management is maintained by a single manager, several managers with full powers who may act individually, or a board of managers acting by majority. Managers may be appointed for an indefinite term

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Minimum number of shareholders required

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    At least 2 or more shareholders.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    Only 1 shareholder is admitted.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    At least 1 shareholder.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    At least 1 or more members.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Removal of directors or officers

    Removal of directors or managers shall be approved by the shareholders meeting and then registered in the Public Registry.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Required and optional officers

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Board meeting requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Quorum requirements for shareholder and board meetings

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    The Board makes decisions by a simple majority of directors present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In case of annual or regular shareholders' meetings, the required quorum shall be constituted by shareholders representing the majority of the voting shares. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with any number of shareholders present. On the other hand, special meetings require the presence of shareholders representing 60 percent of the voting shares, unless the articles provide for a higher quorum. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with the presence of shareholders representing 30 percent of the voting shares, unless the articles provide otherwise.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal or SAU)

    The board makes decisions by a simple majority of directors present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In the case of shareholders' meeting, quorum is reached if at least 1 shareholder of the company is present.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    Meetings may be held physically or through digital means (ie, video or teleconference). Managers and members may call themselves to hold deliberations, with no need of prior notice. The management body's resolutions are valid as long as all members attend, and the majority as stated in the bylaws approve the agenda. Member's resolutions will be valid, provided that all partners attend and the agenda is passed unanimously.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    The board makes decisions by a simple majority of the managers present at the relevant meeting, with a quorum of an absolute majority of total number of directors, unless the company's articles provide for a higher quorum and majority.

    In case of annual or regular members' meetings, required quorum is constituted by the shareholders representing the majority of the voting shares. If quorum is not reached, the meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with any number of shareholders present. On the other hand, special meetings require the presence of members representing 60 percent of voting shares, unless articles provide for a higher quorum. If quorum is not reached, a meeting may be held at a second call. In this case, the meeting is duly constituted with the presence of members representing 30 percent of voting shares, unless the articles provide otherwise.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Must a bank account be opened prior to incorporation, and must the bank account be local?

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Auditing of local financials. If so, must the auditor be located in local jurisdiction, and must the company's books be kept locally?

    All companies must have at least annual financial statements audited. The auditor must be located in Argentina and the company's corporate and accounting books must be kept locally.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Requirement regarding par value of stock

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Increasing of capitalization if needed

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Summary of how funds can be repatriated from your jurisdiction (ie dividends or redemption)

    When approving annual financial statements, shareholders' meeting may resolve to distribute dividends, which will be transferred to respective shareholders.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Restrictions on transferability of shares

    Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SA)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Single-Shareholder Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Unipersonal or SAU)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Simplified Corporation (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada or SAS)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers are reported to the company and recorded in the Stock Ledger Book.

    Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or SRL)

    No restrictions, unless otherwise provided in bylaws. Transfers shall be reported and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Obtaining a name and naming requirements

    Corporate name must contain the type of company it adopted. Name may be reserved before registering the company by paying and filing a form with the Public Registry, in case the chosen name is available.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Summary of "know your client" requirements

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Approval requirements for amending charter document

    Amendments to bylaws in all companies must be approved by shareholders or members' meeting and then filed for registration by the Public Registry.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Licenses required to conduct business in jurisdiction

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Process of purchasing and utilizing a shelf company

    Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

    Last modified 18 May 2023

  • Key contacts
    Martin Mittelman
    Martin Mittelman
    Partner DLA Piper (Argentina) [email protected] T +5411 41145500 View bio
    Antonio Arias
    Antonio Arias
    Partner DLA Piper (Argentina) [email protected] T +5411 4114 5500 View bio
Download PDF

Sufficiency of virtual office

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Argentina

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Australia

Branch

No. A registered foreign company must display its name in a conspicuous position outside every office and place of business in Australia. It must also display its place of origin and the words "Registered Office" at its registered office.

Proprietary company

No. Each proprietary company must have a physical registered office in Australia. On registration, the address specified in the application for registration becomes the address of the registered office. The registered office can be changed by resolution of directors, and any change must be notified to ASIC. While a proprietary company is not required to open its office to the public, it must display its name prominently at every place at which it carries on business and is open to the public.

Public company

No. Each company must have a physical registered office in Australia. On registration, the address specified in the application for registration becomes the address of the registered office. The registered office can be changed by resolution of directors, and any change must be notified to ASIC.

The registered office of a public company must be open to the public each business day from at least 10:00am to noon and from at least 2:00pm to 4:00pm, or for at least 3 hours between 9:00am and 5:00pm – exact times may be chosen by the company. A public company must also display its name and the words "Registered Office" prominently at its registered office.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Austria

Stock corporation (AG)

An address for must be filed with the companies registry (can be the address of a law firm).

Limited liability company (GmbH)

An address for service of documents must be filed with the companies registry (can be the address of a law firm).

Last modified 29 Jun 2022

Bahrain

With Limited Liability (WLL)

A virtual office can be established depending on the commercial activity and approval of the MOIC and Municipalities Affairs at the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning (MA).

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

A virtual office can be established depending on the commercial activity and approval of the MOIC and MA.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

A virtual office can be established depending on the commercial activity and approval of the MOIC and MA.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Belgium

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap)

The registered address of the public limited company can be set with the accountant or can be a postbox office with a third-service provider.

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

The registered address of the public limited company can be set with the accountant or can be a postbox office with a third-service provider.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

See local office lease requirement.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Brazil

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

Depending on the activities performed by the company, it may have a virtual office.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

Depending on the activities performed by the company, it may have a virtual office.

Last modified 22 May 2023

Canada

Corporate subsidiary (Corporation form rather than flow-through form)

Sufficient for incorporation.

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

Chile

A virtual office is not accepted as the legal address for the purpose of registering with the tax authorities, except if, due to the nature of the company's services, said office is in fact the place where the company carries out its main activity. However, a virtual office may be used as a valid address for receiving notifications from the tax authority.

Last modified 22 May 2023

China

Requirements and practice vary among different locations. In some cities, certain office premises approved by competent local authorities are allowed on a trial basis for "collective registration" of companies.  

Last modified 22 May 2023

Colombia

The company must have at least a domicile and notification address.

Last modified 21 Dec 2022

Czech Republic

Yes, generally possible. However, a company still needs a registered office address. An address must be filed with the commercial register.

Last modified 30 Aug 2023

Denmark

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

An address is needed, but here are no requirements as to the presence of directors or employees on that address.

Last modified 22 May 2023

Egypt

A physical presence is necessary for all types of entities.

Last modified 30 Aug 2023

Finland

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

An address is needed, but there are no requirements as to the presence of directors or employees at that address.

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

France

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

SAS must be at least domicile in a domiciliation company (domiciliation agreement to be signed prior the process of incorporation).

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

SARL must be at least domicile in a domiciliation company (domiciliation agreement to be signed prior the process of incorporation).

Société anonyme (SA)

SA must be at least domicile in a domiciliation company (domiciliation agreement to be signed prior the process of incorporation).

Last modified 27 Jun 2022

Germany

GmbH – limited liability company

Yes, generally possible. However, you still need a registered office address.

Last modified 22 May 2023

Greece

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 30 Aug 2023

Hong Kong, SAR

Limited private companies

Sufficient.

Last modified 22 May 2023

Hungary

A corporate entity's registered seat must be in Hungary.

A corporate entity must be available at the address of its registered seat and must mark it with a sign indicating the corporate entity's name. As a minimum, the registered seat functions as the corporate entity's:

  • Mailing address and
  • Place where business and official documents specified under applicable law are filed, safeguarded and archived and where they can be accessed.

If the place of the effective/ de facto management of the company is different from the registered seat, such additional place must also be indicated in the articles of association.

Last modified 4 Aug 2023

India

Private limited company

No. See “Provision of local registered address by law firm or third-party service provider.”

Last modified 22 May 2023

Indonesia

Limited liability company

A company must have a physical office located in Indonesia, particularly for a PMA company. However, in general there is no explicit prohibition against using a virtual office.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Ireland

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

Insufficient – a physical address must be specified on incorporation documentation.

 

External company

Insufficient – a physical address must be specified on registration documentation.

Last modified 23 May 2023

Israel

Company

Insufficient. While physical presence is not required, a company must maintain a valid local registered mailing address.

Branch / representative office

Insufficient. While physical presence is not required, a Foreign Company must be represented by at least 1 person who regularly resided in Israel.

Last modified 23 May 2023

Italy

Società a responsabilità limitata (S.r.l.) and Società per azioni (S.p.A.)

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 23 May 2023

Japan

Registered branch

Sufficient for registration.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

Allowed for incorporation.

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

Allowed for incorporation.

Last modified 13 Jun 2021

Luxembourg

Private limited liability company (Société à responsabilité limitée or S.à r.l.)

Real registered office required (domiciliation allowed).

Public limited liability company (Société anonyme or S.A.)

Real registered office required (domiciliation allowed).

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

Real registered office required (domiciliation allowed).

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Malaysia

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 30 Aug 2023

Mauritius

Companies are required to have a registered office in Mauritius.

Foreign companies are also required to have a registered office in Mauritius to which all communications and notices may be addressed. The registered office must be open and accessible to the public for not less than 4 hours on every day other than Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. A virtual office is not sufficient.

Last modified 24 May 2023

Mexico

S.A. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other third party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

S. de R.L. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other third party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

S.A.P.I. de C.V.

If accountants (or any other third party) agree to provide their domicile as tax domicile of the entity, a virtual office suffices.

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Netherlands

Branch office

Not sufficient.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

Not sufficient.

Co-operative U.A.

Not sufficient.

C.V. (a limited partnership)

Not sufficient.

Last modified 25 May 2023

New Zealand

Limited liability company

Limited liability companies must have registered offices in New Zealand. On registration, the address specified in the application for registration becomes the address of the registered office. The registered office can be changed by resolution of directors, and any change must be notified to the Companies Office.

Branch

No requirements. A virtual office is sufficient. 

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

Nigeria

This is not sufficient under local law.

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

Norway

Virtual offices and c/o addresses are sufficient.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Peru

A virtual office is not accepted as a legal address by the Peruvian tax authority. However, a virtual office may be used as a valid address for receiving notifications from the tax authority.

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Philippines

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 25 May 2023

Poland

Generally sufficient; however, potentially problematic for tax purposes (especially VAT registration).

Last modified 27 Jun 2022

Portugal

The registered office must be located in the Portuguese territory and a physical address must be provided for all legal purposes.

Last modified 2 Aug 2023

Puerto Rico

Corporations

A virtual office suffices for purposes of incorporation and tax registrations, provided that the corporation's business may be carried out virtually without a need for physical space.

Limited Liability Companies

A virtual office suffices for purposes of organization/formation and tax registrations, provided that the LLC's business may be carried out virtually without a need for physical space.

Last modified 7 Sep 2023

Romania

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 25 May 2023

Russia

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

Not sufficient.

Limited liability company

Not sufficient.

Last modified 27 Jun 2022

Saudi Arabia

Limited liability company

A virtual office is not sufficient.

Last modified 25 May 2023

Singapore

Limited liability company

Sufficient for incorporation so long as the company has a registered office as set out in Local office lease requirement.

Last modified 28 Jun 2022

South Africa

Sufficient for all companies provided that they maintain a registered physical address in South Africa.

Last modified 30 May 2023

South Korea

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

Not sufficient for business registration.

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

Not sufficient for business registration.

Last modified 18 May 2023

Spain

Registered offices are needed for incorporation.

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Sweden

Sufficient for incorporation.

Last modified 31 May 2023

Switzerland

Stock corporation

Sufficient for incorporation; however, a written declaration by the holder of the domicile needs to be supplied confirming that they allow the stock corporation to have its domicile at the address stated.

Last modified 31 May 2023

Taiwan, China

No.

Last modified 7 Aug 2023

Thailand

Applicable to certain extent (ie, not applicable for the entity's value-added tax registration).

Last modified 31 May 2023

Turkey

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Last modified 31 May 2023

Ukraine

Limited Liability Company

Registered office must be a physical location within the territory of Ukraine.

Private Joint-Stock Company

Registered office must be a physical location within the territory of Ukraine.

Last modified 14 Dec 2022

United Arab Emirates

LLC

Not sufficient. An owned or rented physical office space is required.

Branch

Same as LLC.

FZ-LLC

Not possible in some free zones but possible in other free zones.

FZ-Branch

Same as FZ-LLC.

Dual Licensee Branch

Sufficient.

Last modified 7 Sep 2023

United Kingdom

Private limited company

Registered office must be a physical location within the UK.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

Registered office must be a physical location within the UK.

Registered UK establishment

Service address must be a physical location within the UK.

Last modified 31 May 2023

United States

Yes, sufficient.

Last modified 28 Jun 2022

Vietnam

The use of a virtual office is not officially recognized by Vietnamese law.

Last modified 31 May 2023

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