Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Branch

Apart from the usual tax registrations applicable to all trading companies, namely:

• An Australian Business Number (ABN)
• An Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and
• GST registration,

There are no general registrations, licenses or permits that are required to conduct business in Australia.

Proprietary company

Apart from the usual tax registrations applicable to all trading companies, namely:

• An ABN
• A TFN and
• GST registration,

There are no general registrations, licenses or permits that are required to establish a company or conduct business in Australia.

Public company

Apart from the usual tax registrations applicable to all trading companies, namely:

• An ABN
• A TFN and
• GST registration,

There are no general registrations, licenses or permits that are required to establish a company or conduct business in Australia.

Stock corporation (AG) and Limited liability company (GmbH)

A business license is required to conduct business. The type of license necessary depends on the type of business which will be run. The license can be obtained after registration of the company with the companies register.

Depending on the type of business – free (eg, trade of simple goods), regulated (eg, crafts) or sensible (eg, production of explosives) – and the trader (individual or company), the requirements for registering a business vary. Stock corporations and limited liability companies must appoint a managing director under trade law ( ie, an individual who fulfills the respective requirements for a certain type of business).

With Limited Liability (WLL)

License required from the MOIC and CBB, (if the company exercises CBB regulated activities). Additional approvals may be required from other competent authorities depending on the nature of activities.

Closed Shareholding Company (BSC(c))

License required from the MOIC and CBB (if the company exercises CBB regulated activities). Additional approvals may be required from other competent authorities depending on the nature of the business activities.

Foreign Branch (Branch)

License required from the MOIC and CBB (if the company exercises CBB regulated activities). Additional approvals may be required from other competent authorities depending on the nature of the business activities.

Public limited company (société anonyme/naamloze vennootschap)

In principle, not required, unless for very specific sectors such as banking, insurance or gambling.

Limited company (société à responsabilité limitée/besloten vennootschap)

In principle, not required, unless for very specific sectors such as banking, insurance or gambling.

Belgian branch office of a foreign company

In principle, not required, unless for very specific sectors such as banking, insurance or gambling.

Limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada)

After the registration of the articles of organization with the commercial registry and the enrollment with the federal tax authorities and the Central Bank of Brazil (in case of non-resident quotaholders), the company must also register with Caixa Econômica Federal, an official bank, and the National Social Security Institute (INSS). Subsequently, the company may need to register with municipal and/or state authorities, and other licenses may be required depending on its activities.

Corporation (Sociedade Anônima)

After the registration of the incorporation document with the commercial registry and the enrollment with the federal tax authorities and the Central Bank of Brazil (in case of non-resident shareholders), the corporation must also register with Caixa Econômica Federal, an official bank, and the National Social Security Institute (INSS). Subsequently, the corporation may need to register with municipal and/or state authorities, and other licenses may be required depending on its activities.

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

Typically, the only license required would be an extra-provincial or extra-territorial license (registration) in each province or territory in which the corporation carries on business. Licenses might be required in certain specific regulated industries or by municipalities where the corporation carries on business.

Only required for certain industries (ie, banking, insurance, telecom and utilities).

Typically, the only license required would be a business license. Depending on the underlying business and operation, certain special license may be required from the competent industrial ministry.

Only for certain corporate purposes.

It depends on the kind of business to be run. Before starting their business operations, business operators must obtain necessary trade licenses from trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad). Basic is a free trade license with certain subcategories, obtained upon notification to the office. In some sectors, qualified trade or other business licenses are necessary (eg, pharmacies, property developers, estate agents, brokers, security firms, pubs and hotels and banks).

Limited liability company (Kapitalselskab)

In general, there are no licenses required to conduct business in Denmark.

However, some professions and activities require that you apply for a permit, license, obtain an admission or an authorization (eg, banking business, food businesses, gambling providers, lawyers and auditors).

Corporations

Egyptian law may provide for certain types of activities which require licenses, such as importation of goods for trade purposes, tourism and operating in Sinai.

LLC

LLC companies cannot engage in:

• Banking activities
• Deposit taking Insurance business
• Investment funds of third parties Savings and
• Any other activity restricted by virtue of the provisions of law.

OPC

OPC companies cannot engage in:

• Banking
• Deposit taking Insurance business
• Investment funds of third parties Savings
• Incorporation of an OPC
• Public subscription (whether upon its incorporation or increasing its capital)
• Division of the company's capital into exchangeable shares and
• Borrow by issuing tradable securities.

Branch

A branch must be formed for the purpose of conducting specific public or private sector agreements in Egypt. Only certain types of activities require license, such as construction and building.

RO

An RO may not conduct commercial activities or execute agreements with third parties on behalf of a foreign company and can only conduct studying activities such as studying the feasibility of production or carrying out market surveys.

Osakeyhtiö (Oy)

Typically none. Specific licenses may be required for certain types of business.

Société par actions simplifiée (SAS)

The exercise of certain businesses is subject to administrative authorization or prior approval (eg, chartered accountant, removal firm, goods traffic).

Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)

The exercise of certain businesses is subject to administrative authorization or prior approval (eg, chartered accountant, removal firm, goods traffic).

Société anonyme (SA)

The exercise of certain businesses is subject to administrative authorization or prior approval (eg, chartered accountant, removal firm, goods traffic).

GmbH – limited liability company

Before starting their business operations, all business operators must inform the trade office (Gewerbe/Ordnungsamt) of the town or local district in which the business operation is located. In some additional sectors, business licenses are necessary (i.e., pharmacies, property developers, real estate agents, brokers, security firms, pubs and hotels and banks).

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Limited private companies

Generally, no license is required, except business registration with the Inland Revenue Department. Certain businesses require special licenses (e.g. telecommunications).

There is no general business license requirement, but some business activities (typically financial services, but also certain forms of industrial, energy and public utility activities, among others) may only be conducted with a regulatory license.

Private limited company

In addition to incorporation, an entity must obtain registration under:
(a) The Shops and Establishment Act: shops and commercial establishments (including companies) are required to register under the provisions of state-specific shops and establishments laws. Such laws regulate the working and employment conditions of the employees.
(b) Importer Exporter Code (IEC): The IEC is required to be obtained by persons (including companies) importing or exporting goods and services from India. In addition to the foregoing, companies may require registrations which are specific to a location (ie, the place from where the business is being conducted and basis the proposed business activities).

As part of the incorporation application, the following licenses and registrations are also issued:
(a) Permanent Account Number (PAN)
(b) Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN)
(c) registrations with the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and
(d) Goods and Service Tax Registration (GST)

Limited liability company

Limited liability companies require approval from the MOLHR for their deed of establishment, which contains their articles of association. Companies (including PMA companies) are also required to obtain a business license and/or standard certificate from the OSS-RBA Agency, BKPM or other government institutions if the proposed business activities are classified as high risk or medium risk, accordingly. For low-risk business activities, the NIB only is sufficient to carry out its business activity. General company licenses and documents such as NPWP are also required. Certain other permits, licenses and/or approvals from relevant national or local government authorities may also be required depending on the company's location and line(s) of business. In late 2021, the integrated risk-based approach online single submission system (the OSS-RBA System) was updated by the government to support the issuance of licenses and permits. In some cases, consultation may be required to ensure the issuance of the required licenses or permits is approved.

Private company limited by shares (LTD)

No general business license is required, but an authorization or permit may be required to conduct certain activities in specific industries.

 

External company

No general business license is required, but an authorization or permit may be required to conduct certain activities in specific industries.

Company

Typically the only license required, if required, would be a business license issued by the municipality in which the company’s facility is located. However, the requirement of a business license, as well as other licenses and permits, is dependent on the type of business conducted by the company.

Branch / representative office

Typically the only license required, if required, would be a business license issued by the municipality in which the company’s facility is located. However, the requirement of a business license, as well as other licenses and permits, is dependent on the type of business conducted by the company.

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

Depends on the specific business of the corporation.

Registered branch

Registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau is required to conduct continuous business. If the registered branch intends to operate a specific business which requires a license under the Japanese law, such license must be obtained before commencing such business.

Kabushiki-Kaisha (KK)

If the KK intends to operate a specific business which requires a license under the Japanese law, such license must be obtained before commencing such business.

Godo-Kaisha (GK)

If the GK intends to operate a specific business which requires a license under the Japanese law, such license must be obtained before commencing such business.

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

Business permits may be required depending upon the professional activities to be carried out. Holding companies are typically exempted from such requirement. 

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

Business permits may be required depending upon the professional activities to be carried out. Holding companies are typically exempted from such requirement. 

Special limited partnership (Société en commandite spéciale or SCSp)

Business permits may be required depending upon the professional activities to be carried out. Holding companies are typically exempted from such requirement. SCSp are not typically used to conduct commercial activities.

Relevant licenses are required to conduct business depending on the nature of business.

Most licenses are industry-specific rather than company structure-specific.

A company conducting certain businesses activities in Mauritius (for example, construction, electronic communications, energy, financial services, mining, real estate and activities impacting environment) may require licenses or other forms of authorization.

Industry-specific laws and regulations apply to companies operating within certain industries – for example, the Banking Act 2004 of Mauritius and the Financial Services Act 2007 of Mauritius.

S.A. de C.V.

Only for certain corporate purposes.

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

Only for certain corporate purposes.

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

Only for certain corporate purposes.

Branch office

Generally, no license is required to do business in the Netherlands, except for certain sectors, such as banking and insurance.

B.V. (private company with limited liability)

Generally, no license is required to do business in the Netherlands, except for certain sectors, such as banking and insurance.

Co-operative U.A.

Generally, no license is required to do business in the Netherlands, except for certain sectors, such as banking and insurance.

C.V. (a limited partnership)

Generally, no license is required to do business in the Netherlands, except for certain sectors, such as banking and insurance.

Limited liability company

At a minimum, a limited liability company will require a New Zealand Company number and be registered for tax. Many businesses also choose to register for a New Zealand Business Number.

Any business providing financial services in New Zealand is required to register on the Register of Financial Service Providers. Certain types of financial service providers (such as fund managers financial advisers and derivatives issuers) also require licenses issued by the Financial Markets Authority under the FMCA.

There are no other general registrations, licenses or permits that are required to establish a company or conduct business in New Zealand which depends on the nature of the business conducted and the products and/or services suppled in connection with that business.

Branch

An overseas company doing business in New Zealand is required to register with the Companies Office and to get an IRD number.

Any business providing financial services in New Zealand is required to register on the Register of Financial Service Providers. Certain types of financial service providers (such as financial advisers and derivatives issuers) also require licenses issued by the Financial Markets Authority under the FMCA.

There are no other general registrations, licenses or permits that are required to conduct business in New Zealand.

It is noteworthy that, where a non-Nigerian entity sets up an entity in Nigeria and/or acquires shares in an already existing entity, there are certain sector specific approvals that must necessarily be obtained and maintained.

There are, however, 2 general approvals that are required to be procured irrespective of the sector; the Certificate of Business Registration obtained from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Business Permit obtained from the Federal Ministry of Interior. Under Nigerian Law, a non-Nigerian is restricted from establishing a business or registering a company in Nigeria without these licenses. In practice however, consent is obtained after the incorporation of the company.

As a general rule, not applicable, but may be required for certain industries.

Only required for certain industries (ie, banking, insurance, education, etc.).

Subsidiary

Certificate of incorporation issued by the SEC; registration/permits/licenses issued by the BIR, local government unit and other government agencies, as applicable.

Partnership

Certificate of registration issued by the SEC; registration/permits/licenses issued by the BIR, local government unit and other government agencies, as applicable.

All other entity types

License to Transact Business in the Philippines issued by the SEC; registration/permits/licenses issued by the BIR, local government unit and other government agencies, as applicable.

Licenses or concessions are mandatory for certain types of business activity, irrespective of the organizational form of the entity undertaking it, such as:

• Prospecting and exploring of hydrocarbon and solid mineral deposits covered by mining ownership
• Prospecting or exploring of an underground carbon dioxide storage complex
• Extracting minerals from deposits
• Storing substances underground without the use of tanks
• Depositing waste in underground landfills
• Storing carbon dioxide underground
• Manufacturing and trading in explosives, arms and ammunition, and products and technology for military or police purposes
• Manufacturing, processing, storing or reloading, transmitting, distributing and trading in fuel and energy
• Protecting persons and property
• Broadcasting radio and television programs, excluding programs broadcasted exclusively in a data transmission system which are not broadcasted either through air, satellite or cable networks
• Carrying air passengers/freight or
• Operating a gambling casino

Other types of business activity may require registration with, notification to, or obtaining the consent of a given authority before commencing operations.

Licenses depend on the chosen activity of the company.

Corporations and Limited Liability Companies

Federal Employer Identification Number

Entities in Puerto Rico are identified through a taxpayer ID known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is issued by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Unlike other jurisdictions, the local Treasury does not issue a separate identification number. The EIN may be obtained by applying online through the IRS website or by mailing in or faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS. If requested online, the unique number is assigned immediately upon request.

SURI Platform

In October 2016, the Puerto Rico Treasury Department implemented an integrated online platform to facilitate matters related to the collection and payment of sales and use tax, excise taxes, and income tax, compliance and information reporting and withholding, among others. Registration with the SURI platform is mandatory for entities that are operating in Puerto Rico. Once the EIN is assigned, entities operating in Puerto Rico are required  to register with SURI. Registration requires uploading a copy of the EIN confirmation letter.

Classification Election for Tax Treatment

Unlike other entities, LLCs may elect to be classified as corporations or partnerships under Puerto Rico tax laws. This election is accomplished through the filing of Form SC 6045, with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department on or before the due date, including extensions, of the Puerto Rico income tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the election is to become effective. Although a Puerto Rico LLC is automatically treated as a foreign corporation for US federal income tax purposes, it may elect to be treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for US federal income tax purposes, as applicable. This election is accomplished through the filing of Form 8832 with the IRS.

Virtual Collection Center

The Virtual Collection Center is an online platform established by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department which allows for the payment of service charges imposed by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department on taxpayers seeking administrative determinations (e.g., private letter rulings) and similar transactions. Registration with the Virtual Collection Office is not mandatory and the Virtual Collection Center is expected to be fully phased out by the SURI platform in the coming years.

Merchant's Registry Certificate

A business that intends to operate in Puerto Rico will be considered a "merchant" (subject to certain exceptions) and will be required to register with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department as a merchant through the SURI platform. Upon registration of a sales and use tax account, the Puerto Rico Treasury Department will issue a Merchant's Registry Certificate which will designate the merchant as one required to withhold sales and use tax, or one exempt from making such withholding. The Merchant's Registry Certificate may also designate the business as an exhibitor, or temporary business, as applicable. When opening bank accounts and in the ordinary course of business, the Merchant's Registry Certificate will often be required. In fact, it should be visibly displayed at the premises in Puerto Rico and failure to do so could result in fines.

Sales and Use Tax

The sale of taxable items and services in Puerto Rico is subject to an 11.5 percent sales and use tax (SUT). In addition, since October 2015, most transactions between merchants (business-to-business transactions) ceased to be tax exempt and became subject to a 4 percent SUT. Moreover, there is a 10.5 percent use tax upon importation of taxable items in Puerto Rico, payable by the importer of record. Effective August 1, 2017, merchants that import tangible property into Puerto Rico are required to report and remit the 1 percent municipal SUT to the Puerto Rico Treasury Department. No additional import declaration will be required for purposes of the municipal SUT.

There are certain transactions which continue to be exempt from sales and use tax, the most common being sales to Puerto Rico government entities. However, all exempt transactions must be documented by a Certificate of Exempt Purchases, which is a form filled out by the seller and the purchaser of the taxable items, identifying the applicable exemption.

Waiver Certificate for Entities Rendering Services

Generally, payments made in the conduct of a trade or business or for the production of income in excess of USD 500 to another person (natural or judicial) for services performed within Puerto Rico are subject to a 10 percent withholding tax payable to the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, unless the service provider potentially subject to the withholding has a waiver in place. As a general rule, legal entities that have been in operation for less than 3 years may obtain a waiver from this withholding. The waiver is obtained through SURI and is generally issued immediately.

Municipal License Tax

Each of the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico is entitled to levy and collect up to a 0.5 percent tax on the gross receipts of a company carrying business within the municipality. Financial businesses are instead subject up to a 1.5 percent tax on gross receipts. The tax is known as the municipal license tax (or patente municipal in Spanish). As a result, companies are required to register when commencing operations within the applicable municipality. Registration with the municipality usually requires occupying physical space and obtaining the Single Use Permit (described below), but this requirement can be waived in certain circumstances. As technology advances and allows companies to conduct business remotely, municipalities are still enforcing registration in order to collect the municipal license tax. There are various tax incentives which eliminate or significantly reduce the impact of the municipal license tax.

Single Use Permit

Businesses that will occupy physical space are required to obtain a Single Use Permit (Permiso Único in Spanish) with the Government Permits Office (OGPE) authorizing the occupancy of the premises. The Single Use Permit consolidates environmental, health and fire department authorizations, among others, depending on the nature of the business. The Single Use Permit requires inspection of the premises by an authorized government inspector.

Real and Personal Property Taxes

Both real and personal property in Puerto Rico are subject to taxation, unless there is an exception or special amnesty in place. Although registration with the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM, for its Spanish acronym) is not mandatory in order to commence operations, it will often be required when registering with the municipality in order to demonstrate that the company does not owe any personal or real property taxes.

Various permits may be required depending on the specificities of activities to be performed by the company.

Joint-stock company (public and non-public)

Only certain types of activities require license.

Limited liability company

Only certain types of activities require license.

Limited liability company

Foreign companies or companies with foreign shareholders must obtain a license from MISA. Certain types of activities require specific licensing from the relevant government departments. For example, pharmaceutical companies require a license from the Saudi Food and Drug Association.

Limited liability company

Licenses are required for certain specified groups, which include banking, insurance, financial services, consumer credit related services and employment and maid agencies.

Most licenses are industry specific rather than company structure specific.

A company conducting certain business activities in South Africa (for example, construction, electronic communications, energy, financial services, mining, real estate and activities impacting environment) may require licenses or other forms of authorization.

Industry specific laws and regulations apply to companies operating within certain industries (eg, the Banks Act and Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act).

Joint-stock company (Jusik Hoesa)

No license is required for incorporation; however, specific license or registration may be required to conduct business in particular business sectors. The types of business license or required registration will depend on the nature and actual features of the intended businesses.

Limited company (Yuhan Hoesa)

No license is required for incorporation; however, specific license or registration may be required to conduct business in particular business sectors. The types of business license or required registration will depend on the nature and actual features of the intended businesses.

This will depend on the type of business carried out. Typically, there will be an activity license in addition to regional and local licenses.

Typically none. Specific licenses may be required for certain types of business.

Stock corporation

In general, no license requirements except for specific sectors such as, for example, banking and insurance.

Company limited by shares

Special licenses/permits are required for certain business activities (eg, banking, securities, telecommunications  or  manufacturing). Aside from this, the company may carry on its business after completion of the incorporation process and business registration.

Closely-held company limited by shares

Special licenses/permits are required for certain business activities.

Limited company

Special licenses/permits are required for certain business activities.

Branch office of a foreign company

Special licenses/permits are required for certain business activities.

May be required if the entity is wholly/majority owned by foreigners or its business is restricted and governed by certain specific laws.

Unless a foreign business license or a foreign business certificate is obtained, a foreigner is prohibited from conducting restricted businesses prescribed under the Foreign Business Act.

All businesses, regardless of the industry, are required to obtain an Establishment and Operation of Workplace License before commencement of their operations. Additional licenses may be required for certain industries (eg, banking, insurance).

Limited Liability Company

Generally, business activity does not require additional authorizations. Certain activities, however, may be performed only after obtaining respective licenses or permits (eg, provision of financial services, mining activity and alcohol and tobacco sales).

Private Joint-Stock Company

Generally, business activity does not require additional authorizations. Certain activities, however, may be performed only after obtaining respective licenses or permits (eg, provision of financial services, mining).

LLC

Licence required from the DED licensing authority. Additional approvals may be required from other competent authorities depending on the nature of activities.

Branch

Same as LLC.

FZ-LLC

License required to carry on a business in the relevant free zone. Additional approvals may be required from other competent authorities depending on the nature of activities.

FZ-Branch

Same as LLC.

Dual Licensee Branch

Same as branch.

Private limited company

No general business license required. Particular licenses or permits may be necessary to conduct certain activities in specific industries.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

No general business license required. Particular licenses or permits may be necessary to conduct certain activities in specific industries.

Registered UK establishment

Not applicable for this jurisdiction.

Typically a company will need to be registered to conduct business in each state with which it conduct business outside of the state in which the company is organized. Licenses might be required in certain specific regulated industries.

Specific licenses or registrations may be required to conduct business in particular business sectors. The types of business license or required registration depends on the nature and actual features of the intended businesses.