The fourth largest continent in the world---accounting for 12 percent of Earth's surface area, South America consists of 12 sovereign nations. The higher populated and more developed South American nations include: Peru, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Uruguay. Each of these nations operates independently from the other so that makes it difficult to outline one specific procedure for registering a company in South America. However, the fundamentals involved in company registration are fairly uniform, not only in South America, but all over the world.
Steps:
Steps:
- Decide in what South American nation you will establish your company. There are 12 independent nations in South America. Each nation has its own trading laws, registration procedures and registration fees. Do your due diligence about the specific procedures and find out what associated fees are charged for registration in the country you have chosen.
- Register the company name. Business name registration is a preliminary filing requirement in some nations in South America. There is typically a name search performed either by the entrepreneur---via Internet search on government websites---or by the agency registering the name. This search is done to make sure that the name you have selected is not in use. In most nations this filing is free, but some nations charge a processing fee.
- Register your company with the appropriate government agency. Most nations require new businesses to file what is known as the "articles of incorporation" with the specified government agency designated to handle the registration of new businesses. The "articles" is a legal document that details the name, ownership details, shareholder details (if applicable) and governing structure of the business. There is sometimes a form designated by the agency registering the business, but in some nations attorneys or notaries public are required to process these documents.
- Complete tax registration forms. If your business will provide tangible goods or services, there usually is an income tax registration requirement imposed by the government. There always is either a department of taxation or revenue designated to handle the registration of federal income taxation. This agency will often issue a tax number to your business upon completion of registration. Tax registration is normally free in most countries.
- Meet additional registration, licensing and permit requirements. Some industries and business structures will require additional permits, licenses or registration filing before they can operate lawfully within a country in South America. For example, if there is food or beverage served at the business, there my be health permits needed. Contact the state and local government of the South American country you are registering in to find out what additional requirements your company must meet, to complete your company registration process.
