Company Registration in Honduras- An Overview

Aspect Details
Timeline The timeline for company formation in Honduras takes around 2 to 3 weeks
Benefits

The benefits of obtaining a company registration in Honduras are as discussed below:

  • Strategic Geographic Location
  • Favourable Tax Policies
  • Developing Infrastructure
  • Access to the International Market
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Free Trade Zone Benefits
  • Access to Skilled Workforce
  • Government Investment Incentives
Documents Needed

The documents needed to apply for company registration in Honduras are provided below:

  • Identification documents of all shareholders & directors
  • Copy of RTN application form
  • Details of criminal record (if any)
  • Certificate of good standing (if applicable)
  • Document detailing the company’s address and legal representatives
  • Articles of incorporation (Escritura de Constitución)
  • Details of the company’s bylaws (Estatutos Sociales)
  • Power of attorney (Poder)
  • Proof of the registered office address
  • Statement of initial paid-up capital
  • Details of the social security registration form
  • Copy of special permits or licenses (if any)
Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria required for company registration in Honduras are as follows:

  • A minimum capital requirement ranging from Lempiras 5,000 to Lempiras 25,000
  • Duly drafted corporate bylaws for the company
  • A registered office address for official correspondence
  • A minimum a of two shareholders
  • At least 1 director
Types

The types of business structures in Honduras are as follows:

  • Sole Proprietorship (Empresa Individual)
  • Limited Liability Company (SdeRL)
  • Corporation (SA)
  • Branch Office (Sucursal de Empresa Extranjera)
  • Representative Office (Oficina de Representación)
  • Subsidiary Company
Top Businesses Seeking Company Registration in Honduras

The top businesses seeking online company registration in Honduras are as follows:

  • Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Business
  • Coffee Cultivation, Processing, and Export Companies
  • Beachfront Hotels and Eco-Lodges
  • Solar Panel and Renewable Energy Farms
  • Freight Forwarding and Custom Brokerage Agencies
  • Commercial and Residential Construction Companies
  • Digital Marketing and IT Outsourcing Agencies
  • Seafood Export Businesses
  • Microfinance and Investment Advisory Firms
  • Medical Equipment Production and Distribution Companies
Process

The process to obtain online company registration in Honduras is as follows:

  • Determine Company Type
  • Reserve Business Name
  • Draft and Notarize Required Documents
  • Obtain Tax Identification Number
  • Register the Company at the Mercantile Registry
  • Register for Social Security
  • Open a Corporate Bank Account
  • Register for Municipal Taxes
Post-Company Registration Compliance Requirements

The post-company registration compliance requirements are as follows:

  • Ensure adherence to local regulations and timely filing
  • Obtain an RTN from the Honduran Tax Authority (DEI)
  • Register with the Social Security Institute (IHSS)
  • Apply with the National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP)
  • Secure registration with the National Registry of Persons (RNP)
  • Comply with the ongoing tax obligations
  • Appoint a legal representative resident in Honduras
  • Maintain proper accounting and legal books
  • Obtain a municipal business license from the Local Municipality
  • Secure necessary industry-specific permits and licenses
  • Obtain a registered office address in Honduras
  • Appoint auditors to conduct annual audits of financial statements
How Enterslice Can Help You?
  • 10+ years of proven experience in Honduran business incorporation
  • Assisted 1000+ entrepreneurs in expanding their global business presence in Honduras
  • In-depth knowledge of Honduran corporate laws and regulatory requirements
  • High success rate in securing approvals for company registration
  • Offers customized solutions for foreign investors & startups
  • Provides complete documentation support for seamless registration
  • Guidance on optimal business structure to maximize tax
  • Post-incorporation compliance support and legal advisory
  • Holds a strong local and international network of lawyers, CAs, and CSs
  • Customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of each client
  • Provides real-time legal updates and changes in Honduran laws
  • Comprehensive due diligence support and checks before setup
  • Offers transparent pricing, with no hidden costs

Your Partner for Easy Company formation in Honduras

Let Enterslice assist you in securing company registration in the untapped, vibrant Central American market of Honduras, with successful company formation in Honduras.

get_started_img

Understanding Company Registration in Honduras

Honduras, commonly known for its pristine coastline, offers a favourable environment with its robust economy and strategic location. The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras, which is centrally located in Latin America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic), can enjoy competitive tax rates, trade zone benefits, and multiple investment incentives.

Company registration in Honduras is ideal for investors seeking affordable operational costs, a skilled workforce, and government-backed programs to encourage foreign direct investment. The country’s ports, free trade zones, and growing infrastructure make it a gateway for export-oriented businesses.

From agriculture and manufacturing to renewable energy and tourism, Honduras offers diverse opportunities with a simplified incorporation process. Connect Enterslice, which helps you simplify every step with no hidden charges and complete compliance support for company formation in Honduras.

Gateway to North, Central, and South America

Competitive tax rates in certain sectors

Thoroughly signed CAFT-DR and other trade agreements

100+ foreign ownership allowed in most industries

Free trade zones with special tax exemptions for exporters

Investor-friendly policies in the renewable energy tourism and manufacturing sectors

Growing export opportunities in agriculture, textiles, and the seafood business

Access to bilingual, skilled, and talented workforce

Business Structures for Honduras business incorporation

The types of business structures best for Honduras business incorporation are mentioned below-

Empresa Individual

Sole Proprietorship (Empresa Individual)

A sole proprietorship, commonly known as Empresa Individual, is one of the simplest forms of business structure where a single individual owns and operates the business, with the owner personally liable for all business debts.

SdeRL

Limited Liability Company (SdeRL)

A limited liability company, commonly known as Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, i.e., SdeRL, is a business setup having a limited number of 25 partners, allowing 100% foreign ownership.

Corporation

Corporation (SA)

A corporation, commonly known as Sociedad Anónima, i.e., SA, is a business setup that requires a minimum of two shareholders capable of easily transferring or selling their shares.

Branch Office

Branch Office (Sucursal de Empresa Extranjera)

A branch office, commonly known as Sucursal de Empresa Extranjera in Honduras, is an extension of foreign companies, primarily engaged in local trade. It is one of the structures for Honduras business incorporation.

Representative Office

Representative Office (Oficina de Representación)

A representative office, commonly known as Oficina de Representación, is an extension of a foreign company that acts as a link between them and the parent company.

Subsidiary Company

Subsidiary Company

A subsidiary company is a separate legal entity from the foreign parent company, offering limited liability protection against all business debts and liabilities.

How to Register a Company in Honduras?

The entrepreneurs seeking to register a company in Honduras must comply with the step-by-step guide as provided below:

Determine Company Type

The first step requires the entrepreneurs to determine the company type that best matches their business goals and factors, such as ownership, liability, tax implications, and future expansion plans.

Reserve Business Name

The next step requires choosing and reserving a unique and distinctive business name with the National Registry of Persons (RNP), ensuring it complies with the guidelines set by the Honduran government.

Draft and Notarize Required Documents

The entrepreneurs are advised to draft and notarize the required documents, incorporating the company’s objectives, capital, and shareholders’ details, by a notary public.

Obtain Tax Identification Number

The entrepreneurs are further advised to apply for a Tax Identification Number (RTN) from the Honduran Tax Authority (DEI), essential for tax purposes.

Register the Company at the Mercantile Registry

In the next step, the entrepreneurs must submit the required documents, including RTN (Registro Tributario Nacional) for registration with the Mercantile Registry (Registro Mercantil) at the Chamber of Commerce.

Register for Social Security

Upon registration with the Mercantile Registry, the entrepreneurs must enrol their employees in the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) by providing the necessary information and completing the registration process.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Upon registration of a corporate structure, the entrepreneurs must open a corporate bank account in a local or international bank operating in Honduras

Register for Municipal Taxes

Lastly, the entrepreneurs must secure registration for municipal taxes, varying based on their business location, at the respective municipal government office.

Timeline for Online Company Registration in Honduras

The timeline for online company registration in Honduras takes around 2 to 3 weeks, varying based on the specific company type and the efficiency of relevant institutions, as discussed below:

Choosing Company Structure: 1 to 3 Days

It takes around 1 to 3 business days to choose and reserve an appropriate company structure with the Registro Mercantil in Honduras.

Company Name Reservation: 2 to 4 Days

It takes around 2 to 4 business days for the reservation of the company name with the National Registry of Persons (RNP).

Document Submission: 2 to 4 Days

It takes around 2 to 4 business days for the preparation and notarization of company documents from a registered Honduran notary.

Filing with Commercial Registry: 1 to 2 Days

It takes 1 to 2 days to file the registration of a company with the Honduran Registro Mercantil at the Chamber of Commerce.

Apply for RTN Registration: 1 to 4 Days

The time taken to apply for a tax identification number (RTN- Registro Tributario Nacional) registration with Servicio de Administración de Rentas (SAR) takes around 1 to 4 days.

Obtain Sector-Specific Licensing: Varies

The time taken for obtaining other sector-specific licenses from the concerned authorities of Honduras varies based on the requirements, delays, and other factors.

Documents Needed for Honduras Business Incorporation

The list of documents needed for securing a Honduras business incorporation is as follows:

Identification documents of all shareholders & directors

Copy of RTN application form

Details of criminal record (if any)

Certificate of good standing (if applicable)

Document detailing the company’s address and legal representatives

Articles of incorporation (Escritura de Constitución)

Details of the company’s bylaws (Estatutos Sociales)

Power of attorney (Poder)

Proof of the registered office address

Statement of initial paid-up capital

Details of the social security registration form

Copy of special permits or licenses (if any)

Benefits of Online Company Registration in Honduras

Online company registration in Honduras offers several benefits to entrepreneurs seeking to establish their presence in Central America. Have a look at the following benefits, as discussed below:

Honduras Business Incorporation

Strategic Geographic Location

Honduras, strategically located in the heart of Central America, serves as a gateway to North, Central, and South American markets.

Favourable Tax Policies

Company registration in Honduras allows access to favourable tax policies for industries such as manufacturing and renewable energy.

Developing Infrastructure

The entrepreneurs have access to developing infrastructure, including modern ports, airports, and road networks, which enhances the logistics connectivity within the country.

Access to the International Market

The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras get access to the international marketplace, allowing them to build international partnerships with ease.

100% Foreign Ownership

The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras have access to 100% foreign ownership, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full control of their venture.

Free Trade Zone Benefits

The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras enjoy advantages from free trade zone agreements, including the Central American Common Market (CACM) and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).

Skilled Workforce

The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras can tap into a bilingual and industry-trained workforce, enabling smooth operations in both local and global markets.

Government Investment Incentives

The entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Honduras get access to special programs and government investment incentive projects, aimed at supporting foreign investment within the nation.

Eligibility Criteria for Company Formation in Honduras

Company formation in Honduras requires compliance with the following eligibility criteria, as discussed below:

  • Minimum Capital Requirement: A minimum capital requirement ranging from Lempiras 5,000 to Lempiras 25,000, representing indivisible portions of the company’s capital, is required for company formation in Honduras.
  • Minimum Partners: A minimum of 1 and a maximum of 25 partners, who are either natural or legal persons, are required for company formation in Honduras.
  • Corporate Bylaws: The entrepreneurs must draft and prepare corporate bylaws, specifying the company name, registered office details, corporate purpose, duration, share capital, etc.
  • Registered Office Address: The entrepreneurs seeking company formation in Honduras must register an office address for official correspondence.
  • Minimum Shareholders and Directors: A minimum of two shareholders and 1 director is required for company formation in Honduras.
  • Legal Age and Capacity: The shareholders and directors must be at least 18 years old and legally competent to engage in business activities.

Industries & Businesses Permitted for Honduras Business Incorporation

The list of top 10 industries and businesses permitted for Honduras business incorporation is as follows:

Top 10 Industries Permitted for Honduras Business Incorporation

  • Manufacturing and Maquiladora Industry
  • Agriculture and Agri-Business Industry
  • Tourism and Hospitality Industry
  • Construction and Infrastructure Industry
  • Logistics and Shipping Industry
  • IT and Software Development Industry
  • Mining and Natural Resources Industry
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Financial and Banking Industry
  • Textile and Garment Manufacturing Industry

Businesses Permitted for Company Formation in Honduras

  • Textile and Apparel Manufacturing Business
  • Coffee Cultivation, Processing, and Export Companies
  • Beachfront Hotels and Eco-Lodges
  • Solar Panel and Renewable Energy Farms
  • Freight Forwarding and Custom Brokerage Agencies
  • Commercial and Residential Construction Companies
  • Digital Marketing and IT Outsourcing Agencies
  • Seafood Export Businesses
  • Microfinance and Investment Advisory Firms
  • Medical Equipment Production and Distribution Companies

Post-Honduras Company Incorporation Services

The post-company incorporation services in Honduras, which assist companies to ensure compliance with the ongoing legal and administrative requirements, are discussed below:

  • Ensure adherence to local regulations and timely filing
  • Obtain an RTN from the Honduran Tax Authority (DEI)
  • Register with the Social Security Institute (IHSS)
  • Apply with the National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP)
  • Secure registration with the National Registry of Persons (RNP)
  • Comply with the ongoing tax obligations
  • Appoint a legal representative resident in Honduras
  • Maintain proper accounting and legal books
  • Obtain a municipal business license from the Local Municipality
  • Secure necessary industry-specific permits and licenses
  • Obtain a registered office address in Honduras
  • Appoint auditors to conduct annual audits of financial statements
compliances_img

Why Trust Enterslice for Foreign Company Setup in Honduras?

Enterslice is a trusted partner, seasoned with expert consultants holding a decade of Honduras business incorporation experience, assisting thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Have a look at the following reasons for choosing Enterslice for foreign company setup in Honduras:

  • 10+ years of proven experience in Honduras business incorporation
  • Assisted 1000+ entrepreneurs in registering their businesses in Honduras
  • In-depth knowledge of Honduran corporate laws and regulatory requirements
  • High success rate in securing approvals for company registration
  • Offers customized solutions for foreign investors & startups
  • Provides complete documentation support for seamless registration
  • Guidance on optimal business structure to maximize tax
  • Post-incorporation compliance support and legal advisory
  • Holds a strong local and international network of lawyers, CAs, and CSs
  • Customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of each client
  • Provides real-time legal updates and changes in Honduran laws
  • Comprehensive due diligence support and checks before setup
  • Offers transparent pricing, with no hidden costs

FAQs on Company Registration in Honduras

Have a look at the following answers to the most asked questions:

A foreign company setup in Honduras is a form of business structure that enables establishing itself through a few different legal structures, including subsidiaries, branch offices, and limited liability companies. It is simply a company incorporated outside of the country, while conducting business activities within Honduras.

To start an LLC in Honduras, the entrepreneurs need to comply with the following procedure, as provided below:

  • Choose a business structure
  • Appoint a registered agent
  • Prepare company documents & public deeds
  • Register with Mercantile Registry
  • Obtain Tax Identification Number
  • Open a corporate bank account
  • Obtain necessary permits and licenses

The cost to start a business in Honduras is estimated to be around US $ 9,950, including incorporation, government, and other costs. However, this cost varies depending on the specific type of business and services required for company formation in Honduras.

Yes, an American citizen is eligible to start a business with no restrictions on foreign ownership or operation of a business in Honduras.

In 2025, the corporate income tax rate in Honduras stands at 25%, plus a surcharge of 5% on net taxable income over HNL 1 million.

The country-implemented free trade zones in Honduras are Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs), Central American Common Market (CACM) and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). However, the country does not have a traditional free trade zone in the sense of a designated geographic area with duty-free import and export.

There exist approximately 200+ American companies currently operating in Honduras. Many of these companies utilize the CAFTA-DR agreements to facilitate trade and investment.

The minimum capital required to register a company in Honduras ranges from Lempiras 5000 to Lempiras 25,000, representing indivisible portions of the company’s capital, is required for company formation in Honduras.

No, Honduras is not considered a tax haven. However, the country offers certain tax benefits, such as access to free trade zones and export incentives, making it different from traditional tax havens offering little to no taxation and high financial secrecy.

In Honduras, the standard VAT rate, locally called Impuesto Sobre Ventas (ISV), is 15%, which is charged on sales made to customers within Honduras.

Coffee is the biggest export in Honduras, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s total export revenue.

Spanish is the official language spoken in Honduras. However, a substantial number of Honduran professionals and business executive speaks English in Honduras.

The main industry line in Honduras is agriculture, having a strong focus on coffee, bananas, and palm oil production.

Related Services

Our Awards Our Awards

Top 100 Companies in Asia - Red Herring
Top 100 Companies in Asia - Red Herring

Red Herring Top 100 Asia enlists outstanding entrepreneurs and promising companies. It selects the award winners from approximately 2000 privately financed companies each year in the Asia. Since 1996, Red Herring has kept tabs on these up-and-comers. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Google, Facebook, Kakao, Alibaba, Twitter, Rakuten, Salesforce.com, Xiaomi and YouTube would change the way we live and work.

Top 25 in India - Consultants Review

Researchers have found out that organization using new technologies in their accounting and tax have better productivity as compared to those using the traditional methods. Complying with the recent technological trends in the accounting industry, Enterslice was formed to focus on the emerging start up companies and bring innovation in their traditional Chartered Accountants & Legal profession services, disrupt traditional Chartered Accountants practice mechanism & Lawyers.

Top 25 in India - Consultants Review

We partner with more than 100+ companies

-- Testimonials

Don't take our word for it

In the news

Get Started Live Chat