Company Registration in Lebanon: An Overview

Aspect Details
Cost of Setting up a Company in Lebanon The cost of setting up a company in Lebanon start from USD 3399
Timeline for Company Formation in Lebanon Usually, company formation in Lebanon takes around 2 to 3 Weeks
Benefits of Online Company Registration in Lebanon

Benefits of online company registration in Lebanon include:

  • Business-Friendly Environment
  • Tax-Efficient Business Setup in Lebanon
  • Strategic Location
  • Liberalized Trade Policies
  • Skilled Workforce
  • Well-Developed Banking System
Type of Business Structures for Business Setup in Lebanon

Types of business structures for company formation in Lebanon includes:

  • Limited Liability Companies (SARL- Société à Responsabilité Limitée)
  • Joint Stock Companies (SAL- Société anonyme libanaise)
  • Branch Office (Succursale) & Representative Office (Bureau de Liaison)
  • Partnership (General or Limited)
  • Holding Companies
  • Offshore Companies
Documents Required for Online Company Registration in Lebanon

Documents required for company formation in Lebanon include:

  • Passport of Shareholders and Directors
  • ID Proofs of Shareholders and Directors
  • Utility Bill
  • Detailed Business Plan
  • Certificate of Capital Deposit
  • Bank Confirmation Letter
  • Details of the Chairperson/General Manager
  • Constitutive Documents of the Company
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs for Company Formation in Lebanon

Some of the top business for foreign entrepreneurs applying for company registration in Lebanon are:

  • Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Business
  • Media and Publishing Business
  • Hotels and Restaurant Business
  • E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Business
  • Clinic and Pharmacy Business
  • Textile and Food Manufacturing Business
  • Bakery and Cafe Business
  • Language School and Tuition Business
Procedure for Company Registration in Lebanon

The procedure for company registration in Lebanon includes the following steps:

  • Choose Business Structure
  • Reserve Company’s Name
  • Submission of Documents
  • Open a Corporate Bank Account
  • Registration with Lebanon Company Registry
How We Can Help You with Company Incorporation in Lebanon?
  • Simplify regulations for company registration in Lebanon
  • Provides 24/7 Customer Support
  • Lebanon corporate formation services
  • Offers transparent pricing structure for business setup in Lebanon
  • Prioritize your business privacy & confidentiality
  • Provide well-structured business plan
  • Tax-Efficient Business Setup in Lebanon

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Understanding Company Registration in Lebanon

Lebanon is known for its cultural richness, friendly legal and tax regulations, low tax rates, and foreign-supportive investment policy. Do you wish to start, run, and manage your business in Lebanon? Let our consultants at Enterslice help you with company registration in Lebanon.

The business landscape of Lebanon significantly impacts businesses, investors, and individuals seeking opportunities within its borders.

Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in Lebanon with Enterslice, a country that combines vibrant urban centres with investor-friendly opportunities for foreign businesses. Benefit from Lebanon’s evolving business environment, supported by a series of reforms across various economic sectors.

Favourable Tax Scheme- 17% Corporate tax, 11% VAT

Corporate Income Tax Exemption for Offshore Companies

Withholding Tax Exemption for Offshore Companies

Liberalized Investment Policies

Signed Free Trade Agreement

Competitive Business Environment

100% Foreign Ownership

Supportive Government Policies

Types of Business Structures for Company Formation in Lebanon

The foreign entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Lebanon are offered several choices between different types of business structure known for their contribution in the rapidly changing marketplace of Lebanon. Have a look over some of the common business structures for company formation in Lebanon, as discussed below:

SARL

Limited Liability Companies (SARL- Société à Responsabilité Limitée)

Limited liability company commonly known as Société à Responsabilité Limitée is a company formed with the mutual consent of all the members embodying the articles of incorporation. The members of the body corporate may be held liable for the company’s debts or unpaid taxes in case of wilful conduct or negligence.

Joint Stock Companies

Joint Stock Companies (SAL- Société anonyme libanaise)

Joint stock company commonly known as Société Anonyme Libanaise is a body corporate where the liability of shareholders is limited up to the extent of their contribution made thereunder. The shares of the most popular corporate structure are freely offered to public without excessive restrictions.

Branch Office

Branch Office (Succursale) & Representative Office (Bureau de Liaison)

Branch and representative offices are considered a suitable solution for a foreign company intending to extend their business operations in Lebanon. However, the representative office commonly known as bureau de liaison is limited up to the marketing and promotional activities.

Partnership

Partnership (General- Société en Nom Collectif/ Limited- Société en Commandite Simple)

Partnership is a form of separate legal entity that transacts business in its own name. The business structure formed based on the partnership agreement are further classified into General Partnership (Société en Nom Collectif- SNC) and Limited Liability Partnership (Société en Commandite Simple- SCS).

Holding SAL

Lebanese Holding Company (Holding SAL)

Holding company registered as a special joint stock company i.e., SAL is a legal business structure subject to same regulations as a joint stock company. However, a holding company subject to a tax paid on their paid-up capital and reserves can be fully owned and managed by foreign entrepreneurs.

Entreprise offshore

Lebanese Offshore Company (Entreprise offshore)

Offshore company commonly known as Entreprise offshore is another diversion of joint stock company incorporated by a single Lebanese or foreign shareholder. The business objectives of an offshore company duly registered with the special register with the Court of First Instance in Beirut best suits for carrying out international transactions and signing agreements worldwide.

Procedure for Online Company Registration in Lebanon

In order to start a business in Lebanon, understanding the process of online company registration in Lebanon is required. Here’s an overview of the entire company registration process in Lebanon, as outlined in the Lebanon Companies Act of 1995:

Choose Business Structure

The first step requires the applicant to choose an appropriate legal structure depending upon the factors like social object, number of partners, capital requirement, taxation, turnover, project and goals.

: Reserve Company’s Name

The applicants are further required to check and reserve a unique company name on the official website of the Lebanese Commercial registry at the Ministry of Justice.

Submission of Documents

The applicants are further required for prepare and make submission all notarized company incorporation documents including MoA and AoA with the Lebanese Commercial register.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

The applicants are further advised to open a corporate bank account with initial capital deposit, in the local bank of Lebanon.

Registration with Lebanon Company Registry

Once the documents are submitted, the applicants must apply to get a company registration certificate from the Lebanese Commercial registry.

Timeline for Business Setup in Lebanon

The average timeline for business setup in Lebanon is around 2 to 3 weeks, varying depending upon the legal structure are as discussed below:

Reserve a Company Name- 1 to 3 Working Days

Company name reservation in Lebanon will take around 1 to 3 working days.

Draft Incorporation Documents- 3 to 5 Working Days

The completion of documentation work in Lebanon takes around 3 to 5 working days.

Document Submission and Review- 5 to 6 Working Days

The document submission and review take around 5 to 6 working days.

Grant of Registration Certificate- 5 to 7 Working Days

You will get the registration certificate in 5 to 7 working days post review.

Legal Documents Required for Company Registration in Lebanon

The list of legal documents required for company registration in Lebanon are as enlisted below:

ID Proofs of Directors and Shareholders

Passport of Directors and Shareholders

Details of the Chairperson/General Manager

Utility Bill

Certificate of Capital Deposit

Detailed Business Plan

Bank Confirmation Letter

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Articles of Association (AoA)

Lebanon Company Search Report

Copy of Commercial Circular

Power of Attorney for a Representative in Lebanon

Record of the General Assembly

Domiciliation Documents- Title Deed & Lease Agreement

Enterslice Made Company Incorporation in Lebanon Easy Peasy

Are you struggling with the complex regulations and roadblocks in the path of company incorporation in Lebanon? If yes, you are at the right place. At Enterslice, we ensure that there is no need to run here and there and face the sunburn. We are here to help you register, start, and expand your business venture in Lebanon.

Our experts are well versed in the laws and regulations for company formation in Lebanon. The process may be time-consuming and complex. Thus, we recommend you consult our experts to simplify the process of company incorporation in Lebanon.

lebanon company registration
Fast Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround Time

Bank Account Opening

Bank Account Opening

Drafting AoA and MoA

Drafting AoA and MoA

Legal Counsel Support

Legal Counsel Support

Benefits of Company Formation in Lebanon

Company formation in Lebanon offers key benefits, fostering the business growth and success. Moreover, various incentives and tax benefits are available for new business setups in Lebanon, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment and business setups. Have a look over some of the key benefits of online company registration in Lebanon.

lebanon company registration benefits

Business-Friendly Environment

Lebanon’s business-friendly environment and legal framework facilitates formation of various business structures like joint stock companies, limited liability companies, and partnerships. Understanding these business-friendly regulations is essential for businesses to stay compliant and maintain good relationships with their employees.

Low Tax Rates

The modern administration system and tax regulations of Lebanon underlines low tax rates, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to optimize their operational costs while accessing a growing market.

Strategic Location

Establishing a company in the Lebanon’s geographical location located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is considered a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and investors. The strategic location of Lebanon further facilitates companies to secure close trade relations with most of the middle-east countries.

Liberalized Trade Policies

Lebanon which has adopted liberalized trade policies as part of comprehensive economic strategy is considered the best location for business setup. It further signed trade agreements with European Union and other Arab countries aiming to establish a free trade area between trading partners.

Skilled Workforce

Lebanon’s highly skilled and educated workforce, proficient in multiple sectors like technology, finance, and hospitality, helps businesses establish themselves with expertise and efficiency at competitive costs.

Developed Banking System

Lebanon's well-developed and liberal banking system provides businesses with easy access to financial services and seamless foreign currency transactions. Additionally, it imposes zero restrictions on capital movement, ensuring financial stability for businesses.

Legal Requirements to Start a Business in Lebanon

Below mentioned are some of the key legal requirements to start a business in Lebanon:

  • Register with Ministry of National Economy :- The foreign companies limited by shares are authorized to obtain a valid registration from the Ministry of National Economy.
  • Corporate Name :- The corporate name of the business must be reserved before company incorporation in Lebanon.
  • Directorship :- The board of directors must appoint minimum 3 and maximum 12 directors to successfully start a business in Lebanon.
  • No. of Shareholding :- A minimum of 3 shareholders who are foreign nationals is required for online company registration in Lebanon.
  • Minimum Authorized Capital :- The minimum authorized capital required for business registration in Lebanon is LBP 30 million (around $20,000).
  • Appointment of Lebanese Auditor :- The foreign entrepreneurs applying for company incorporation in Lebanon must appoint a Lebanese auditor or lawyer
  • Corporate Bank Account :- A corporate bank account in a local bank is a mandatory required for company registration in Lebanon.
  • Registered Office Address :- The businesses must have a registered office address as a place of effective control and management.
  • Registration at Commercial Registry :- The companies must register at the commercial courts in the manner specified under Article 26 of the Lebanese Commercial Code

Industries for Tax-efficient Business Setup in Lebanon

The top 10 industries best suited for tax-efficient business setup in Lebanon are as discussed below:

Top 10 Industries for Company Formation in Lebanon

  • Banking Industry
  • Tourism Industry
  • Agricultural Industry
  • Education Industry
  • Telecommunication Industry
  • Environment and Constructive Industries
  • Textile and Leather Industries
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Media and Entertainment Industry
  • Chemicals Industry

Top 10 Businesses for Company Incorporation in Lebanon

  • Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Business
  • Banking and Insurance Business
  • Media and Publishing Business
  • Hotels and Restaurant Business
  • E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Business
  • Clinic and Pharmacy Business
  • Textile and Food Manufacturing Business
  • Bakery and Cafe Business
  • Language School and Tuition Business
  • Consulting Firm and IT Services

Post-Setup Compliances for Company Formation in Lebanon

The post-registration compliances for company formation in Lebanon are as discussed below:

  • Secure Tax Identification Number from Ministry of Finance
  • Lebanese National Social Security Fund Registration (NSSF)
  • Filing of Annual Statement
  • Maintaining Company Records
  • Adherence to Tax Regulations
  • Filing Tax Returns
  • Trademark and Intellectual Property Management
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Why Trust Enterslice for Company Registration in Lebanon?

Enterslice has proved its mettle in the sky of global business consulting. With more than 10 years of successful track record in company registration in Lebanon, Enterslice has come a long way. Given below are the reasons why global entrepreneurs trust us for online company registration in Lebanon-

  • Supported the Dreams of 300+ Passionpreneurs with Company Formation in Lebanon
  • 99% Success Rate in Business Setup in Lebanon, Supreme in the Industry
  • Ensures Smart Paperwork for Company Incorporation in Lebanon
  • End-to-end Assistance for Online Company Registration in Lebanon
  • 50+ Lebanon Corporate Formation Services
  • Ensures Tax-efficient Business Setup in Lebanon
  • Compliance Management Solutions for Online Company Registration in Lebanon
  • Saved 3 Lakh+ Hours of Global Entrepreneurs in Company Formation in Lebanon
  • Accounting and Tax Services in Lebanon
  • Guidance in Offshore Company Setup in Lebanon

FAQs on Online Company Registration in Lebanon

Have a look on the answers to the most asked questions:

The cost of setting up a company in Lebanon typically start from USD 3399. It varies depending upon the factors like legal fees, potential cost for bank account setup, registration cost, etc.

In order to check company registration in Lebanon, you need to visit the official website of the Commercial Register under the Ministry of Justice.

SARL which stands for Société à Responsabilité Limitée i.e., Lebanese Limited Liability Company is a company formed with the mutual consent of all the members embodying the articles of incorporation. The members of the body corporate governed by Decree-Law No 35 of August 5, 1967 may be held liable for the company’s debts or unpaid taxes in case of wilful conduct or negligence.

Yes, Lebanon which offers 100% foreign ownership, supportive government policies, business-friendly environment, low tax rates, strategic location, liberalized trade policies, skilled workforce, and developed banking system is considered an ideal place to start a business.

An offshore company commonly known as entreprise offshore is another diversion of joint stock company incorporated by a single Lebanese or foreign shareholder. The business objectives of an offshore company duly registered with the special register with the Corut of First Instance in Beirut best suits for carrying out international transactions and signing agreements worldwide.

In most cases, an offshore company operates outside Lebanon, conducting international business transactions. However, it can also conduct certain local transactions within Lebanon as authorized via law, including retaining meetings or transactions related to its international operations.

The process for company formation in Lebanon entails several steps are discussed below:

  • Step 1: Choosing an appropriate business structure
  • Step 2: Reserving Company’s Name
  • Step 3: Submission of Documents
  • Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account
  • Step 5: Registration with Lebanon Company Registry

The types of business entities available for company formation in Lebanon are:

  • Limited Liability Companies (SARL- Société à Responsabilité Limitée)
  • Joint Stock Companies (SAL- Société anonyme libanaise)
  • Branch Office (Succursale) & Representative Office (Bureau de Liaison)
  • Partnership (General or Limited)
  • Holding Companies
  • Offshore Companies

The minimum capital requirement for company registration in Lebanon primarily varies based on the structure of business enterprise. However, the minimum capital according to the available information is LBP 30 million (Lebanese Pounds).

The corporate income tax (CIT) applicable on the company setup in Lebanon is around 17%. However, the Lebanese holding companies are exempt from payment of corporate income tax.

It takes around 2 to 3 weeks to complete a company registration in Lebanon varying depending upon approvals and licenses acquired. For further guidance, talk to our experts on company formation in Lebanon.

Yes, overseas investors are allowed to establish their corporation in Lebanon. However, certain regulations or additional requirements may be practised in precise sectors or industries. For further guidance, talk to our experts on company registration in Lebanon.

Yes, seeking guidance from criminal, financial, or consultancy professionals skilled in Lebanese laws and global commercial enterprise practices is quite advocated. Professional recommendation guarantees compliance and allows optimisation of the blessings of setting up an Offshore Company in Lebanon. For further guidance, talk to our experts at Enterslice on company formation in Lebanon.

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