Consult Enterslice experts to start a business in Sri Lanka, known for its rich culture, tea farms, and scenic beaches, from anywhere. Global entrepreneurs prefer company formation in Sri Lanka due to its evolving business ecosystem, youth population, and promising environment for new ventures. Sri Lanka offers a prime location between Asia and Europe, making it a hub for global trade. With a growing economy valued at $84.36 billion in GDP, the country presents a thriving market for business expansion: investor-friendly policies and an environment for entrepreneurs. The government aims to attract $5 billion in FDI by 2025, further boosting business prospects. The skilled workforce, infrastructure development, and government support make starting and running a business in Sri Lanka easier. Despite challenges like high transaction costs, the growing startup ecosystem and initiatives like YouLead make Sri Lanka an appealing destination for entrepreneurs. Simplified processes for Sri Lanka Business Setup 100% Foreign Ownership Growing Tourism Sector Business Structure Options Available Encouraging Government Policies Incentives for Foreign Investors When starting a business in Sri Lanka, choosing the proper business structure is essential. Each structure has different legal, financial, and operational implications. Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company (PLC), Sole Proprietorship, and Partnership are the main business structures available. Have a look at the types of business structures for Sri Lanka business setup- A Private Limited Company is owned by private shareholders, with liability limited to their investment in the company. The company can have between 1 and 50 shareholders, and shareholders’ liability is restricted to their shareholding. However, a private limited company cannot raise capital through public offerings. It is also known as LLC. It is highly recommended for global entrepreneurs looking to generate revenue and build a profitable business empire in Sri Lanka. A Public Limited Company is owned by public shareholders, with no limit on the number of shareholders. It is highly regulated, and the shareholders’ liability is limited to their shareholding. PLCs are managed by a board of directors elected by the shareholders. One of the advantages of a PLC is its ability to raise capital through the public by offering shares through the stock exchange. To operate as a PLC, at least 7 shareholders are required. A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by a single individual. It is the simplest structure to set up, with minimal regulatory requirements. However, the owner has unlimited liability for all debts and obligations of the business. The owner has complete control over the company and its decisions, but they are personally responsible for any financial issues that arise. A Partnership involves two or more individuals who share the business's control, profits, and losses. A partnership agreement, or deed, is required to outline the terms of the partnership. Control is shared among the partners, and the profits are distributed and taxed as each partner's income. Like sole proprietors, partners have unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts. Starting a business in Sri Lanka is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to legal and procedural requirements. A clear understanding of the steps can ensure a smooth process to apply for online company registration in Sri Lanka- Select a unique name for your business that complies with the Department of Register of Companies’ regulations. Ensure the name isn’t like existing companies or trademarks. Apply to reserve your chosen name to start a business in Sri Lanka. Prepare the necessary documents, such as the Articles of Association (AoA) and Memorandum of Association (MoA), in line with the Companies Act of Sri Lanka. These documents define your company’s objectives, structure, and governance. After name approval and document preparation, submit everything along with the fee for company registration in Sri Lanka to the Department of Registrar of Companies. The Registrar will review your application, and if approved, your company will be officially registered. Acquire the Certificate of Incorporation and the Certificate of Commencement of Business. Depending on your business type, secure any required licenses or permits. Lastly, open a corporate bank account to manage your company’s finances. Are you confused by the steps to start a business in Sri Lanka? Let Enterslice clear the path to your swift company registration in Sri Lanka. In order to start a business in Sri Lanka, you must have a clear timeline. From reserving a business name to registering for taxes, each step is designed to be completed efficiently, taking just a few days! Here’s the timeline for company incorporation in Sri Lanka- Conduct a name search with the Registrar of Companies to confirm its availability. Once approved, reserve the name for your new business entity. Draft the AoA and gather key documents, such as identification and proof of address for directors and shareholders. Submit these to the Registrar of Companies to begin the registration process. After approval, the Registrar of Companies will issue a Certificate of Incorporation. Next, apply for the Business Registration Certificate from the Divisional Secretariat, which is necessary for legally operating in Sri Lanka. Choose a local bank and provide essential documents like the Certificate of Incorporation, AoA, and director’s identification. Once the bank completes its verification, your account will be activated. Register with the Inland Revenue Department to secure a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Depending on your business activities, you may also need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT). Given below are the documents needed for company registration in Sri Lanka- Identity proof of directors and shareholders A copy of the directors' valid passports PAN card if directors or officeholders are Indian nationals Address proof of directors and shareholders Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association Signature specimens of the directors or shareholders Before proceeding with company formation in Sri Lanka, consider selecting the proper business structure based on your goals and preferences. Ensure the desired company name is available on the Department of Registrar of Companies (RoC) website. While 100% foreign ownership is generally allowed for company registration in Sri Lanka, check for sector-specific restrictions. Gather necessary identification and address proofs for directors and shareholders, and submit required forms like Company Registration (Form 1) and Consent and Certificate of Director (Form 18). After your company is verified, the Certificate of company registration in Sri Lanka will be issued. You must also fulfil public notice obligations and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Inland Revenue Department. 30% Corporate Tax Round-the-clock Support No Need to Visit Govt Office Funding Opportunities Online company registration in Sri Lanka presents numerous benefits for entrepreneurs and investors. With favourable policies, simple processes, and opportunities for foreign ownership, Sri Lanka is an attractive destination for business growth. Its strategic location and flexible business structures create a promising environment for local and global ventures. Here's an overview of the key advantages of starting a business in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka offers investor-friendly policies, including tax incentives, project support, and services from the Board of Investment (BOI), making it easier for foreign businesses to establish and operate. The process of company formation in Sri Lanka is straightforward. Steps like name reservation and document submission ensure quick and efficient incorporation. While Sri Lanka allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, certain industries like agriculture and media have restrictions to balance local interests. Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean provides easy access to key global markets, making it a prime business hub for regional and international trade and drive businesses for company registration in Sri Lanka. Depending on their needs and goals, entrepreneurs can choose from different business structures, such as private limited companies, public limited companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships and go ahead for company registration in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s growing economy and focus on foreign direct investment (FDI) create opportunities for global partnerships, allowing businesses to expand and tap into new markets with company registration in Sri Lanka. To successfully register a company in Sri Lanka, the following requisites must be fulfilled for company registration in Sri Lanka: Thanks to its strategic location, government support, and expanding economy, company registration in Sri Lanka provides excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to start a business in a growing market. Top 6 Industries for Company Registration in Sri Lanka Top 6 Businesses for Business Registration Sri Lanka Enterslice simplifies setting up your business in Sri Lanka. We help you choose the proper business structure and ensure compliance with tailored solutions post-registration. Our expert support guides you in turning your vision into a successful enterprise with blissful company formation in Sri Lanka. The process of company registration in Sri Lanka involves several steps: Registering a company in Sri Lanka offers numerous benefits, including: Key documents required for company registration in Sri Lanka include: Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors in Sri Lanka. However, specific sectors, like agriculture and media, may have restrictions to protect local interests. Sri Lanka offers multiple business structures for company registration in Sri Lanka to suit various needs: Some of the best industries for business setup in Sri Lanka include: While not mandatory for all business structures, certain companies may require the appointment of a local director to meet regulatory compliance. Professional firms can assist in this process. The standard corporate tax rate in Sri Lanka is 30%. However, specific industries may benefit from reduced rates or tax holidays under particular government policies. Sole proprietorships are typically reserved for local residents. Foreigners may need to explore other business structures, such as Private Limited Companies, to establish their ventures. The Registrar of Companies (RoC) oversees company incorporation in Sri Lanka, maintains company records, and ensures compliance with the Companies Act of Sri Lanka. All registration documents must be submitted to the RoC for approval. While Sri Lanka promotes foreign direct investment (FDI), restrictions may apply in specific sectors such as agriculture, education, and media. It is essential to review the Foreign Investment Regulations before initiating company formation. To open a corporate bank account after company registration in Sri Lanka, you’ll need the following: The cost of registering a company in Sri Lanka varies based on the business structure and services availed. Government fees, such as name reservation and registration charges, are mandatory. Additional costs for Sri Lanka corporate registration may include professional service fees, office address support, and bank account setup. No, travel is not mandatory for registering a company in Sri Lanka. Professional firms can assist remotely with the entire process, ensuring compliance without the need for physical presence for Sri Lanka business setup. Sri Lanka offers numerous advantages: The choice for company registration in Sri Lanka depends on factors like liability preferences, scalability, and funding requirements. For limited liability and scalability, opt for a Private Limited Company. If you aim to raise public capital, consider a Public Limited Company (PLC). The Sri Lanka corporate registration process typically takes 2 weeks. Reserving the business name takes about a day, while document preparation and submission usually require 3-4 days. Tax registration and corporate bank account opening can be completed in an additional week. -- Testimonials “Enterslice use technology better than others. That saves time and money; Team enterslice is more efficient than traditional competitors, and that helps to pass on the cost advantage to its clients. The company is building a high-level transparency in legal services by optimum use of technology and process automation in consulting. I highly recommend this company.” “Excellent advisory role by Enterslice Team. They are a trusted partners to us. Narendra and his team helped us with our pre NBFC applications and Post NBFC advisory services.” “Amazing services provided by your organization. They have completed our NBFC registration order within stipulated time period of 90 days. They provide constant guidance and support in the process. Their support in building fintech software is amazing.” “I chose Enterslice to start my new Indian adventure as entrepreneur, and respect my past experience i was surprised by their professionalism. In particular, Raksha T. followed my startup process, and i was delighted with her support on every moment. Great, great experience.” “I came to know about Enterslice through a friend. Since then I have done GST Registration through them. The services are consumer centric and fast. I have recommended them to many of my acquaintance already.” “Great set of people working together. Very customer friendly. I am very satisfied with the food license registration services and will definitely come back for other similar requirements.” “They provided customized and Highly skilled CA &services. The management invests themselves in your work. They ensured timely NBFC registration and are always ready and prepared with excellent advisory services. The best part of working with Enterslice is they are not having expertise of law but they are well versed with Digital marketing skills &fintech business model.” “I have registered my Trademark through them. The application was filed within 3 days. And the charges were also very reasonable. We got TM Approved in 6 month’s time without any re-submission or objection. They charge high to deliver the best in industry.” “I would like to thank the Enterslice team for the excellent business plan made by them. They understood our requirement and gave us exactly what we wanted. Thank you Team Enterslice.” “Thanks for your services. The team is really professional. They make sure that things are delivered in time. The best part about Enterslice is the consultative approach and guiding us on all our business matters.” Haiden Group - UAE Stay updated with all the latest legal updates.Company Registration in Sri Lanka – An Overview
Aspect
Details
Fees
The cost of registering a company in Sri Lanka starts from 499 USD
Timeline for Company Registration in Sri Lanka
Usually takes 1 to 2 Weeks
Benefits of Company Registration
The benefits of company registration in Sri Lanka include the following:
Types of Company Formation
Types of company formation in Sri Lanka include the following:
Documents Required
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Some of the top businesses for foreign entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka include the following:
List of Documents Required
How can we Help You?
Start a Business in Sri Lanka with Enterslice
Why Should you Proceed with Company Formation in Sri Lanka?
Types of Business Structures for Sri Lanka Business Setup
Private Limited Company
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
How to Apply for Online Company Registration in Sri Lanka?
Reserve a Company Name
Draft Incorporation Documents
Submit Documents and Complete Registration
Obtain Certificates, Licenses, and Open a Bank Account
Timeline for Company Incorporation in Sri Lanka
Reserving the Business Name – 1 Day
Prepare and Submit Documents- 3-4 Days
Obtain the Incorporation Certificate- 3-4 Days
Open a Corporate Bank Account- 1-2 Days
Tax Registration- 2-3 Days
Documents Required for Company Registration in Sri Lanka
Things to Consider Before Company Formation in Sri Lanka
Benefits of Online Company Registration in Sri Lanka
Policies that favour investors
Simplified processes for company formation
Complete foreign ownership is permitted with certain sector-related limitations
Favourable geographical positioning
A variety of business structures are accessible
Potential for global partnership opportunities
Requisites for Company Registration in Sri Lanka
Business Opportunities for Company Registration in Sri Lanka
Why Trust Enterslice for Company Formation in Sri Lanka?
FAQs on Business Registration Sri Lanka
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