Starting a Business in Colombia

APEX LABS · Colombia Legal Intelligence Series · Guide 04

Registering a company is the beginning of the process, not the end of it.

An educational reference for establishing or expanding a business in Colombia: how to choose a structure, register, set up tax identification, secure permits, open banking relationships, protect ownership and hire compliantly.

What's inside

• From idea to operating company: the executive overview
• Choosing a structure: SAS, Ltda., S.A. or branch
• Planning the company before filing, and step-by-step formation and registration
• RUT, NIT and tax setup; tax obligations, electronic invoicing and accounting
• Licenses, permits and premises
• Banking and funding the business
• Corporate governance and protection of ownership
• Hiring employees and engaging contractors
• Contracts, intellectual property, customer protection, data protection and cybersecurity
• Ongoing compliance after formation, a launch risk assessment and common founder mistakes
• A final business launch checklist and an official source directory

Who it's for

Foreign investors, entrepreneurs, international companies, Colombian founders and expatriates establishing or expanding a business in Colombia.

What you receive

A 26-page digital guide (PDF), Research Edition, October 2026.

Premium digital resource. Delivered digitally after purchase. All sales final.

Educational and informational purposes only. Not legal, tax or accounting advice, and it creates no professional-client relationship. Laws, procedures and fees change; verify current requirements with the competent authority and consult a qualified professional before acting.