Colombia · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- SAS
- Non-resident can be sole director
- Yes
Official registry: funcionpublica.gov.co
The SAS statute says legal representation is held by a natural or legal person designated as the bylaws provide, and that the company need not have a board at all. Nationality and residence are not conditions; the constitution document must state an identity document and a domicile, with no requirement that either be Colombian.
The sociedad por acciones simplificada (SAS) is by far the most common company and can be formed by a private document without a notary. You register with the local Chamber of Commerce (mercantile registry) and obtain a NIT tax ID and RUT from the tax authority (DIAN).
Companies register with the local Chamber of Commerce (recorded in the unified business registry, RUES) and obtain a tax ID (NIT/RUT) from the tax authority (DIAN); the SAS is the dominant form.
- The SAS (simplified shares company) is by far the most common form.
- Registration is done through the Chamber of Commerce and recorded in RUES.
- A NIT/RUT from DIAN is required to operate and invoice.
- 1
Choose the company type
The sociedad por acciones simplificada (SAS) is the standard flexible company; it can be created by one or more shareholders.
- 2
Draft the constitution document
Draft the private document of constitution (or public deed where required) with the bylaws, capital and legal representative.
- 3
Register with the Chamber of Commerce
Register in the mercantile registry at the local Chamber of Commerce; you receive the registration and the company’s NIT is generated.
- 4
Get the NIT / RUT from DIAN
Obtain the tax registration (RUT) and NIT from the tax authority (DIAN).
- 5
Set up invoicing and any licences
Enable electronic invoicing with DIAN and obtain any activity-specific licences.
- 6
Open a bank account and register employees
Open a business bank account and register employees with social security if you hire staff.
- Company type chosen (usually SAS)
- Private document of constitution (or public deed if required)
- Chamber of Commerce mercantile registration
- Tax registration (RUT) + NIT from DIAN
- Electronic invoicing enabled
- Activity-specific licences if applicable
- Business bank account
- Employee social-security registration if hiring
- RUES (unified business registry)
Unified business registry.
- DIAN
Tax ID (NIT/RUT) and tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the SAS so popular?
The SAS is flexible, needs no minimum capital and can be created by a private document without a notary, making it fast and low-cost.
What is the NIT?
The NIT is the tax identification number used for the company’s tax, invoicing and official dealings.
Where do I register?
You register in the mercantile registry at the Chamber of Commerce for the city where the company is domiciled.
Government portals
- GOV.CO — Colombian State Portal — Single entry point to more than 78,000 government procedures.
- DIAN — Tax and Customs — RUT tax registration, income tax and VAT filing, and customs clearance.
- RUES — Unified Business Register — Look up any Colombian company: registration, legal representative and status, through the chambers of commerce.