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Argentina

Steps to Set Up a Company:

Argentina

Choose a Business Structure

  1. Sole Proprietorship (Empresario Individual): Single owner, full liability.
  2. General Partnership (Sociedad Colectiva - S.C.): Two or more partners, shared liability.
  3. Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita Simple - S.C.S.): General and limited partners.
  4. Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada - S.R.L.): Separate legal entity, limited liability.
  5. Corporation (Sociedad Anónima - S.A.): Separate legal entity, limited liability, shares can be traded publicly.
  6. Simplified Joint Stock Company (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada - S.A.S.): Simplified version of S.A., designed for small businesses and startups.
  7. Branch (Sucursal): A branch of a foreign company operating in Argentina.
  8. Representative Office (Oficina de Representación): Limited to marketing and promotional activities, cannot conduct business transactions.

Register Your Company

  1. Choose a Company Name: Ensure it is unique and follows naming regulations.
  2. Draft the Articles of Association: Outlining the company’s structure and rules.
  3. Notarize the Articles of Association: Required for certain company types.
  4. Open a Bank Account: Deposit the initial capital required for the company type.
  5. Register with the Argentine Commercial Registry: Submit the incorporation documents and pay the registration fee.
  6. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria - CUIT) from the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (AFIP): For tax purposes.
  7. Register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with AFIP: If applicable.

Open an Argentine Bank Account

  1. Set Up a Business Bank Account: Necessary for managing business finances.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

  1. Check Industry-Specific Requirements: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific licenses or permits.

Comply with Argentine Employment Laws

  1. Employment Contracts: Draft contracts that comply with Argentine labor laws.
  2. Register with the National Social Security Administration (Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social - ANSES): For social security purposes.
  3. Health and Safety Regulations: Follow guidelines from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.

Accounting and Reporting

  1. Set Up an Accounting System: Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with Argentine accounting standards.
  2. Annual Financial Statements: Prepare and file annual financial statements.
  3. File Annual Tax Returns: Submit annual tax returns to the Federal Administration of Public Revenue.

 

Laws and Regulations to Consider

Corporate Law

  1. Argentine Companies Law (Ley de Sociedades Comerciales - Ley 19.550): Governs the formation and operation of companies.
  2. Civil and Commercial Code (Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación): Governs contracts and obligations.

Tax Law

  1. Argentine Tax Code (Ley de Procedimiento Tributario - Ley 11.683): Governs corporate income taxation.
  2. Value Added Tax (VAT) Law (Ley de Impuesto al Valor Agregado - Ley 23.349): Governs VAT regulations.

Employment Law

  1. Employment Contract Law (Ley de Contrato de Trabajo - Ley 20.744): Governs the terms and conditions of employment contracts.
  2. Social Security Law (Ley de Seguridad Social): Governs social security contributions.
  3. Occupational Health and Safety Law (Ley de Higiene y Seguridad en el Trabajo - Ley 19.587): Sets health and safety standards for workplaces.

Data Protection Law

  1. Personal Data Protection Law (Ley de Protección de Datos Personales - Ley 25.326): Governs data protection and privacy.

Environmental Law

  1. General Environmental Law (Ley General del Ambiente - Ley 25.675): Governs environmental protection and sustainability practices.

Intellectual Property Law

  1. Patent Law (Ley de Patentes de Invención y Modelos de Utilidad - Ley 24.481): Governs the protection of patents.
  2. Trademark Law (Ley de Marcas y Designaciones - Ley 22.362): Governs the protection of trademarks.
  3. Copyright Law (Ley de Propiedad Intelectual - Ley 11.723): Governs the protection of copyrights.

By following these steps and adhering to the relevant laws and regulations, you can successfully establish and operate a company in Argentina. It’s advisable to consult with legal and financial experts to ensure full compliance and smooth setup.

When to Consider Setting Up a Company in Argentina:

  1. Large Consumer Market: Argentina has a large and growing consumer market.
  2. Strategic Geographic Location: Argentina’s location provides access to markets in South America.
  3. Favorable Investment Climate: Argentina offers various incentives for foreign investment and a supportive regulatory environment.
  4. Skilled Workforce: Access to a highly educated and skilled labor pool, particularly in technology, engineering, and services.
  5. Developed Infrastructure: Argentina has a well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy.
  6. Innovation and Technology: Argentina has a focus on innovation and technology, with numerous research institutions and tech hubs.
  7. Quality of Life: Argentina offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a rich cultural heritage, making it attractive for expatriates and international employees.
  8. Natural Resources: Argentina is rich in natural resources, making it an attractive location for industries like agriculture, mining, and energy.
  9. Emerging Economy: Argentina is one of the largest emerging economies, offering significant growth opportunities.

By considering these factors and aligning them with your business goals, you can determine if setting up a company in Argentina is the right move for your organization.

DALL·E 2024-07-08 12.02.10 - An illustration promoting Grant and Grahams global support for setting up companies. The image features a globe with various business icons around it
How to Set Up a Company

Step-by-Step Guide: How to set up a Company

Setting up a company involves a series of crucial steps that require careful planning and execution. From choosing the right business structure to understanding legal and tax obligations, each stage is vital to the successful launch and operation of your business. This step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key processes involved in establishing a company, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of business formation.