Dmitri Mihhailov
General Partner
Leads Prifinance's corporate practice and oversees client engagements, with senior expertise in international company structuring and bank-account setup.
Register a company in Lebanon, MENA's legal veteran.
Set up a Lebanese Offshore SAL, a structure written into law back in 1983: profits from activities outside Lebanon are exempt from income tax, replaced by a small flat annual duty. French-inspired company law, Arabic-English-French trilingual professionals, and a natural bridge for trade between Europe, the Gulf and the wider MENA region.A Lebanese Offshore SAL set up remotely by power of attorney: 0% on foreign business under a statute running since 1983, symbolic capital, trilingual counsel, accounts held with EU and Gulf institutions.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
6,000+
companies servedcompanies served
Updated
Lebanon · at a glance
Legal formOffshore SAL · Joint-Stock
Time to set up1-2 weeks
Tax on offshore profits0% - flat duty instead
DividendsExempt from distribution tax
Min. capitalSymbolic - ~US$350
Remote setupYes - by power of attorney
4.7
★★★★★
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Lebanon in brief
A trading nation's offshore tradition.
Lebanon has been the Levant's commercial crossroads for a century - a French-inspired legal system, a famously multilingual business class, and a diaspora that trades on every continent. Its Offshore SAL, created by decree in 1983, is one of the region's oldest special regimes: a Lebanese joint-stock company restricted to business outside Lebanon, exempt from income tax on those profits and from tax on the dividends it distributes, paying instead a small flat annual duty.
The context, stated as it is: Lebanon is working through recovery - a new government since 2025, banking-sector reform in progress - so we structure operating accounts with EU and Gulf institutions while the Lebanese entity holds the legal seat. Used that way, the Offshore SAL remains what it always was: a low-cost, zero-tax vehicle for re-export, regional services and MENA-facing contracts, backed by professionals who work in Arabic, French and English as a matter of course.
Lebanon is the Levant's trading crossroads - French-inspired law, trilingual professionals, a diaspora on every continent. The Offshore SAL (1983) is exempt from income tax on foreign business and pays a small flat duty instead.
The recovery context is part of the design: the legal seat sits in Beirut, operating accounts with EU and Gulf institutions. Used that way, the SAL remains a low-cost zero-tax vehicle for re-export and MENA services.
Packages & pricing
Lebanon company registration - cost & packages.
01 - OFFSHORE SAL · JOINT-STOCK COMPANY
Company
from$3,200USD · all-in
Remote incorporation of a Lebanese Offshore SAL by power of attorney - notarised articles, Commercial Register and offshore-register filings, and the first year of the registered address and mandatory lawyer retainer included.
✓Company name check & reservation✓Notarised articles & register filings✓Offshore special-register entry✓Registered address - first year✓Mandatory lawyer retainer - first year✓Free pre-incorporation consultation
Optional add-ons: nominee shareholders to complete the three-founder minimum - on request · apostilled document sets - from $200 · annual renewal - from $1,800/year.Add-ons: nominee shareholders on request · apostilled sets from $200 · renewal from $1,800/year.
Start with Company →02 - OFFSHORE SAL · JOINT-STOCK COMPANY
Most popularCompany + Bank Account
from$5,000USD · all-in
A working Offshore SAL with operating accounts held outside Lebanon - EU or Gulf EMIs and banks, multi-currency, cards and online banking.
✓Everything in Company✓Account with an EU/Gulf EMI or bank - multi-currency, SWIFT/SEPA✓Account application & KYC file preparation✓Introduction to 2-3 suitable institutions✓Compliance onboarding support✓Dedicated account manager
Start with Banking →Starting prices, confirmed before we file. Registration, notarial and lawyer-retainer costs are itemised - Lebanese law requires every SAL to retain a local attorney.Starting prices, confirmed before filing. Register, notarial and retainer costs itemised.
What you can do
Popular uses for a Lebanese offshore company.
The Offshore SAL is built for business conducted outside Lebanon. Its permitted-activities list covers most international commerce, while domestic Lebanese trade stays off-limits by design.The Offshore SAL is built for business outside Lebanon. Domestic trade is off-limits by design.
Re-export & trading
The classic use since 1983. Goods moving between Europe, the Gulf and Africa without touching Lebanon.
MENA services
Consulting, engineering and management contracts across the Arab world, run by trilingual teams.
Regional representation
A legal seat for brands and principals who need a Levant presence with offshore economics.
IT & digital
Software and digital services billed worldwide from a zero-tax base.
Holding & investment
Foreign shareholdings and assets held under the offshore exemptions.
Maritime & logistics
Shipping-adjacent services in a nation with deep Mediterranean port heritage.
Re-export & trading
The classic use since 1983.
MENA services
Contracts across the Arab world.
Regional representation
A Levant seat, offshore economics.
IT & digital
Billed worldwide from a 0% base.
Holding & investment
Foreign assets under exemptions.
Maritime & logistics
Mediterranean port heritage.
Why Lebanon
Key advantages of the jurisdiction.
✓
0% on offshore profits
Income from business outside Lebanon is exempt from corporate income tax. Replaced by a small flat annual duty.Exempt by statute; flat duty instead.
✓
Dividends flow clean
Offshore SAL distributions are exempt from Lebanese dividend tax, whatever the shareholder's residence.No Lebanese distribution tax.
✓
A regime with history
Four decades of statute and case practice. This is no experimental loophole but settled law since 1983.Settled law since 1983.
✓
Symbolic capital
After revaluation the minimum capital is a few hundred dollars. The cheapest joint-stock entry in the region.A few hundred dollars to start.
✓
Trilingual professionals
Contracts, filings and negotiations handled natively in Arabic, French and English.Arabic, French, English natively.
✓
The MENA bridge
A Levantine seat with cultural reach into the Gulf, Africa and the global Lebanese diaspora.Gulf, Africa and diaspora reach.
How it compares
Lebanon next to the usual shortlist.
The UAE is the region's polished heavyweight at higher cost; Georgia offers the Caucasus alternative; Cyprus the EU route. Lebanon competes on price, legal heritage and Levant access. Figures current as of 2026.UAE is the polished heavyweight; Georgia the Caucasus alternative; Cyprus the EU route. Figures as of 2026.
| Country | Tax on foreign business | Entry cost level | Fully remote incorporation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 0% - flat duty instead | Low - from $3,200 | Yes - by power of attorney, 1-2 weeks |
| UAE | 9% · free zones 0% qualifying | Higher - from ~$6,000 | Yes - free zones |
| Georgia | 0% until distribution | Low - from $1,500 | Yes - 1-2 days |
| Cyprus | 12.5% | Mid - from €2,900 | Yes - EU member |
| Jordan | 20%+ | Mid | Partly - local presence expected |
LebanonRemote ✓
Foreign business0% - flat duty
Entry costfrom $3,200
UAEGulf
Foreign business9% · FZ 0%
Entry costfrom ~$6,000
GeorgiaFastest
Foreign business0% until payout
Entry costfrom $1,500
CyprusEU
Foreign business12.5%
Entry costfrom €2,900
JordanLocal
Foreign business20%+
Entry costmid
Requirements
What Lebanese law actually demands.
01
Three shareholders - An SAL needs a minimum of three shareholders of any nationality. Nominees can complete the count where you are the sole owner.
02
Directors - A board of at least three; the chairman may be a non-resident foreigner and needs no work permit for offshore business.
03
Capital - The statutory minimum is symbolic after revaluation - roughly US$350. Deposited at formation.
04
Registered address - A registered office in Lebanon is mandatory. We provide it as part of the package.
05
Lawyer retainer - Every SAL must retain a Lebanese attorney on an annual contract - included in our first-year package.
06
Books & filings - Commercial books are kept and annual financial statements filed with the offshore register; the flat duty is paid yearly.
How it works
From application to a live company in weeks.
Our Beirut counsel and a notary carry the file under your power of attorney; both register entries complete within two weeks.Signed by power of attorney in Beirut; both register entries complete within two weeks.
01Same day
Free consultation
We confirm that the Offshore SAL fits your case and fix the full cost.
021-2 days
KYC & documents
Passports, proof of address and a short description of the business; we draft the articles and POA.
032-3 days
Notarisation
Articles are notarised and the symbolic capital deposited.
045-8 days
Register filings
Entries in the Commercial Register and the special offshore register.
053-5 days
Documents & legalisation
You receive the certificate, articles and registers, legalised for use abroad.
061-3 weeks
Banking
Operating accounts arranged with EU or Gulf institutions; we support the onboarding.
Quick facts
Legal formOffshore SAL
Min. capital~US$350 - symbolic
Offshore profits0% - flat duty
Standard timeline1-2 weeks
Shareholders3 - nominees possible
Lawyer retainerMandatory - included
Annual statementsFiled with register
The three-founder minimum is routinely completed with nominee shareholders - you remain the beneficial owner throughout.
On the ground
On the ground in Lebanon.
Prifinance - Lebanon
Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
01
MENA structuring specialists
Your setup is run by a team that files Levant and Gulf structures with local counsel every month.
02
Address & retainer included
The registered office and the mandatory lawyer retainer are covered for the first year.
03
Banking outside, seat inside
Operating accounts with EU and Gulf institutions keep funds flowing while the Lebanese entity holds the contracts.
04
Also in Tallinn, London, Dubai & more
A network of offices across Europe, the Gulf and the Americas. One team for your whole international structure.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
5/F, Yau Lee Centre, 45 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Berlin
Germany
Rankestraße 26
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Türkiye
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Toronto
Canada
1110 Finch Avenue West, suite 406
Singapore
Singapore
3 Church Street, #29-68 Samsung Hub
Bangkok
Thailand
Unit P01, Penthouse, VASU1, 1 Sukhumvit 25 Alley
Foshan
China
A-Tower, Yuneng Digital Plaza, 46 Lishui Avenue South
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Republic Square 13
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
32 Razzakov Street
Taxation 2026
Exempt by statute, not by loophole.
The Offshore SAL is exempt from Lebanese income tax on its foreign-sourced activity and from tax on the dividends it distributes. In their place stands a single flat annual duty. Local Lebanese business is off-limits to the form - which is precisely what keeps the exemption clean.Offshore profits exempt; dividends exempt; one flat duty a year. Domestic business off-limits - that keeps it clean.
Offshore profits - 0%
Income from business conducted outside Lebanon is exempt from corporate income tax by Decree-Law 46 of 1983.Exempt under Decree-Law 46 of 1983.
Flat annual duty
One fixed payment a year. A few hundred dollars at current rates. Replaces profit taxation entirely.A few hundred dollars replaces profit tax.
Dividends - exempt
Distributions to shareholders, resident or not, carry no Lebanese dividend tax.No Lebanese tax on distributions.
Payroll & local rules
Lebanese-based staff are taxed normally; foreign chairmen need no work permit for offshore activity.Local staff taxed normally; foreign chairman needs no permit.
Levies in 2026
Tax on offshore profits0%
Flat annual duty~$600
Tax on dividendsExempt
Capital gains (foreign assets)Exempt
Payroll (local staff)Standard rates
Domestic Lebanese businessNot permitted
Annual financial statements are filed with the offshore register alongside the flat duty - we run the calendar for you.
Your team
The specialists who'll handle your case.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
Corporate services advisor
Advises clients on company formation, VAT and ongoing compliance, coordinating each step of the setup across the EU.
Alex Danila
Company formation specialist
Your day-to-day contact - coordinates incorporation, documents and the bank introduction, from the first call through to launch.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Watch: opening a company in Lebanon with Prifinance
Four decades of offshore statute and a trilingual bench - full support for your Lebanese SAL, start to finish.
Talk to a specialist →FAQ
The Offshore SAL, forty years on.
Can I open a company without visiting Lebanon?+
Yes. Incorporation runs by power of attorney through our Beirut counsel - notarisation, register filings and document legalisation included. Originals are couriered to you.
How much does it cost to set up a Lebanese offshore company?+
Turnkey incorporation starts from $3,200 including register fees, the registered address and the mandatory first-year lawyer retainer. With operating accounts arranged, packages start from $5,000.
How is the company taxed?+
Offshore profits are exempt from income tax and dividends from distribution tax; a flat annual duty of a few hundred dollars replaces them. Only Lebanese-source activity - which the form does not permit - would be taxed. Your country of residence keeps its own claim; we flag it in the consultation.
Is Lebanon safe to structure through right now?+
The country is in recovery (a reform government since 2025, banking restructuring underway), which is why we keep operating funds with EU and Gulf institutions while the Lebanese entity holds the legal seat and contracts. The offshore statute itself has run uninterrupted since 1983.
Why does the company need three shareholders?+
The SAL is a joint-stock form and Lebanese law requires three founders. Where you are the sole beneficial owner, nominee shareholders complete the count under declarations that preserve your full ownership.
What is the mandatory lawyer retainer?+
Lebanese law obliges every SAL to keep a local attorney on an annual contract. It is a fixed, modest cost - included in our first year - and in practice gives you standing counsel in Beirut.
Where does the company bank?+
Operating accounts sit with EU and Gulf EMIs and banks (multi-currency, SWIFT/SEPA), while Lebanese banks are used only if and when the client wants local presence. This is standard practice for Lebanese offshore structures today.
What can the company actually do?+
Everything the offshore list permits: international trade and re-export, services to foreign clients, regional representation, holding foreign assets. What it may not do is domestic Lebanese business - that boundary is what keeps the tax exemption solid.
Does the company file accounts?+
Yes - commercial books are kept and annual financial statements filed with the offshore register, alongside the flat duty. Our accountants handle the calendar.
Lebanon or the UAE - which one?+
The UAE offers newer infrastructure at several times the cost; Lebanon offers a forty-year-old statute, symbolic capital and trilingual counsel at entry prices. For re-export and Levant-facing services, Lebanon still earns its place; for Gulf-centric operations, we often build both.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
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