Dmitri Mihhailov
Managing Partner
Leads Prifinance and personally oversees complex multi-jurisdiction structures. Your Colombian setup gets partner-level review before anything is filed.
Register a company in Colombia
- one of the easiest entry points into the Andes.Colombia company registration through an SAS remains one of Latin America’s most straightforward incorporation processes: one shareholder, a private document, no mandatory notary and filing within days. Behind that easy entry sits a market of 52 million people, Medellín’s strong tech and BPO ecosystem, ports on two oceans and globally recognised agricultural exports. The trade-offs are equally clear: a 35% corporate tax rate, dividend withholding, the 4×1000 bank levy and political uncertainty around the 2026 election.
30 yrs
of experienceof experience
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
6,000+
companies servedcompanies served
Updated
Colombia · at a glance
Legal formSAS via Cámara de Comercio
Time to set up1-2 weeks
Corporate tax35% · free zones 20%
VAT19%
Dividends out20% - treaty-reduced
Remote setupYes - by POA
4.7
★★★★★
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Colombia in brief
An easy entry into a large market - with a heavy tax bill.
Colombia solved the part many Latin American jurisdictions still complicate: getting in. An SAS may have one shareholder, can be formed by private document without a notary and is registered with the chamber of commerce within days. Behind that structure is a market of 52 million people, Medellín’s nearshore tech and BPO sector serving US time zones, premium agricultural exports such as coffee, flowers and avocados, access to both Pacific and Caribbean ports, and free zones where qualifying industrial users pay 20% instead of the standard corporate rate. Properly channelled foreign investment can also be repatriated without exchange controls.
At the same time, doing business in Colombia requires careful tax and treasury planning. The standard corporate rate is 35%, dividends to non-residents carry 20% withholding before treaty relief, municipalities impose ICA on revenue, and the 4×1000 tax charges 0.4% on bank movements. The current administration increased the tax burden and froze new oil exploration, while security deteriorated in some regions even as the main business corridors continued to operate. The 2026 election adds another layer of uncertainty, but a properly incorporated SAS, approved free-zone status and registered foreign investment survive the political cycle.
Packages & pricing
Colombia company registration - cost and packages.
01 - SAS · COLOMBIA
Company
from$2,900USD · all-in
Registration of a Colombian SAS includes chamber filing, tax registrations, foreign-investment FX registration and the first year of the registered address.
✓Regime strategy first - standard, free zone or CAN structure✓SAS statutes drafted and registered with the chamber✓RUT / NIT with DIAN and e-invoicing setup✓Foreign-investment FX registration with Banco de la República✓Registered address in Bogotá - first year✓Free pre-incorporation consultation
Optional add-ons: free-zone qualification - from $3,000 · M-type visas - from $1,200 · trademark and sector licences - scoped individually · accounting - from $300/month · renewal - from $1,500/year.
Start with a consultation →02 - SAS + BANK · COLOMBIA
Most popularCompany + Bank Account
from$4,900USD · all-in
Everything in the first package plus a corporate account with a Colombian bank, with the file prepared and supported throughout onboarding.
✓Everything in the Company package✓Bank file - business plan, source of funds, references✓Account with Bancolombia, Davivienda or BBVA✓Peso + USD structure with 4×1000 planning included✓Payroll and social-security registrations through PILA✓Repatriation review - Form-4 and FX channelling completed correctly
Optional add-ons: free-zone qualification - from $3,000 · visas - from $1,200 · accounting - from $300/month · renewal - from $1,500/year.
Start with a consultation →These are starting prices, confirmed before filing. Chamber, DIAN and registration fees are itemised separately.
What you can do
Popular uses for a Colombia company.
Colombia combines strong human capital, export industries and a large domestic market, making it particularly suitable for technology, services, agriculture and distribution.
Tech & nearshore developmentlicensed
Medellín offers a strong pool of senior engineers working in US time zones at competitive regional cost.
BPO & shared serviceslicensed
One of the hemisphere’s fastest-growing back-office and shared-services talent pools.
Agro-exportlicensed
Coffee, flowers and avocados with established premium demand and hard-currency revenues.
Trade & distributionstandard
A market of 52 million consumers supported by ports on two oceans.
Energy & mining servicesstandard
Services for existing projects, with the freeze on new oil exploration factored into the model.
Tourism & real estatestandard
Cartagena, the coffee region and other destinations support continuing tourism and investment demand.
Why Colombia
Key advantages of the jurisdiction.
✓
The easiest door
An SAS can have one shareholder, requires no notary and can be filed within days.
✓
Talent-to-cost ratio
Senior professionals are available at Andean cost, in US time zones and increasingly with strong English.
✓
Free zones at 20%
Qualifying operations receive a permanent reduction from the standard 35% rate to 20%.
✓
Two-ocean logistics
Pacific and Caribbean ports provide broad regional access, with Panama nearby.
✓
Premium agricultural brands
Colombian coffee and flowers already command premium positioning internationally.
✓
Clean repatriation
Properly channelled foreign investment can be repatriated freely while the peso floats without exchange controls.
How it compares
Colombia alongside the main Andean alternatives.
Colombia offers one of the easiest entry processes but also one of the region’s highest standard corporate tax rates. Peru has a lower headline rate, Ecuador offers dollarisation, Chile stronger institutional continuity, and Brazil much greater domestic scale. Figures current as of 2026.
| Country | Corporate tax | Signature story | Signature edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 35% · zones 20% | The Andean opener | Easiest entry, heaviest rate |
| Peru | 29.5% | The Andean workhorse | Mining money, steadier tax |
| Ecuador | 25-28% | The dollarized neighbour | USD, harder politics |
| Chile | 27% | The copper benchmark | Institutions that held |
| Brazil | ≈34% | The giant behind the wall | Scale nobody else has |
ColombiaEasiest entry, heaviest rate
Corporate tax35% · zones 20%
Signature storyThe Andean opener
PeruMining money, steadier tax
Corporate tax29.5%
Signature storyThe Andean workhorse
EcuadorUSD, harder politics
Corporate tax25-28%
Signature storyThe dollarized neighbour
ChileInstitutions that held
Corporate tax27%
Signature storyThe copper benchmark
BrazilScale nobody else has
Corporate tax≈34%
Signature storyThe giant behind the wall
Requirements
What a Colombian SAS actually requires.
01
One shareholder - an individual or company of any nationality; 100% foreign ownership is standard.
02
Legal representative - a representative is required for filings and notices; residency is not legally required, although a practical local solution is still necessary.
03
Registered office - a Colombian address is required for chamber and DIAN correspondence.
04
RUT & e-invoicing - DIAN registration and electronic invoicing are set up alongside incorporation.
05
FX registration - foreign capital should be channelled through the exchange market and registered to establish the legal basis for clean repatriation.
06
ICA & municipal licences - local turnover tax and other municipal registrations depend on where the company operates and sells.
How it works
From application to a registered company - within weeks.
Colombia company registration follows six main stages. The chamber itself is genuinely fast; the parts that require more planning are regime selection and correct registration of foreign investment through the FX system.
01Same day
Free consultation
We compare standard and free-zone treatment and map the city and corporate structure first.
022-3 days
Statutes & documents
SAS statutes, powers of attorney and KYC are prepared in one package.
032-5 days
Chamber registration
The private document is filed with the Cámara de Comercio - no notary required.
043-7 days
DIAN & e-invoicing
RUT, NIT and invoicing authorisation are completed.
051-2 weeks
FX & registrations
Capital is channelled, the foreign investment is registered and PILA employer files are set up.
062-4 weeks
Bank account
A file is prepared for Bancolombia, Davivienda or BBVA.
Quick facts
Legal formSAS
Corporate tax35% · zones 20%
VAT19%
Dividends out20% - treaty-reduced
4×10000.4% per bank movement
Standard timeline1-2 weeks
Renewal & accountingFrom $1,500/year
Colombia’s key planning issue is often the exit rather than the entry. Dividends to non-residents carry 20% withholding, while 4×1000 applies to bank movements, so treaty access, free-zone status and payment architecture can materially affect the final burden. These issues should be designed before capital enters the country.
On the ground
On the ground in Colombia.
Prifinance - Colombia
Bogotá
Bogotá, Colombia
01
Andean specialists
Your setup runs with Bogotá counsel who file chamber and DIAN work weekly.
02
Exit-first structuring
Treaties, zones and payment architecture designed before capital enters.
03
Nearshore positioning
Medellín entity, US contracts, PILA payroll. The stack built daily.
04
Also in Hong Kong, London, Dubai & more
A network of offices supporting cross-border structures.
We also have offices in
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
Taxes in Colombia - a high headline rate with meaningful alternatives.
The standard corporate tax rate is 35%, while qualifying users of approved free zones can apply a 20% rate. Additional costs arise through dividend withholding, municipal ICA and bank-transaction taxes, so the effective burden depends heavily on structure, geography and payment flows.
Corporate tax - 35%
One of the region’s highest standard rates, with additional surcharges for oil and finance.
Free zones - 20%
A permanent fifteen-point reduction for qualifying operations.
VAT - 19%
The standard rate, administered through DIAN e-invoicing.
Dividends - 20%
Withholding on distributions to non-residents before treaty relief.
The levies that matter
Corporate income tax35%
Free zones20%
VAT19%
Dividends to non-residents20%
ICA - municipal, on revenue0.2-1.4%
4×1000 - bank movements0.4%
Renewal & accountingFrom $1,500/year
Owners remain responsible for tax where they are resident. The Colombian peso floats freely, and properly registered foreign investment can be repatriated without exchange controls.
Your team
The specialists who'll handle your case.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
International Business Consultant
Walks you from first call to working company - structure, documents, timelines - in plain language, in five languages.
Alex Danila
Corporate Services Specialist
Handles chamber filings, DIAN registrations and the bank file day to day, so your Colombian company launches without delays.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Watch: opening a company in Colombia with Prifinance
The Andean opener, entered with the exit designed - SAS, zone or treaty structure, FX registration and bank in one prepared project. Full support, start to finish.
Talk to a specialist →FAQ
Common questions about Colombia company registration.
Can I open a Colombian company without visiting?+
Yes. An SAS can be registered by apostilled power of attorney, while DIAN and FX filings can be handled remotely. Banks often prefer to meet a signatory, so one short visit is commonly combined with account opening.
Is the SAS really that simple?+
Yes. One shareholder, a private document, no mandatory notary and chamber registration within days make the SAS one of the region’s most practical structures. The simplicity of incorporation should not, however, replace proper tax and FX planning.
How do I deal with the 35% tax rate?+
By analysing available alternatives rather than applying the headline rate automatically. Qualifying free-zone users pay 20%, treaty networks may reduce certain cross-border charges, and DIAN’s deduction and e-invoicing rules reward accurate accounting.
What is the 20% dividend tax?+
It is withholding on distributions to non-residents before treaty relief. Because it sits on top of corporate tax already paid, ownership structure and future profit distributions should be planned at the outset.
What is the 4×1000?+
It is a 0.4% tax on most debits from Colombian bank accounts. For payment-heavy companies, the cost can accumulate, making treasury and payment architecture important.
How do free zones work?+
Qualified users within approved zones pay a 20% corporate rate and may receive customs and VAT advantages for industrial operations. Recent reforms link some benefits to export ratios, so qualification requires substantive review.
Why does FX registration matter so much?+
Colombia distinguishes capital that entered through the official exchange market and was registered from money that simply arrived. Properly channelled and registered foreign investment can be repatriated far more easily.
How much does politics affect business?+
The economy has continued to operate despite political volatility. The current government raised taxes and froze new oil licensing, while Bogotá, Medellín and the main commercial corridors remained active. The 2026 election adds uncertainty, but properly structured companies and registered investments outlast the administration.
Is security still an issue?+
In some rural regions, yes. Major business cities operate normally with standard urban precautions, but field operations outside the main commercial centres require location-specific risk assessment.
How much does Colombia company registration cost and how long does it take?+
Company formation starts from $2,900, while the package with a bank account starts from $4,900. Chamber registration takes only a few days, but DIAN, FX procedures and banking extend the realistic zero-to-operating timeline to 3-5 weeks. Free-zone qualification starts from $3,000, and annual renewal from $1,500.
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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Free consultation
Start your Colombian company today.
Tell us about the business, and a specialist replies within one business day: SAS, free zone, treaty structure or a different flag, with a timeline and a fixed quote.
✓No obligation; the first consultation is free✓The exit designed before the money enters✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team