Business Setup in Lebanon

Are you planning to expand your business in the Middle East? Enterslice simplifies the process for business setup in Lebanon, known for its strategic Mediterranean location, liberal investment policies, and emerging startup ecosystem. Connect with us to begin your entrepreneurial journey with a trusted global business setup partner today.

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  • Business Address & Virtual Office Support
  • Legal Drafting of Bylaws and Articles of Association
  • Strategic Access to MENA and European Markets
  • Bookkeeping & Financial Compliance
  • Labor Registration & Social Security (NSSF)
  • One-year Business Advisory Support

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Business Setup in Lebanon

Lebanon Business Setup is Easy and Effortless with Enterslice

2 to 3 Weeks

Company Registration

At least 3

Local Directors

2 to 3 Weeks

Bank Account Opening

100%

Foreign Ownership

Role of Enterslice in Business Setup in Lebanon

 

Are you a global investor planning to register a company in Lebanon? It’s a smart move indeed! Connect with experts at Enterslice, a global service provider which helps simplifying the complex legal and administrative procedure for smooth, compliant, and timely company incorporation in Lebanon. Strategically located close to Europe, Asia, and Africa, Lebanon offers attractive investment opportunities to entrepreneurs looking for business setup in Lebanon.

Lebanon, known for its open economy, strong service sector, and investor-friendly regulation allows access to multilingual workforce, low minimum capital requirement, foreign ownership, and multiple other benefits. However, business setup in Lebanon which typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks, is considered an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and global businesses.

The foreign investors seeking business setup in Lebanon must comply with the well-established regulatory requirements and legal regulations as specified by the Ministry of Finance. With Enterslice by your side, gain through expertise and end-to-end business assistance, ensuring smooth and compliant services for Lebanon company registration.

Key Features of Company Incorporation in Lebanon

Given below are the features of company incorporation in Lebanon-

  • Limited liability protection for entrepreneurs
  • 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors
  • Benefit of double tax avoidance agreements (DTAAs)
  • Access to offshore and holding company regimes
  • Business-friendly and transparent legal framework
  • Efficient transportation and logistics across the region
  • Access to investment incentives (IDAL)
  • Flexible governance for SARL and SAL
  • Repatriation of capital and profits
  • Access to Beirut Port Free Zones
  • Customs and trade liberalization policies
  • Residence and work permit for foreign entrepreneurs

Legal Requirements for Company Formation in Lebanon

 

Company formation in Lebanon requires the entrepreneurs to comply with the following legal requirements, as provided below:

  • Business & Financial Plan

    Company formation in Lebanon requires entrepreneurs to study their business requirements and develop a business and financial plan.

  • Business Name

    The entrepreneurs must choose a unique business name that isn’t already registered under the Lebanese Commercial Registry.

  • Registered Office

    Every entrepreneur seeking a business setup in Lebanon must have a registered office address, used for corporate communication, tax, accounting, and legal issues.

  • Capital Requirements

    The entities seeking business setup in Lebanon must hold a minimum of LBP 30,000,000 ($20,000), and 25% of the capital must be deposited while incorporating a company.

  • Directors and Secretary

    Every entrepreneur seeking a business setup in Lebanon must appoint a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12 directors and secretaries locally residing within the nation.

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Benefits of Business Registration in Lebanon

The benefits of business registration in Lebanon, established as the regional and international centre for trade and finance in the Middle Eastern and African markets, are as discussed below:

 
  • 100% Foreign Ownership

    Lebanon offers 100% foreign ownership and full control to all international entrepreneurs and investors seeking business setup in Lebanon.

  • Tax Benefits

    Lebanon, with one of the lowest corporate taxes, offers tax incentives and exemptions that vary based on the specific type and structure of the business.

  • Well-Developed Banking Sector

    Lebanon has a well-developed banking sector, offering no restrictions on the movement of capital, including capital gains, remittances, dividends, or the flow of funds in and out of the country.

  • Strategic Location

    The strategically located Lebanon is a gateway connecting the Middle East with Europe, offering various opportunities to entrepreneurs looking to expand their business activity into larger regional markets.

  • Strong Legal Framework

    Business registration in Lebanon provides access to a well-established legal framework, which ensures investor protection, contract enforcement, and transparent regulatory processes.

  • Skilled Workforce

    Business setup in Lebanon offers access to a large, educated, and highly-skilled workforce, making it affordable to hire employees for their business.

  • Confidentiality for Businesses

    The legal system of Lebanon ensures a high level of confidentiality for registered businesses, safeguarding sensitive corporate and financial information. It is one of the key benefits of business setup in Lebanon.

  • Access to Funding

    Company registration in Lebanon opens the door to multiple funding options, including support from government-backed programs and financing from local and international banks.


Documents Needed to Register a Company in Lebanon

 

The list of legal business documents needed to register a company in Lebanon is as follows:

  • Copies of the ID and passport of the shareholders
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&AOA)
  • Copy of subscription deed
  • Detailed business plan
  • Residency permit (for non-Lebanese)
  • Copy of commercial circular
  • Percentage of each shareholder holds
  • Details of the chairperson or general manager
  • Proof of registered office address (deed, real estate certificate, or rental agreement)
  • Minutes of the constitutive general assembly
  • Minutes of the first board of directors meeting
  • Details concerning beneficiaries and top management
  • Other relevant documents (if any)

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Company Registration in Lebanon

 

Successfully complied with all the mandatory requirements needed for online company registration in Lebanon? Partner with us to get an idea of the entire process needed to kick-start your business in Lebanon:

  • Choose a Business Structure

    Initially, the applicants must choose an appropriate legal business structure based on the type of business activity and the entrepreneurs' goals.

  • Reserve a Company Name

    Next, a name reservation request must be submitted via the Commercial Register (Registre du Commerce) under the Ministry of Justice portal, if available online.

  • Gather Company Documents

    The entrepreneurs must prepare and notarize the necessary company documents and Articles of Association (AoA) outlining the name, objective, capital structure, and profit-sharing mechanism of the enterprise.

  • Open a Corporate Bank Account

    The further step requires the applicant to open a temporary corporate bank account with a local Lebanese bank, confirming the deposit to submit during registration.

  • Register with the Commercial Register

    Next, the applicants must file an application to the Commercial Register (Registre du Commerce) either online or through a legal representative appointed for the purpose.

  • Obtain Certificate of Incorporation

    After review of the application, the entrepreneurs must obtain a certificate of business incorporation, officially confirming the legal status and registration of the company.

  • Notification in the Ministry of Finance

    Upon successful online company registration in Lebanon, the entrepreneurs are advised to publish and notify the Ministry of Finance about the commencement of business operations in Lebanon.

  • Obtain TIN & VAT Registration

    The registered entity must apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) through the Ministry of Finance e-portal and Value Added Tax (VAT) in case the annual turnover exceeds the legal threshold value.

  • Apply for Employee Registration

    The entities hiring employees post-registration of their company in Lebanon must register for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

  • Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

    Lastly, the entity must obtain necessary industry-specific business licenses and permits from sectoral regulators such as the Central Bank, the Ministry of Health, etc. (if applicable).


Types of Structures for Lebanon Business Setup UAE

 

The most common types of structures available for Lebanon business setup UAE are as follows:

  • Lebanese Limited Liability Company (SARL)

    A Lebanese limited liability company, commonly known as SARL, is a legal entity set up by 3 or more people, eligible to bear losses up to the amount of their contribution.

  • Lebanese Joint Stock Company (SAL)

    A Lebanese joint stock company, popularly known as SAL, is a legal entity constituted by at least 3 shareholders, liable up to the extent of their contribution held within the company.

  • Lebanese Offshore Company (Enterprise Offshore)

    A Lebanese offshore company, commonly known as Enterprise Offshore, is a form of business entity allowed to carry out business operations and sign contracts with entities based abroad or in Lebanese Free Trade Zones.

  • Lebanese Holding Company (Holding SAL)

    A Lebanese holding company, commonly known as Holding SAL, is a special type of entity allowed to hold and transfer shares of other Lebanese and foreign companies.

  • Offshore Company

    An offshore company is also a special type of joint stock company, established by a single partner, who is the sole shareholder, operating only in the Lebanese Free Zone or outside the Lebanese territory.

  • Joint Venture

    A joint venture is a type of separate corporate entity established through a contract between 2 or more local or foreign parties, engaged in projects of construction and other sectors.

  • General Partnership

    A general partnership is a form of business structure formed by 2 or more persons personally and jointly liable for all the debts and obligations of the partnership. It is best suited for carrying out international transactions and signing agreements abroad.

  • Limited Partnership

    A limited partnership is a form of business structure formed by at least 2 or more partners, jointly and severally liable only up to the amount of capital contribution, with no right to interfere in the management of the partnership.

  • Branch Office (Succursale)

    A branch office, commonly known as Succursale, is an extension of a foreign company, with the object of being engaged in regular trade and commercial activities similar to the parent office.

  • Representative Office (Bureau de Liaison)

    A representative office, popularly known as Bureau de Liaison, is a 100% foreign-owned entity that is only engaged in market research, business promotion, and other non-commercial activities.


Timeline for Online Company Registration in Lebanon

 

The estimated timeline for business setup in Lebanon takes around 2 to 3 weeks, varying based on the complexity of the business, legal structure, sector licenses, and efficiency in document submission. Have a look at the step-by-step breakdown of the timeline, assuming no delays while online company registration in Lebanon:

  • Company Name Reservation (1-3 Working Days)

    Reserve a unique company name with the Lebanese Commercial Registry at the Ministry of Justice.

  • Drafting Incorporation Documents (3-5 Working Days)

    Prepare all the necessary paperwork, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA).

  • Document Submission and Review (5-6 Working Days)

    The documents are submitted for review by the Commercial Registry.

  • Company Registration Certificate (5-7 Working Days)

    The certificate for company formation in Lebanon is granted after the review is complete.


Partner with Enterslice for Business Registration in Lebanon

 

Are you planning to set up your business in Lebanon? Make your journey interactive with Enterslice, a global advisory firm providing compliant, efficient, and end-to-end solutions for Online Company Registration in Lebanon. Partner with seasoned experts at Enterslice for business registration in Lebanon.

  • Registered 500+ Companies in Lebanon
  • Expertise in corporate structuring, licensing, and regulatory compliance
  • End-to-end documentation support services in Lebanon
  • 24/7 customer support and ongoing regulatory compliance management
  • 99% success rate, best in the industry
  • Virtual office and co-working space options across Lebanon
  • Real-time coordination for business setup in Lebanon
  • Prompt company registration and bank account opening services
  • Customized financial solutions to meet your business’s specific needs
  • Comprehensive due diligence for business setup in Lebanon
  • Expert M&A support throughout every phase of your merger and acquisition
  • Deeper understanding of immigration, tax, and employment practice laws

FAQs on Business Setup in Lebanon

Frequently Asked Questions about business setup in Lebanon are as follows:

The promising business ideas best suited to start in Lebanon are focused on technology, tourism, and service sectors, such as IT business, e-commerce, digital marketing, travel agency, and hospitality management.

Lebanon’s economy is primarily known for the service-oriented sector, known for banking, tourism, food processing, textile, and construction business forms.

The different types of business structures for company formation in Lebanon are as follows:
  • Lebanese Limited Liability Company (SARL)
  • Lebanese Joint Stock Company (SAL)
  • Lebanese Offshore Company (Enterprise Offshore)
  • Lebanese Holding Company (Holding SAL)
  • Offshore Company
  • Joint Venture
  • General Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • Branch Office (Succursale)
  • Representative Office (Bureau de Liaison)

An LLC, which stands for SARL, is one of the most popular forms of business structure governed by Decree-Law No. 35 of August 5, 1967 and is commonly referred to in Lebanon as S.A.R.L. (This is the French equivalent of L.L.C.) Moreover, it is setup by 3 or more people, eligible to bear losses up to the amount of their contribution.

The highest value export category in Lebanon is pearls, precious stones, metals, coins, and their related articles. Moreover, this category further includes imitation jewellery, coins, vehicles, electrical equipment, and mineral fuels.

A SARL, which stands for Société à Responsabilité Limitée, is a limited liability company formed by at least 3 or more shareholder, jointly and severally liable up to the amount of their contribution.

As part of an Arab country, the widely spoken language in Lebanon is Lebanese Arabic, which is also the official language, as determined by law from time to time. However, English and French are equivalent spoken languages, encouraging diversity and confirming Lebanon’s world prominence.

Yes, Lebanon, which offers multiple benefits such as government-supported liberalism, a sophisticated banking sector, a developed legal framework, a skilled workforce, and an exceptional lifestyle to foreign investors seeking Lebanon business setup, is considered a good place to invest.
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