How to Incorporate a SAS in Colombia: Complete Guide 2026

What Is a SAS and Why Is It the Best Option in Colombia?

The Simplified Stock Company (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada, or SAS) is the most widely used corporate structure in Colombia since its creation under Law 1258 of 2008. Over 95% of new companies registered in the country choose this model — and for good reason.

Not sure if it's the right time to incorporate? Read our article on the 7 signs that indicate you should formalize.

The SAS offers unique advantages over other corporate types like the Limited Liability Company (Ltda.) or the Corporation (S.A.): it can be incorporated with a single shareholder, does not require a mandatory board of directors, allows freely defining the corporate governance structure, and limits shareholder liability to the amount of their contributions.

For foreign investors and entrepreneurs expanding into Colombia, the SAS is the most efficient structure: it allows a single shareholder, does not require physical presence for most procedures, and offers the most flexible capital structure in the Colombian corporate system.

By the numbers: Over 95% of new companies in Colombia choose the SAS. One shareholder is enough. No minimum capital. No notarized deed. Open to foreigners with a passport.

Requirements to Incorporate a SAS in Colombia

Before starting the process, you need to have these fundamental elements defined:

Company name: Must be unique and available in the Unified Business and Social Registry (RUES). You can verify availability online at www.rues.org.co. The name must end in "S.A.S." or "Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada."

Corporate purpose: In a SAS, this can be indeterminate, meaning the company can engage in any lawful commercial activity. However, we recommend defining a specific corporate purpose for greater clarity with banks and investors.

Capital: Divided into three categories: authorized capital (maximum the company can issue), subscribed capital (what shareholders commit to pay), and paid-in capital (what has actually been contributed). There is no legal minimum capital requirement.

Domicile: A physical address in Colombia where the company will operate. Remote companies can use a registered agent address.

Duration: Can be indefinite, which we recommend to avoid renewal procedures.

Shareholder identification: Colombian ID for nationals, or passport and foreign ID card (cédula de extranjería) for foreigners.

Step by Step: Incorporation Process

The SAS incorporation process in Colombia can be completed in 5 to 15 business days following these steps:

#	Step	Estimated time
1	Name verification in the RUES	1 day
2	Drafting corporate bylaws	1–3 days
3	Signing the incorporation document	—
4	Registration at the Chamber of Commerce + provisional NIT	1–2 days
5	Definitive NIT from DIAN	1–3 days
6	Opening a corporate bank account	3–7 days
7	Registration of corporate books	—

Step 1: Name verification (1 day). Check name availability in the RUES. If available, proceed with drafting bylaws.

Step 2: Drafting corporate bylaws (1-3 days). This is the company's founding document. It must include: name, domicile, corporate purpose, authorized/subscribed/paid-in capital, class and number of shares, management structure, legal representative's name, and duration. A specialized attorney can draft bylaws that protect your interests and facilitate future investment rounds.

Step 3: Signing the incorporation document. Shareholders sign the private incorporation document. No public deed is required (significant savings on notary costs), unless real estate is contributed as capital.

Step 4: Registration at the Chamber of Commerce (1-2 days). The incorporation document is filed along with RUES forms, the Unified Tax Registry (RUT) form, and payment of registration fees. The Chamber of Commerce assigns a provisional Tax ID (NIT).

Step 5: Obtaining the definitive NIT from DIAN (1-3 days). With the certificate of existence and legal representation, the RUT registration is completed and the definitive NIT is obtained.

Step 6: Opening a bank account (3-7 days). With the definitive NIT and certificate of existence, a corporate bank account is opened. Most banks also require the shareholder composition signed by the accountant and/or legal representative. Timelines vary by bank.

Step 7: Registration of corporate books. Minutes books, shareholder registry, and accounting books are registered at the Chamber of Commerce.

Costs of Incorporating a SAS in Colombia in 2026

Costs vary depending on authorized capital and city. These are approximate ranges for 2026:

#	Item	Approximate cost
1	Registration tax	0.7% of subscribed capital (Bogotá) / 0.6% (Cundinamarca)
2	Chamber of Commerce fees	$50,000 – $150,000 COP (~$12–$35 USD)
3	RUES forms	~$8,300 COP (~$2 USD) per form
4	Business registration (matrícula)	from ~$73,000 COP (~$17 USD)
5	Legal fees	Variable — personalized quote within 24h

For a personalized estimate based on your specific case, contact us via WhatsApp.

Common Mistakes When Incorporating a SAS

After advising hundreds of entrepreneurs, these are the most frequent mistakes we see — especially from foreign founders:

Not defining a shareholders' agreement. Basic bylaws don't cover situations like a partner's exit, dilution in investment rounds, or vesting clauses. A complementary shareholders' agreement is essential when there are multiple co-founders.

Authorized capital set too low. If you plan to raise investment, low authorized capital will force you to amend bylaws (additional cost) before issuing new shares.

Corporate purpose too restrictive. A very specific corporate purpose can limit the company's activities and create problems with banks or corporate clients.

Not registering the trademark. Incorporating the company does not protect the name as a trademark. Trademark registration with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) is a separate and highly recommended process.

Ignoring tax obligations. Once incorporated, the SAS has obligations for income tax, VAT (if applicable), withholding tax, and exogenous information reporting. Non-compliance can generate penalties from the first year.

If You're a Foreign Investor: What You Need to Know

Incorporating a SAS in Colombia as a foreigner is completely viable — and more straightforward than it seems. These are the four points that matter most in your case:

No nationality restrictions. Foreigners can be shareholders and legal representatives of a SAS. A passport and foreign ID card (cédula de extranjería) are the key documents; in some cases you'll need a local attorney for in-person procedures.

No minimum capital. There is no legal minimum investment to incorporate. You define the capital based on your business plan and operational needs.

Remote operation is possible. Most procedures can be managed remotely with the right documents and local legal support. You don't need to be in Colombia for your company to be incorporated.

The bank account takes longer. Step 6 is usually the slowest for foreigners. Colombian banks have additional requirements for non-residents — getting the documentation right from the start makes a significant difference.

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