Characteristics of the various legal forms

A hammer and a scale are placed in front of a pile of law books.

The table below details the characteristics of the five different structures.

See also the "Legal form" section in the ‘setting up a company’ area.

 

Sole proprietorship

General partnership

Limited Liability 
Company (SARL)

Corporation (Société anonyme, SA)

Limited partnership

1. Legal basis

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2. Ideal for/main purpose

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3. Economic importance

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4. Advantages

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5. Disadvantages

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6. Legal nature

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7. Creating the company name

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8. Establishment

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9. Registration on the trade register

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10. Number of owners or partners required

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11. Capital requirement

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12. Contributions in kind to replace cash

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13. Organization and corporate bodies

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14. Powers of the management/corporate bodies

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15. Liability/obligation for additional payments

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16. Use of investors or foreign funds

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17. Allocation of profits/liability for losses

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18. Formation of reserves

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19. Accounting obligations

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20. Taxation

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21. Start-up costs

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22. Management and representation

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23. Termination/transfer

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24. Provisions relating to nationality and domicile

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Information

Last modification 11.01.2023

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