Business Entity Types & Details for Angola

1. Angolan Limited Liability Company (LDA)

• Most commonly used business entity by foreign entrepreneurs.
• Capital is divided into quotas, and shareholders are jointly liable for their investments.
• Requirements:
  • Minimum 1 director and 2 shareholders.
  • No minimum paid-up share capital requirement.
  • Shareholders can defer 50% of the minimum share capital but must pay in full by the incorporation date.

2. Angolan Public Limited Company (SA)

• Suitable for large businesses seeking external investment.
• Requirements:
  • Minimum 5 shareholders and 3 directors.
  • Minimum paid-up share capital of US$20,000, with 30% required to be fully paid before incorporation.
  • Mandatory annual audit.
  • Must appoint a board of auditors with at least 3 members.

3. Angola Branch Office (Sucursal)

• A legally dependent extension of a foreign parent company.
• Requirements:
  • Must appoint a local resident as the entity’s registered representative.
  • The scope of operations is defined by the parent company.
  • Has an independent management team and a corporate bank account in Angola.

4. Angola Representative Office (Escritório de Representação)

• Used for market research and promotion but cannot conduct commercial or production-related activities.
• Requirements:
  • Limited to a maximum of 6 employees, with a 50% cap on foreign employees.
  • Must deposit a performance bond guarantee of US$60,000 in an Angola corporate bank account.

These are the primary entity types available for business incorporation in Angola, each with distinct requirements and limitations.

Requirements

1. Personal details of shareholder(s)
2. Work permits and passports (for foreigners)
3. Business name registration certificate
4. Business address
5. Structural documents such as partnership agreements, articles of association
6. Minimum capital requirements
   Public limited liability company- USD 20,000
   Private limited liability company- USD 100

Steps of Registering a Business in Angola

Step 1: Choosing a business format 

You can register various businesses in Angola, including partnerships, branch offices, and public and private limited liability companies. Choose a business form that fulfills its minimum capital and legal requirements. Submit your proposal to the Private Investment and Export Promotion Agency (AIPEX) to receive tax incentives and the ability to repatriate income.

Step 2: reserving your business name

Your business needs a name that can be used. You should come up with at least three names, submit them to the registry, and await approval. Reserve the name that the registry department renders feasible. 

Step 3: Submitting paperwork

The Angolan Private Investment Agency (ANIP) should receive and approve all your business’s registration documents. Ensure the data on your documents is accurate to avoid any delays in approval. Moreover, pay the registration and other costs. If your registration documents and application have no issues, the Ministry of Commerce will issue you a certificate of incorporation.

Step 4: obtaining Tax Identification Number

Using your certificate of incorporation, apply for a Tax Identification Number from the Angolan Tax Authority. 

Step 5: Opening a bank account

Now that the registration process is complete, open a business bank account with your company details. Visit all the regulators in your industry, apply for licenses, and start your operations.

Step 1: Give your business a brand name, then conduct an internet search and confirm its uniqueness with the registry department.

Step 2: Submit the business proposal to the Private Investment and Export Promotion Agency (AIPEX) to receive tax incentives and the ability to repatriate income.

Step 3: Submit your valid work permit and visa to the Social Security Services and Ministry of Public Administration. 

• You must obtain a category D visa to work in the commercial, industrial, or fishing industries.
• If you plan to work in the petroleum or construction industries, you must obtain a Type C visa. 

Step 4: Pay the registration fees.

Step 5: Write an association article outlining the company's goals and objectives.

Step 6: Obtain a tax identification number for your company.

Step 7: Apply for every document required to run your business structure.

Step 8: Every worker's social security number should be registered.

Step 9: Get every operating permit from the commerce ministry.

Step 10: Open a bank account in the business's name and fund it with shares.

Step 11: After receiving clearance from the tax authorities, launch functioning.

By following these steps, you'll be all set to register and run your business in Angola with ease. If you need more information, feel free to chat with a legal advisor who's well-versed in Angolan business law to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Annual filing documents & requirements

Annual General Meetings

Every company in Angola is mandated to hold at least two general meetings every year. During AGM meetings, shareholders and directors should discuss important issues such as significant internal changes or changes in share equity. 

Financial statements returns

Moreover, companies should prepare and present annual financial statements such as balance sheets. The financial statements should satisfy Angolan accounting standards and accurately represent the company's financial position, performance, and cash flows.

Tax returns

Your business must file annual tax returns depending on your business type, revenue levels, and industry. The tax authorities in Angola will verify the accuracy of financial reports before approving the tax returns. 

Financial audits

The government in Angola is keen to root out money laundering schemes. Therefore, every business must allow government audits to verify the credibility of all financial transactions and records. 

Labor and Social Security 

Labor and social security obligations are created to increase the welfare of all employees in Angola. All businesses in Angola (especially if they hire workers) should make regular contributions and present accurate labor welfare reports to the Social Security Services and Ministry of Public Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Registering a Company in Angola

1. What are the main types of business entities in Angola?

Angola offers four main types of business entities:

• Limited Liability Company (LDA) – The most common choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
• Public Limited Company (SA) – Best for larger businesses requiring multiple shareholders.
• Branch Office (Sucursal) – A foreign company extension with operations defined by the parent company.
• Representative Office (Escritório de Representação) – For market research and business promotion without commercial activities.

2. How long does it take to register a company in Angola?

The company registration process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the entity type and whether all documents are in order.

3. What is the minimum share capital requirement for a company in Angola?

• LDA (Limited Liability Company) – No minimum paid-up capital requirement.
• SA (Public Limited Company) – US$20,000, with 30% paid before incorporation.
• Representative Office – Requires a US$60,000 performance bond guarantee.

4. Do I need a local partner or shareholder?

• LDA and SA – No local partner is required; 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
• Branch Office – Must appoint a local registered representative.
• Representative Office – No local partner needed, but subject to local employee quotas.

5. What are the director and shareholder requirements?

• LDA – Minimum 1 director and 2 shareholders.
• SA – Minimum 3 directors and 5 shareholders.
• Branch Office – Managed by the foreign parent company.
• Representative Office – Managed by a local team with a 6-employee limit.

6. Is an office address required for company registration?

Yes, all business entities must have a registered office address in Angola.

7. What documents are required for company registration?

• Proposed company name and business activity details.
• Articles of Association (Statutes).
• Identification documents (passports, business licenses, or national IDs) of shareholders and directors.
• Proof of registered office in Angola.
• Bank deposit certificate (for applicable share capital requirements).

8. What are the corporate tax rates in Angola?

• Corporate Income Tax (Imposto Industrial) – 25%.
• Capital Gains Tax – 10%.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT) – 14%.

9. Are audits required for all companies?

• SA (Public Limited Companies) must undergo an annual audit.
• LDA (Limited Liability Companies) do not require audits unless they meet specific revenue thresholds.

10. Can I open a corporate bank account in Angola?

Yes, all companies must open a corporate bank account with an Angolan bank to complete registration and deposit share capital (if required).

11. Are foreign employees allowed?

• LDA and SA – Can hire foreign employees, but must comply with local labor laws.
• Representative Office – Maximum 6 employees, with a 50% quota on foreign employees.

12. Can I register my company remotely?

Yes, but you must appoint a local legal representative to handle filings, documents, and administrative procedures on your behalf.

13. What is the role of the National Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM)?

INAPEM provides support, incentives, and guidance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Angola, including tax benefits and funding opportunities.

14. Are there any industry-specific licenses required?

Yes, certain industries like oil & gas, mining, banking, and telecommunications require additional government approvals and licensing.

15. What happens if my company is inactive?

Inactive companies may be subject to dissolution or penalties if they fail to meet annual reporting and tax obligations.