Business entity types & details

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.

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