How to Register the Mercantile Registry in Colombia

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The commercial registry is a fundamental tool for merchants who want to set up a company in Colombia, since it allows them to obtain legal personality and access certain rights and obligations.

Aspects to consider when registering in the commercial registry in Colombia

Below are some of the main considerations to consider when registering in the commercial registry in Colombia:

1. Register as a merchant in the Chamber of Commerce: It is important to register in the local Chamber of Commerce, since this will allow you to obtain the certificate of legal status, if necessary, as well as access various services and benefits, such as the use of a commercial email address and the inclusion in the public registry of merchants.
2. Commercial establishment: It is necessary to have a commercial establishment, which can be a store, office or any other place for the sale of products or services. It is important to note that, depending on the type of business you want to develop, additional permits or authorizations may be required.
3. Individual or legal person: When registering in the commercial registry, it is necessary to determine if you want to register as an individual or legal person. The individual person is a figure that is used when you want to carry out a commercial activity alone, while the legal person is the appropriate option for cases in which you want to set up a company or society.
4. Rights and duties of merchants: By registering in the commercial registry, merchants acquire certain rights, such as the right to use the company name and to participate in commercial activities in Colombia. However, they also acquire certain duties, such as the duty to comply with tax obligations and to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Is legal status necessary to register in the Mercantile Registry in Colombia?

It is important to consider that in Colombia it is not necessary to have legal status to register in the Mercantile Registry. And it is that legal status is a legal figure that is granted to companies that have been registered in the Mercantile Registry and that have their own legal existence. This means that companies with legal status can acquire rights and incur obligations independently, without the need for this to affect their partners or shareholders.

However, to register with the Mercantile Registry, it is necessary to meet certain requirements and submit certain documents, such as the company’s bylaws and a certified copy of the Tax Identification Number (NIT). In addition, it is necessary to pay the corresponding registration fees. Once these requirements have been met and the necessary documents have been presented, the company can be registered in the Mercantile Registry and obtain its legal status.

It must be considered that legal status is not mandatory for all companies in Colombia. Some types of companies, such as sole proprietorships and partnerships, do not have legal status and their partners or shareholders are personally responsible for the company’s debts and obligations. However, for many companies it is important to have legal status because it allows them to acquire rights and contract obligations independently and protects them and their partners or shareholders from the debts and obligations of the company.

Conclusion

In short, registering in the commercial registry is an important step for any merchant in Colombia, since it allows them to access a series of rights and duties that will allow them to carry out their activity legally and efficiently, for this you can hire legal advice and accountant in Colombia.

Remember that it is important to consider that, to register, it is necessary to have a business establishment and decide if you want to register as an individual or legal person.