Establishing a MikroĮmonė (MB), or Microenterprise, in Lithuania involves a series of detailed steps designed to ensure compliance with local regulations while benefiting from a simplified administrative process. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Understanding MikroĮmonė (MB)
Description:
- MB is a simplified form of a private limited company, specifically designed for small-scale enterprises.
- Share Capital Requirement: No minimum share capital is required.
- Liability: Shareholders have limited liability, meaning their financial risk is limited to their investment in the company.
2. Pre-Registration Requirements
Business Name:
- Choose a Name: Ensure the business name is unique and not already registered. You can verify name availability through the State Enterprise Centre of Registers.
Legal Address:
- Address Requirement: The MB must have a registered legal address in Lithuania, which can be a physical or virtual office.
3. Drafting and Notarizing Documents
Company Statutes:
- Prepare Statutes: Draft the company’s statutes (articles of association) outlining the operational and structural rules. This document should specify the business’s purpose, shareholder rights, and management structure.
- Notarization: While not always mandatory for MBs, notarizing the statutes is often advisable to ensure legal validity and smooth registration.
4. Company Registration
State Enterprise Centre of Registers:
- Submit Documents: Register the MB with the State Enterprise Centre of Registers. Required documents include:
- Completed registration form
- Statutes of the company
- Proof of address
- Proof of identity of the founders
- Bank confirmation of the deposited share capital (if applicable)
Registration Process:
- Application Submission: Submit the registration application either online through the Centre’s portal or in person. Online registration is often quicker and more efficient.
5. Tax Registration
State Tax Inspectorate:
- Register for Taxes: After registration, the MB must register with the State Tax Inspectorate. This includes:
- VAT Registration: If the MB’s taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold or if the company wishes to reclaim VAT.
- Corporate Income Tax: Register for corporate income tax purposes, although small businesses might benefit from simplified tax regimes.
6. Social Security Registration
State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra):
- Register with Sodra: If the MB has employees, it must register with the State Social Insurance Fund Board for social security contributions, including pensions and health insurance.
7. Opening a Bank Account
Business Bank Account:
- Open an Account: Open a business bank account in Lithuania to handle all financial transactions, including the deposit of any initial capital if required.
8. Compliance and Reporting
Accounting:
- Set Up Accounting: Implement an accounting system in compliance with Lithuanian accounting standards. You can manage this internally or hire an external accountant.
Annual Reports:
- Prepare and File: The MB is required to prepare and file annual financial reports with the State Enterprise Centre of Registers and tax returns with the State Tax Inspectorate.
Employment Regulations:
- Adhere to Labor Laws: Ensure compliance with Lithuanian labor laws, including employee contracts, working conditions, and health and safety regulations.
9. Licenses and Permits
Industry-Specific Licenses:
- Obtain Licenses: Depending on the nature of the business, specific licenses or permits may be required. Check with local authorities or industry-specific regulations.
10. Legal and Advisory Services
Consult Professionals:
- Legal and Financial Advisors: Engage local legal and financial advisors to ensure compliance with all regulations and to assist with the establishment process.
11. Post-Establishment
Operational Setup:
- Start Operations: Once registration and compliance are complete, begin business operations in Lithuania.
Ongoing Compliance:
- Monitor Regulations: Regularly review and adhere to legal, accounting, and tax regulations to ensure smooth business operations.
The MB structure offers a flexible and simplified approach for small enterprises, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Lithuania.