Establishing a Uždaroji Akcinė Bendrovė (UAB), or Private Limited Liability Company, in Lithuania involves a series of detailed steps to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the process:
1. Understanding UAB
Description:
- UAB is a popular business structure in Lithuania, suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises.
- Share Capital Requirement: A minimum share capital of €2,500 is required.
- Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to their contribution to the share capital.
2. Pre-Registration Requirements
Business Name:
- Choose a Name: The name must be unique and comply with Lithuanian naming regulations. You can check availability and reserve the name through the State Enterprise Centre of Registers.
Legal Address:
- Address Requirement: The UAB must have a registered legal address in Lithuania. This can be a physical office or a virtual office service.
3. Drafting and Notarizing Documents
Company Statutes:
- Prepare Statutes: Draft the company’s statutes (articles of association), which outline the company’s governance, shareholder rights, and operational rules.
- Notarization: Although not always mandatory, notarizing the statutes can facilitate the registration process and ensure legal validity.
Shareholders and Directors:
- Appoint Shareholders and Directors: The UAB requires at least one shareholder and one director. Shareholders can be individuals or legal entities.
4. Company Registration
State Enterprise Centre of Registers:
- Submit Documents: Register the UAB 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 (minimum €2,500)
Registration Process:
- Application Submission: Submit the application either online via the Centre’s portal or in person. Online registration is generally faster.
5. Tax Registration
State Tax Inspectorate:
- Register for Taxes: After registration, the UAB must register with the State Tax Inspectorate. This includes:
- VAT Registration: Required if the company’s taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold or if the company wishes to reclaim VAT.
- Corporate Income Tax: Register for corporate income tax purposes.
6. Opening a Bank Account
Business Bank Account:
- Open an Account: Set up a business bank account in Lithuania. This account will be used for financial transactions and for depositing the minimum share capital of €2,500.
7. Compliance and Reporting
Accounting:
- Set Up Accounting: Implement an accounting system that complies with Lithuanian accounting standards. Consider hiring a local accountant or accounting firm.
Annual Reports:
- Prepare and File: The UAB must prepare and file annual financial reports with the State Enterprise Centre of Registers and submit tax returns to the State Tax Inspectorate.
Employment Regulations:
- Adhere to Labor Laws: Follow Lithuanian labor laws, including employee contracts, working conditions, and health and safety regulations.
8. Licenses and Permits
Industry-Specific Licenses:
- Obtain Necessary Licenses: Depending on your business activities, you may need specific licenses or permits. Check with local authorities or industry regulations.
9. Legal and Advisory Services
Consult Professionals:
- Legal and Financial Advisors: Engage with local legal and financial advisors to ensure compliance with all regulations and to assist with the establishment process.
10. Post-Establishment
Operational Setup:
- Begin Operations: Once registration and compliance requirements are complete, you can start business operations.
Ongoing Compliance:
- Monitor Regulations: Regularly review and adhere to legal, accounting, and tax regulations to ensure smooth business operations.
Establishing a UAB in Lithuania offers a flexible and efficient structure for business operations, supported by a straightforward registration process and favorable business environment