How to Start a Business in Puerto Rico (Step by Step Guide)
Are you thinking about starting your own business in Puerto Rico? If so, then you have come to the right place!
On this page, you can find step by step DIY instructions on how to incorporate your business in Puerto Rico. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.
Let’s get Started
The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.
Broadly there are 4 types of business entities:
- Limited Liability Company (Most Popular)
- Corporation
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.
Below we have given a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in Puerto Rico.
Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.
| Agency Name | Puerto Rico Department of State |
| Form(s) to be filled | Certificate de Organization |
| Mode | |
| Name Reservation | N/A |
| Filing Fee | $250 |
| Time | 2 weeks |
| Law | 14 L.P.R.A. § 3501 |
Summary:
- Search for business name availability
- File for Business name reservation
- Select Registered Agent
- Fill Certificate de Organization form
- Create limited liability company agreement (LLCA)
- Get Federal EIN Number
- Obtain relevant licenses and permits
| Agency Name | Puerto Rico Department of State |
| Form(s) to be filled | Certificate Of Incorporation |
| Mode | Online |
| Name Reservation | Not Available |
| Filing Fee | $250 |
| Time | Instant |
| Law | Act No. 164-2009 |
Summary:
- Search for a Business Name
- File for Business Name Reservation
- Select Registered Agent
- Fill Certificate Of Incorporation form
- Draft Bylaws for your corporation
- Get Federal EIN Number
- Obtain relevant license and permits
References:
http://www.oslpr.org/download/en/2015/A-233-2015.pdf
Fact-checked on 18/07/2018