Start your company

How to set up a company in Venezuela: which legal structure to choose, what the Registro Mercantil (Commercial Registry) asks for, how long it takes and what you need to start invoicing compliantly.

41 questions answered by licensed lawyers and accountants.

Is my information, my cédula, safe with you?

It's protected, and we take this very seriously. We use your cédula (Venezuelan national ID card) and your data solely to resolve your procedure, nothing else. We don't pass them on to anyone, we don't sell them, and we don't share them. That protection isn't just a verbal promise: Article 28 of Venezuela's Constitution gives you the right to know what information we hold about you and what we use it for. Real lawyers and accountants work here, bound by professional confidentiality. You can tell us about your case with complete confidence. Message us on WhatsApp and let's talk.

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I want to start my business, but I don't know what type of company to set up (firma personal, company, C.A.). Can you advise me on which one suits me, or do I have to come in already knowing?

You don't have to come in knowing; that's what we're here for. Choosing between a firma personal (registered sole proprietorship), a compañía anónima, C.A. (Venezuelan corporation), or an S.R.L. (Venezuelan limited liability company) is no small detail. It changes how much you pay in taxes and how far your personal assets are exposed if something goes wrong. It also opens or closes doors later, with banks and large clients. Tell us what you'll sell, to whom, and how much you plan to move. A real lawyer and accountant analyze your case and recommend the structure that suits you best, explaining why in plain words. Tell us about your case and we'll get it settled today.

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I have a tiny, informal little business, run from home or on the street. Is it worth it for me to formalize, or is that only for big businesses?

It's worth it, and much more than you think. Formality isn't a luxury for big companies: it's what lets you invoice, sell to serious clients, work with a bank, and above all sleep easy without fear of being shut down or fined. We handle everything from the smallest procedure to the largest group, and to us every client counts the same. We start with the essentials, step by step, at your pace and within your budget. Request your free consultation and we'll see how we can help.

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I'm wary of giving out my information, like my cédula (Venezuelan national ID card), my name, or where I live. What if you flood me with calls and ads, or sell it? Why do you want so much of my data?

Your distrust is healthy, and we respect it. I'll be clear with you: here, nobody chases or calls anyone who hasn't asked for anything. If you write to us, it's because you have something to sort out, and your data is used only for that. We don't advertise with your information, we don't sell it, and we don't share it. We ask for exactly what the agency requires for your procedure, not one piece of data more. Venezuela's Constitution, in Article 28, protects your right to always know what we have on you and why. And if you prefer, come to the office and we'll do it in person, face to face. Book an appointment, it costs nothing, and we'll explain your case.

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Will you keep what I tell you secret? Everyone has private stuff, and small towns love to gossip. Does it stay between us, or does it get around?

It stays between us, period. Professional secrecy isn't a favor we do you. It's a legal obligation for every licensed lawyer and accountant, and here it's honored without exception. What you tell us doesn't leave your case file, isn't discussed, and isn't mentioned to anyone. Many of our clients come to us precisely with delicate situations they haven't even talked about at home. You can tell us everything with peace of mind, because the clearer things are between us, the better we can defend you. Ask for your free appointment and we'll tell you the next steps.

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I'm Venezuelan, but I've lived in Spain for years and I'm Spanish now too. I want to set up a company in Venezuela to invest without traveling. Can you set it up for me from there?

It can be done, and you don't need to travel. We set up your company in Venezuela while you go on with your life in Spain. All it takes is a power of attorney signed there and properly apostilled. With that, we act on your behalf: we form the company, register it, get the RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and leave it ready to operate. We keep you posted on every step and send you everything in digital form. We have international payment methods available, so paying from abroad isn't an obstacle either. Tell us about your case and we'll get started.

We handle it with these procedures: Compañía Anónima (C.A.) incorporation Corporate RIF registration

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I sell homemade food to order (cakes, pastries). It's going well, but it's all informal. Can you get me compliant so I can sell on a bigger scale, even to companies or restaurants, without the health inspectors coming down on me?

So why didn't you come to us sooner? This is exactly what we do. We make your business formal, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), handle your health permit, and get you ready to issue invoices. With that, you stop selling only to people you know and can knock on the doors of restaurants, companies, and even big contracts, because now you have something to back you up. The health inspectors stop being a ghost and become just one more piece of paper we take care of for you. You keep cooking; we'll handle the paperwork. Book your advisory session and we'll get going.

We handle it with these procedures: Health permit Personal RIF registration

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I have a church/ministry. We meet in a rented space and people give offerings. Can you make my church legal so it can receive donations without any trouble and get its RIF?

Yes, and it's a procedure we handle often. We set up your church or ministry as a nonprofit religious civil association: we draft the articles of incorporation and the bylaws, register it, and get its own RIF (Venezuelan tax ID). From then on, the congregation exists legally in its own right. It can receive offerings and donations properly, open its own bank account, and rent or buy in its own name, without anything hanging on the pastor's personal name. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll walk you through the whole path.

We handle it with these procedures: Registration of a civil association or foundation Corporate RIF registration

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Do I need a physical location to register my company?

You don't. These days you can register your company with a tax address, even if you work from home or only sell online. Lots of our clients start out that way and do just fine. What matters is declaring that address correctly from the start, because it's where SENIAT (Venezuela's tax and customs authority) and the other agencies will find you. Fixing it later costs more than getting it right the first time. We'll guide you to the right option for the way you plan to work. Book your free consultation and we'll review it together.

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Can you help me get my personal RIF?

Of course, and it's quick. We get your personal RIF (Venezuelan tax ID) without you having to stand in line or wrestle with the online portal. It's the key to almost everything: without a RIF you can't open an account, issue invoices, buy a vehicle in your name, or handle most procedures. We take care of it and hand it to you ready. If you're also thinking about making a business formal, we'll use the same appointment to tell you what else you need. Write to us and we'll start today.

We handle it with these procedures: Personal RIF registration Personal RIF

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I sold my car to someone two years ago. I handed over the car, but we never did the title transfer, and now the tickets come to me, and I was even told he crashed into someone. Can you get me out of this mess? How do I get that car out of my name?

Of course, and you need to move fast. As long as that vehicle is in your name, you're on the hook for everything that happens with it: fines, accidents, and even serious legal trouble. You're not the first this has happened to, so relax, this can be fixed. We check the vehicle's status, track down whatever is needed, and do the title transfer or whatever step applies to get it out of your name and leave you in the clear. A real lawyer is with you through the whole process. Book an appointment, it costs nothing, and we'll walk you through your case.

We handle it with this procedure: Vehicle sale document

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I was sent back from another country and I want to rebuild my life here and start a business, but I came back with nothing, no up-to-date papers, no RIF. Can you help me start from scratch here?

Of course, and welcome back. Here we don't ask where you're coming from or why; we help you get started. We bring your papers up to date, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and set up your business, fully compliant, from scratch, step by step and with no rush. We handle all the legal side and the procedures, so you can put your energy into building your project, which is what matters. There's nothing wrong with starting over. The hard part is starting alone, and you won't be alone. Tell us what you want to set up and we'll get started today.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Personal RIF registration

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I want to change my company's legal name, or change its corporate purpose so I can sell things I didn't sell before. Can you help me change all that at the registry?

Of course, and it's more common than you think: businesses grow, and their paperwork has to grow with them. We go to the Registro Mercantil (Commercial Registry) and change whatever you need. That can be your company's name, the activities it's allowed to carry out so you can sell goods or provide services that weren't permitted before, or both at once. It's important to do it right, because invoicing for something your company isn't authorized to do can bring you a penalty. We prepare the document, record it, and leave everything in order. Request your free consultation and we'll see how we can help.

We handle it with these procedures: Name or razón social (business name) change Change or expansion of corporate purpose

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I want to set up a foundation or a nonprofit civil association, separate from my company. Can you help me make it legal?

We do, and it's a different path from a company, so it's worth setting it up right. We form your foundation or nonprofit civil association: we draft the articles of incorporation and the bylaws around your purpose, register it, and get its RIF (Venezuelan tax ID). It ends up with its own legal personality, ready to receive donations, open an account, sign agreements, and apply for support programs, all separate from your personal assets and your company's. We also explain the obligations that come with it, so it starts out organized. Book your free consultation, no strings attached, and we'll guide you.

We handle it with this procedure: Registration of a civil association or foundation

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I'm thinking about setting up a cooperative instead of a company. Is it right for me, and can you set it up?

It can be done, and we'll advise you so it's the right decision. A cooperative works on a different logic than a company: the members work and decide as equals, surplus is shared out differently, and the tax and registration rules are different too. For some projects it's ideal, and for others a company makes more sense. First we clearly explain the advantages and obligations of each structure. Once you decide, we draft the articles of incorporation and bylaws, handle the registration, and get you the RIF (Venezuelan tax ID). Ask for a free appointment and we'll talk it through.

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I want to start out formal from scratch, with a solid tech setup. Can you put it all together for me (legal + Squuad)?

That's the best way to start, and we love it when someone comes to us that way. We set up both at the same time. On the legal side, we form your company, register it, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the permits your activity requires. And on the operations side, we set you up on Squuad from day one, so you can invoice, track your inventory, and keep your books in order from your phone. That way you don't start out improvising or piling up a mess you'll have to clean up later. You start out formal and you start out organized. Book your free consultation, no strings attached, and we'll point you in the right direction.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I handle large volumes of customer data and I want to operate with serious data protection standards. Can you advise me?

Yes, and you're right to take it seriously, because handling other people's data comes with real responsibilities. We advise you so your operation complies with the constitutional protection framework, which rests on Articles 28, 58, and 61 of Venezuela's Constitution. We review how you collect, store, and use information, and we draft your privacy policies and your confidentiality agreements with employees and vendors. You end up with a setup you can confidently show a corporate client. Start with your free consultation and we'll tell you how to move forward.

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I'm a foreigner and I want to invest and open a company in Venezuela, but I don't know the laws or procedures here. Will you guide me through the whole process?

Of course, and you don't need to understand anything about the Venezuelan system: that's what we're here for. We're with you through the whole process, from the start: we form your company, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the permits your activity requires. We also handle the registration of your foreign investment, a step many people discover too late and that makes their lives harder. At every stage, we explain what's being done and why. We've worked with investors from several countries, and you can handle everything remotely if you're not here yet. Book your advisory session and let's begin.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I have a company abroad and want to open a subsidiary or branch in Venezuela. Can you set it up and register it?

We do the whole thing. We form and register your subsidiary or branch in Venezuela, with the parent company's documents properly legalized or apostilled, get its RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the permits its activity requires. We also guide you on which structure suits you best, because a subsidiary and a branch aren't the same in terms of liability and tax treatment. That decision stays with you for years. It can all be handled remotely with a power of attorney, without you having to travel. Book your free consultation and we'll advise you.

We handle it with this procedure: Foreign company registration in Venezuela (domiciliación)

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I'm an independent realtor and I work under my own name only. How do I go formal so clients trust me more and I can invoice my commissions legally?

Of course, and it's a step that will change your business. Working under just your own name holds you back: some clients and developers won't pay you a commission if you can't invoice it. We set up the structure that works best for you, a firma personal (registered sole proprietorship) or a company depending on your volume. Then we get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID) and have you invoicing your commissions legally. And with Squuad you keep your invoices and collections organized from your phone, without depending on anyone. You gain credibility with clients and stop losing deals because you had nothing to back you up. Reserve your free appointment and we'll take it from there.

We handle it with this procedure: Firma personal (sole proprietorship) registration

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I have a used car lot and want to make it formal. What do I need?

Count on it, and it pays to do it right, because buying and selling vehicles involves a lot of documents and any slip costs you dearly. We form your company with the right corporate purpose, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle your business license (formerly called "patente") at the city hall. With that you operate in good standing, issue invoices, and can answer a customer with the papers in hand. And if you handle a high volume of title transfers, we have special terms for businesses like yours. Book your free consultation, no strings attached, and we'll show you the way.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Business license (patente)

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I have a food truck and I don't know how to make something mobile formal. Can it be done?

Yes, it can, and you're not the only one asking. Being mobile doesn't put your business outside the law: it gets formalized the same way, only the permits are put together differently. We set up the structure that suits you, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the permits that apply to your case. They usually include the health side, because you handle food, and municipal authorization depending on where you set up. We explain clearly what each city hall where you plan to operate requires. Write to us today and we'll have you up and running, fully compliant.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Food handler certificate

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I'm a doctor and I want to open my own practice, fully compliant. What do I need?

Of course, and it pays to set it up right from the start. For your practice you need the right legal structure: a firma personal (registered sole proprietorship) or a company, depending on how you plan to grow. You also need your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), the business license (formerly called "patente") from the city hall, and the corresponding health permit. Each one has its own timing and order, and doing them in the wrong order costs you weeks. We handle the whole thing for you and tell you exactly what's needed at each step. You focus on your patients. Book your free consultation and we'll go over it together.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Health permit

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I handle patient records and data, and I want to protect their confidentiality. Can you advise me?

That's a very sound concern, because a medical record is about as sensitive as it gets. We advise you so the way you handle your patients' information fits the constitutional protection framework, grounded in Articles 28, 58, and 61 of the Constitution. We review how you store and back up the data, and we draft the consent forms and the confidentiality clauses for your staff. You end up with a serious setup that protects both you and your patients. Book your advisory session and we'll get it in order.

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I have an optical shop and sell lenses and frames. How do I go formal and invoice?

In your line of business there are two fronts to cover, and we cover both. On the legal side, we form your company, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the business license (formerly called "patente") and the health permit your activity requires. And on the operations side, which carries a lot of weight in an optical shop, Squuad lets you manage your frame and lens inventory, invoices, and books from one place. No notebooks, and no surprises at the end of the month. We set up both for you. Ask for your free appointment and we'll walk you through what's next.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Health permit

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I have a small corner store and want to get it compliant without overspending. Where do I start?

You start with the essentials, and relax, you don't have to do it all at once. For a corner store or small grocery, we begin with the minimum that makes you compliant. That's your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID) and your business license (formerly called "patente") from the city hall, under the legal structure that suits you. With that, you can already operate with peace of mind. From there we add whatever your business needs over time, at your pace and without overspending. Here, procedures start at $1, and we serve a small business the same as a big one. Tell us about your case and we'll tell you exactly where you should start.

We handle it with this procedure: Business license (patente)

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I want to make my hardware store formal. What do I need?

We'll help you with everything. For a hardware store you need your company formed, your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and your business license (formerly called "patente"). And there's one point many people leave for later, and it costs them dearly: depending on the materials you handle, like solvents, gas, or flammables, you'll need the fire department compliance certificate. That's exactly the permit they check during an inspection, and not having it can mean a closure. We handle all of it for you in the right order. Send us a message and we'll have you operating with peace of mind.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Fire department compliance

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I have a boutique and want to go formal and invoice properly. Can you help me?

Gladly. We set up the structure that works best for you, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle your business license (formerly called "patente"). With that, you're operating in good standing. And for the day-to-day, which is where your time goes, Squuad lets you track inventory by size and style, issue invoices, and see your real sales without guessing. You stop selling blind and start knowing what makes you money and what doesn't. Start with your free consultation and we'll tell you where we go from here.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Business license (patente)

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I have a cell phone store with repair service. How do I go formal?

We'll put the whole thing together for you. We form your company, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle your business license (formerly called "patente"). And in your case there's something key: you run two businesses in one, sales and repairs, and that needs to be organized. With Squuad you track your inventory of devices and parts, invoice your sales, and manage your service orders. You always know which device is in the shop, whose it is, and how it's coming along. No more complaints and no more misplaced devices. Book your advisory session and we'll get started.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Business license (patente)

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I'm an independent accountant/lawyer and want to make my practice formal and invoice my fees. Can you help me?

Of course, and it's a step that gives you more weight with your clients. We set up your firm under the structure that suits your volume, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and have you invoicing your fees properly. That's what lets you work with companies that require an invoice. With Squuad you keep your invoices and collections organized without having to build an administrative structure. You stop being a lone freelancer and become a firm. Start with your free consultation and we'll map out the next steps.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I handle confidential client information. How do I protect it legally?

It's protected in two layers, and you need both. The first is confidentiality agreements with your staff and with every vendor who touches that information: they put in writing what can be used, what can't, and what happens if someone breaches it. The second is your internal data-handling setup, which in Venezuela rests on the protection granted by Articles 28, 58, and 61 of the Constitution. Our lawyer drafts the documents to fit your operation and explains how to apply them. Book your advisory session and we'll put it together for you.

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I have an advertising agency and want to go formal and invoice for my services. Can you help me?

Gladly. We form your company with the right corporate purpose for advertising services, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and have you invoicing properly. That's what will let you land big clients, who don't hire anyone who can't invoice. We also recommend one more thing. In your line of work, well-drafted service contracts are worth their weight in gold: they define scope, deliverables, approvals, and payments, and they spare you endless work that never gets paid. We'll draft those for you too. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll look at the whole picture.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Services agreement

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I have an academy/institute and want to make it formal. Can you help me?

It can be done, and it's worth doing carefully, because the education sector has its own path. We set up the right structure, either a company or a civil association depending on the project, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the business license (formerly called "patente"). And depending on the type of training you'll offer, you may need registration or authorization from the relevant education authority, which is what gives your certificates real backing. We tell you clearly what applies in your specific case. Whenever you're ready, we'll set a time and map out the route for you.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Business license (patente)

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I have a transport line/fleet and want to make it formal. What do I need?

We'll help you with the whole package. You need your company formed with transport as its corporate purpose, your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and the sector permits. Those are processed with the land transport institute and with the city hall where you operate. On top of that, each vehicle's documents and insurance must be current. It's a field where one inspection can ground your fleet, so the best thing is to have everything in order from the start. We handle it for you and keep it current. Write to us, we'll schedule a time, and we'll get going.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I have a courier/delivery company. How do I get it compliant and invoice?

Yes, and we'll cover both sides. On the legal side: forming the company with the right corporate purpose, the RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and the permits your operation needs based on where you work and what you carry. On the operations side, which is everything in courier and delivery, Squuad lets you invoice and track shipments and routes. You know what was delivered, what was collected, and what's pending, without chasing scraps of paper. Book your free consultation, no strings attached, and we'll steer you right.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I have a workshop and want to make it formal. What do I need?

We'll help you, and in your line of work there's an important detail you shouldn't leave for later. The basics are your company formed, your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and your business license (formerly called "patente"). But a workshop usually also needs the fire department compliance certificate and the environmental permit, because you handle oils, waste, and materials the authorities keep an eye on. Those are exactly the two things they check in an inspection, and the ones that can end in a fine or a closure. We handle all of them for you in the right order. Write to us, we'll set a time, and you can rest easy.

We handle it with these procedures: New company setup package Fire department compliance

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I have a farm/agricultural business and want to make it formal. What do I need?

The agricultural sector has its own registries, so it's worth setting it up right. We form your company, get your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), and handle the corresponding license. On top of that come the agricultural sector registrations and, depending on what you produce, the animal or plant health permits that let you market your products and sell to formal buyers. We also check that the legal status of the land is clear, which is where most headaches show up later. Book your free consultation and we'll look it over together.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I sell on Instagram and want to go formal without making it complicated. Where do I start?

We start with the simple stuff, relax. To sell on Instagram and be compliant, you don't need a huge setup: we start with the legal structure that suits you and your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID). We get you able to issue invoices, which is what your customers will ask for and what takes the worry off your mind. And with Squuad you manage your catalog, your orders, and your invoices from your phone, which is where you already work. Keep selling, and we'll get you compliant along the way without slowing you down. Book an appointment, it costs nothing, and we'll explain how it works in your case.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I have the idea and the drive, but I don't even know where to start. Can you help me set up my company?

We set up your company from scratch, step by step. First we talk through your idea to choose the structure that suits you, because a firma personal (registered sole proprietorship) isn't the same as a company with partners. Then we run the name search, draft the document, and register it, and we leave you with your RIF (Venezuelan tax ID) and the basics to operate. You bring the idea and the drive; the paperwork is on us. Reserve your free consultation and we'll start with your idea.

We handle it with this procedure: New company setup package

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I want to grow, but I know I can't the way things are now. What do I need to fix to make the leap?

We put your foundation in order so you can grow without a ceiling. Growing on a messy foundation is like building a second floor without columns. We review where your business stands today, what structure it has, what registrations and permits it's missing, and whether your setup can handle partners, loans, or bigger contracts. Then we propose the steps in order, so each one opens a door for you. Ask for your free appointment and we'll map out that path.

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I want to open the business bank account, but they're asking for things I don't have. What am I missing for the bank to open it?

We get your company ready so the bank says yes. Banks usually ask for the registered articles of incorporation and bylaws (one single document in Venezuela), the company's RIF (Venezuelan tax ID), the partners' information, and some proof of the business activity. We go over the list your bank gave you, see what you have and what's missing, and help you get whatever is needed. That way you show up with a complete file. Book your free consultation and we'll go through that list with you.

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