Business Setup

1. Choosing the right business structure

• Options: Proprietorship, partnership, private limited, public limited, NGO/INGO, cooperative.
• Guidance: Advising on tax efficiency, liability protection and compliance needs.

2. Company registration (OCR)

• Process: Name approval, drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association, submission to the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).
• Documents needed: Citizenship copies, proposed MOA/AOA, address proof, capital details.
• Timeline: Usually 5–7 working days if documents are complete.

3. PAN and VAT registration

• PAN (Permanent Account Number): Mandatory for all businesses to transact legally.
• VAT registration: Required if annual turnover exceeds the threshold or if the business deals in VAT-liable goods or services.
• Timeline: 2–3 working days after company registration.

4. Annual compliance and filings

• Annual returns: Filing with OCR and IRD.
• Board resolutions and minutes: Maintaining governance records.
• Renewals: Updating licenses, permits and registrations.

5. Legal and advisory support

• Drafting agreements: Shareholder agreements, partnership deeds, employment contracts.
• Regulatory guidance: Industry-specific compliance (banks, NGOs, manufacturing, etc.).
• Dispute resolution: Handling legal notices or compliance disputes.