A picture of a Cathedral in Ecuador

Simplified Shares Company (SAS) in Ecuador: A New Opportunity

Ecuador has shown the world that it is open for investment by introducing a new legal entity, the Simplified Shares Company, or SAS (Sociedad de Acciones Simplificadas). Before diving into the details, let’s take a deeper look at Ecuardor’s economy.

The creation of SAS in Ecuador has important advantages infographic by Biz latin hub.
The creation of SAS in Ecuador has important advantages

Ecuador is the eighth-largest economy in Latin America, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $106 million in 2021 (all figures in USD). It’s also one of the main recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region, with inflows of over $630 million that same year, a sharp decrease in 2020 which saw FDI numbers reach $1 billion!

Ecuador’s capital Quito is seen as a startup hub in the region and offers skilled labor at competitive rates. Additionally, Ecuador is rich in hydrocarbon reserves, with oil drilling responsible for 40% of the nation’s export income. The services sector has become a key source of employment for the economy.

On February 28, 2020, the new Law of Entrepreneurship and Innovation came into force in Ecuador. This law introduced new regulations in the field of business promotion in this country.

The law also launched the National Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to support Ecuadorian commercial development, education, and culture.

However, the most striking point of this new law is that it establishes the opportunity to form a new legal entity, the SAS in Ecuador. This follows in the footsteps of countries such as Uruguay and Colombia, which have established the same entity in the name of business growth.

What are Simplified Stock Companies and how do you form a SAS in Ecuador?

A Simplified Stock Company (SAS) is a company where shareholders are only liable for the amount of money they invested in the company. Shareholders can choose to waive this limitation to insure with their own assets any operation of this type of entity.

It’s important to mention that the SAS in Ecuador cannot be listed on the stock exchange. To form a SAS in Ecuador, you’ll need to register private documents in a new Registry of Companies by the Superintendence of Companies. Additionally, SAS corporations in Ecuador don’t have a minimum capital requirement.

This type of legal entity in Ecuador cannot carry out activities relating to the financial, stock market, insurance or any of the other industries that have special treatment under Ecuadorian law.

Market overview in Ecuador. SAS Ecuador.
Market overview in Ecuador. SAS Ecuador.

What are the benefits of a SAS Simplified Stock Companies?

The fist advantage of the SAS Simplified Stock Company is lower administrative costs. The SAS in Ecuador can be executed and implemented by means of private acts and documents. You don’t need any public deeds and so, notarial costs are cut.

The second benefit is that the incorporation process and subsequent activities are much faster. You don’t need to register this type of corporate act in the Commercial Registries and it is only executed with the Superintendency of Companies. This means business owners can form a SAS in Ecuador with reduced bureaucratic requirements and wait time.

dollarized countries in latin america an infographic by biz latin hub.
Dollarized countries in Latin America. SAS in Ecuador

Furthermore, unlike other corporate structures, when you incorporate a SAS in Ecuador, you only require a single shareholder. This adds simplicity and flexibility to management processes.

A fourth benefit of the SAS in Ecuador is that restrictions on the transfer of shares can be established in the incorporation statutes. Additionally, it can be established that the shares can give multiple votes. This helps to streamline the management of corporate governance for this type of entity.

Finally, this new structure allows other types of companies to turn into a SAS structure, unless they have a particular or special legal treatment. Consulting a local legal expert can help you understand how to make this transition for your company.

Biz Latin Hub can be your single point of entry to Ecuador

In general terms, a Simplified Shares Company (SAS) in Ecuador offers an interesting and flexible alternative for your business in this country. If you’re thinking about expanding into Ecuador or changing your company’s structure, you’ll need local legal support.

At Biz Latin Hub, with extensive knowledge of company law at the regional level, our team of bilingual legal professionals will support you in all your needs and the necessary procedures to carry out your business in Ecuador.

For advice on opening or incorporating a SAS in Ecuador, and to get assistance to comply with the processes derived from this legal process, get in touch with us.

Contact our friendly team here at Biz Latin Hub for support to do business in Ecuador and throughout Latin America.

Los principales servicios ofrecidos por BLH incluyen servicios jurídicos, contabilidad e impuestos, contratación y PEO, diligencia debida, asesoramiento fiscal y tramitación de visados.
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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Legal Team Ecuador

Legal Team Ecuador

Legal Team Ecuador is the Biz Latin Hub leading experts on doing business in Ecuador The Team writes on the news, doing business, law, and changing regulations. The team are experts in corporate law, Administrative law, Employment law, Immigration law and legal advisory services. Read more about them here. You can contact Legal Team Ecuador via our "contact us page".

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