For professionals evaluating options for establishing a business in Luxembourg, understanding the standard costs of company creation and ongoing maintenance is essential. This article presents current data for 2025 on the financial requirements of forming and operating a limited liability company (Société à responsabilité limitée, SARL) in Luxembourg, using official and governmental sources.
Average Company Formation Costs in Luxembourg
Luxembourg, long-recognized for its business-friendly regulatory environment and competitive corporate offerings, remains an attractive location for company formation in Europe. Below is a detailed summary of the typical costs encountered in establishing a SARL company in 2025.
| Item | Cost (EUR) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | €12,000 | $13,100 |
| Notary fees (incl. drafting/articles & registration) | €1,200 | $1,310 |
| Trade & Companies Register (RCS) fee | €75 | $82 |
| Publication in Electronic Official Gazette (RESA) | €24 | $26 |
| Average lawyer fees (legal advice, documents) | €800 | $872 |
| Average direct creation costs (Excl. capital) | €4,100 | $4,463 |
*Converted at 1 EUR = 1.09 USD for 2025 for easy reference. Actual rates may vary.
The mandatory capital (€12,000) is not an administrative fee; it remains the company’s asset and may be used in operations after creation. Direct out-of-pocket formation costs, excluding capital, average €4,100 ($4,463).
Annual Maintenance Costs for a Luxembourg Company
Annual expenses for a typical SARL in Luxembourg depend on operational scale and optional services, such as registered office provision and advanced legal support. The table below summarizes the typical annual maintenance cost ranges for 2025.
| Expense/Service | Annual Cost (EUR) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual accounting & bookkeeping services | €1,200 | $1,308 |
| Annual RCS filing fee | €85 | $93 |
| Mandatory auditor (only for larger SARLs) | €0* | $0 |
| Lawyer/accountant: legal compliance | €215 | $234 |
| Business license renewal (commune) | €0* (varies) | $0 |
| Optional: Registered office service | €1,500 | $1,635 |
| Optional: Additional legal/accounting | €1,000 | $1,090 |
*Zero indicates not typically required for smaller SARLs. Larger businesses may see additional costs depending on turnover and regulatory obligations.
Annual all-in maintenance costs generally range from €1,500 to €4,000 ($1,635 – $4,360), depending on the selected services and compliance requirements. Most small SARLs will operate near the lower end of this scale unless opting for premium registered office solutions or frequent external legal advice.
Official Sources for Luxembourg Company Cost Data
Pro Tips for Optimizing Costs When Starting a Company in Luxembourg
- Compare several notaries and legal advisors before proceeding, as their fees may vary by several hundred euros for standard formation packages.
- If your business qualifies as a small SARL, check thresholds for auditor requirements and commune license fees; unnecessary expenditures can be avoided with careful planning.
- For companies with modest operations, consider handling the registered office address internally to avoid up to €1,500 ($1,635) in annual service fees.
- Bundle accounting and annual compliance services, as many local firms offer packages that reduce overall administrative costs compared to paying ad hoc.
Establishing and maintaining a SARL in Luxembourg in 2025 remains a straightforward, transparent process, with direct administrative costs that are clear and predictable. The capital requirement, while higher than in some European neighbors, is offset by Luxembourg’s solid global reputation and robust financial infrastructure. By understanding these core expenses ahead of time, international founders can plan their budgets efficiently and leverage Luxembourg’s strategic business advantages.