For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Colombia as a base for their next venture, the maze of company creation and maintenance costs can feel like yet another state-imposed hurdle. If you’re weary of opaque fees and unpredictable tax regimes, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the real, data-backed costs of starting and maintaining a standard company in Colombia in 2025—so you can plan, optimize, and keep more of your hard-earned capital.
Understanding Company Formation Costs in Colombia (2025)
The most popular legal entity for entrepreneurs in Colombia is the Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS). According to the latest data, the average cost to create an SAS in 2025 is COP 1,800,000 (approx. $450 USD). Here’s how those costs break down:
| Expense Item | Amount (COP) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber of Commerce Registration (including commercial registration and book registration) | 800,000 | $200 |
| Notarial Fees & Document Preparation | 200,000 | $50 |
| Registration Tax | 400,000 | $100 |
| Average Legal Fees for Incorporation | 400,000 | $100 |
| Minimum Required Capital | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 1,800,000 | $450 |
Source: Cámara de Comercio de Medellín, Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Incorporation
- Prepare all required documents in advance to minimize notarial fees.
- Negotiate legal fees—many lawyers offer flat rates for SAS incorporation.
- Register online where possible to avoid unnecessary administrative costs.
Annual Maintenance Costs: What to Expect in 2025
Once your SAS is up and running, annual maintenance costs are the next consideration. In 2025, expect to pay between COP 1,200,000 and COP 3,500,000 (approx. $300–$875 USD) per year, depending on your company’s size and accounting needs.
| Maintenance Item | Amount (COP) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Commercial Registration Renewal | 800,000 | $200 |
| Accounting/Audit Fees (minimum) | 400,000 | $100 |
| Accounting/Audit Fees (maximum recommended) | 2,700,000 | $675 |
| Tax Filing & Administrative Costs (minimum) | 0 | $0 |
Source: Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Costs
- Choose a reputable but efficient accountant—fees vary widely, so shop around.
- Keep your company’s operations simple to minimize audit requirements.
- Renew your commercial registration early to avoid late penalties.
Case Study: A Lean SAS Startup in Colombia
Imagine you’re launching a digital consultancy in Medellín. You handle your own legal paperwork, use a streamlined online registration process, and hire a freelance accountant for basic compliance. Your total first-year outlay could be as low as COP 1,800,000 (approx. $450 USD) for setup and COP 1,200,000 (approx. $300 USD) for annual maintenance—substantially lower than in many Western jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Transparent, predictable costs: Colombia’s SAS structure offers a clear path to company formation with no minimum capital requirement.
- Annual maintenance is manageable: With careful planning, yearly costs can be kept at the lower end of the spectrum.
- Room for optimization: Proactive entrepreneurs can further reduce costs by handling simple tasks themselves and negotiating professional fees.
For more detailed breakdowns and official fee schedules, consult these resources: