For entrepreneurs and digital nomads eyeing Honduras as a potential base for their next venture, the maze of company creation and maintenance costs can feel like a frustrating barrier. If you’re weary of unpredictable tax regimes and state-imposed fees, you’re not alone. In 2025, understanding the real costs of starting and running a standard company in Honduras is essential for anyone seeking to optimize their fiscal footprint and maximize operational freedom. This guide breaks down the numbers, step by step, so you can make informed decisions—without the guesswork.
Company Formation Costs in Honduras: What to Expect in 2025
The most common legal entity for small and medium businesses in Honduras is the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL). Here’s a transparent look at the average costs you’ll face when setting up an SRL in 2025, based on the latest data from official sources:
| Cost Item | Amount (HNL) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 25,000 | ~$1,010 |
| Notary fees (constitution deed and registration) | 8,000 | ~$323 |
| Commercial Registry fees | 3,500 | ~$141 |
| Publication in Official Gazette | 2,500 | ~$101 |
| Legal documentation and miscellaneous (including lawyer fees) | 3,000 | ~$121 |
| Total (excluding minimum capital) | 18,000 | ~$726 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 HNL ≈ 0.0404 USD (2025 rates).
While the minimum capital requirement (HNL 25,000 / ~$1,010) is a regulatory formality, the actual out-of-pocket setup costs for most founders hover around HNL 18,000 (~$726). This includes all legal, notarial, and publication fees necessary to get your SRL off the ground.
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Incorporation
- Prepare all required documents in advance to minimize notary and legal fees.
- Use digital platforms where possible for registry and publication steps—this can save both time and money.
- Negotiate fixed-fee arrangements with local lawyers to avoid surprise costs.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your SRL Compliant
Once your company is established, annual maintenance costs are the next hurdle. In 2025, expect to pay between HNL 6,000 (~$242) and HNL 15,000 (~$606) per year, depending on the complexity of your operations and your appetite for optional compliance services.
| Maintenance Item | Amount (HNL) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual municipal license renewal | 2,000 | ~$81 |
| Annual accounting services | 3,000 | ~$121 |
| Annual tax declaration fees | 1,000 | ~$40 |
| Optional legal compliance and miscellaneous | 9,000 | ~$363 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on 2025 rates.
For lean operations, sticking to the essentials (municipal license, accounting, and tax declaration) keeps your annual spend close to HNL 6,000 (~$242). However, if you require ongoing legal compliance or additional services, costs can rise to HNL 15,000 (~$606) per year.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Overhead
- Bundle accounting and tax services with a single provider for volume discounts.
- Review municipal license requirements annually—some businesses can qualify for reduced rates or exemptions.
- Only pay for legal compliance services you truly need; avoid unnecessary add-ons.
Case Study: Launching a Digital Agency in Honduras
Imagine you’re setting up a small digital agency as an SRL. Your initial outlay (excluding minimum capital) is HNL 18,000 (~$726). For ongoing operations, you keep things lean, spending HNL 6,000 (~$242) annually on compliance. Over three years, your total cost of ownership is just HNL 36,000 (~$1,452)—a fraction of what you’d pay in many higher-tax jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Transparent costs: Expect HNL 18,000 (~$726) in setup fees, plus a HNL 25,000 (~$1,010) minimum capital requirement.
- Annual maintenance: Budget HNL 6,000–15,000 (~$242–$606) per year, depending on your compliance needs.
- Optimization: Proactive planning and selective outsourcing can keep your costs at the lower end of the spectrum.
For more details on the company formation process and compliance in Honduras, consult these official resources:
- Mi Empresa en Línea
- Guía para la Constitución de Empresas (PDF)
- Doing Business Honduras
- Honduras eRegulations
With the right strategy, Honduras offers a cost-effective and relatively straightforward path to company formation—empowering founders to focus on growth, not bureaucracy.