Register a SARL with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register
Form a Luxembourg private limited company (SARL), the standard vehicle for trading and holding activity. It requires EUR 12,000 of fully subscribed capital, a notarial deed and registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
- Timeline
- Around 1-3 weeks once capital and documents are ready
- Cost
- EUR 12,000 share capital (retained by the company), plus notary and RCS fees
- Steps
- 6 stages
Deadline — read this first
The company acquires legal personality on the notarial deed and must be filed with the RCS promptly for publication.
Who can file
One or more founders, natural or legal persons, of any nationality.
Step by step
- 1
Reserve the company name
Check availability and reserve the name with Luxembourg Business Registers before incorporation.
- 2
Deposit the share capital
Pay the EUR 12,000 capital into a blocked bank account and obtain the bank's blocking certificate for the notary.
- 3
Obtain a business permit if required
For commercial, craft or certain regulated activities, apply for the business permit (autorisation d'établissement) from the Ministry of the Economy.
- 4
Sign the notarial deed of incorporation
The founders execute the articles of association before a Luxembourg notary, who certifies the deed and the capital.
- 5
Register with the RCS
File the deed with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés for publication in the electronic gazette (RESA).
- 6
Register for tax, VAT and social security
Register with the Direct Tax Administration and, where turnover requires, for VAT, and enrol the company and any employees with the social-security centre.
Documents you must produce
- Articles of association
- Bank certificate blocking the EUR 12,000 capital
- Identification of founders and managers
- Business permit for regulated or commercial activities
- Proof of a registered office in Luxembourg
Common mistakes that sink cases
- Starting a regulated or commercial activity without the required business permit.
- Treating the SARL-S (one-euro variant) as interchangeable; it is limited to natural persons and specific conditions.
- Failing to maintain a genuine registered office and substance in Luxembourg.
- Overlooking VAT and social-security registration once operations begin.
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