search

What are the legal obligations of companies in Chile?

POR Hispanic Entrepreneurs Aug 17, 2020
Featured image from the article

En Hispanic Entrepreneurs we make a summary of the legal obligations of companies in Chile. If you have set the goal of establishing a business in this country, you should know the regulations that every company must comply with. Below we offer you more information about it.

Know the legal responsibilities before undertaking

In recent years it has positioned itself as one of the best countries to undertake in Latin America. Partly thanks to the ease of registering a business, as well as a stable economy.

Starting a business is a simple process, even for foreign entrepreneurs. It can be done online and, in addition, there is a wide range of resources and incentives to support entrepreneurs.

There are many other reasons why it is among the chosen countries to invest. For example, the infrastructure it has, which gives it a great advantage when it comes to the transport of merchandise. It is also characterized by low operating costs and better tax advantages compared to other countries in the region.

But before opening your company in this market you must be aware of what the obligations and responsibilities will be. It is necessary to know the legal framework to avoid any type of inconvenience due to breaches. For example, knowing exactly the requirements for register the different types of companies in Chile; know tax responsibilities, or distinguish between different types of contracts.

 

READ THE MAGAZINE HISPANOS ENTREPRENEURS

If you are not clear about the provisions that you must comply with, seek guidance from business organizations. This will also be useful if what you are looking for is reinvent your business.

On the other hand, an experienced legal representative will also help you meet all the requirements. In this way, you will avoid delays and problems that could harm the company in the future.

Legal obligations of companies in Chile

In this sense, we list the main obligations that your company will have in Chile. Apart from these, you must verify what other regulations you must comply with in order to have everything in order during your operations.

Initiation of activities and registration of RUT

Any legal entity or not that starts commercial economic activities must notify the Internal Revenue Service (SII) during the first two months.

This procedure is known as Start of Activities and it can be done online. In the case of legal persons, they can only start activities in the first category.

When declaring the initiation of activities, the Unique Tax Role (RUT) is also obtained, which is the number that will identify the company as a taxpayer. It is mandatory when it comes to Individual Limited Liability Companies (EIRL), Limited Liability Companies, Closed Limited Companies and Stock Companies.

Register in the Commercial Registry

As part of the process to create a company in Chile, this must be registered in the Commercial Registry. This is done before the Real Estate Custodian that corresponds to the address they have declared.

After the incorporation, which takes between 3 and 7 business days, it must be published in the Official Gazette.

Comply with the payment of taxes

Legal entities have tax obligations to comply with. The main ones are Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Stamp Duty and Customs Law.

Apart from these, according to the industry to which it is dedicated, the company may be obliged to pay other taxes. For example, foreign trade, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, etc.

It is necessary to have someone who is in charge of keeping the accounting books and advising on tax matters. In this way it will be clear which taxes correspond according to the type of company.

Formalize employment contracts

Another of the legal obligations of companies in Chile has to do with employment contracts. These can be through direct negotiation with the employee or by collective agreement.

They must be framed in one of the four types of contracts that are recognized in the country. These are: indefinite, piecework, by tasks and professional services.

In addition, workers must be registered in a professional accident insurance.

Check the registrations and licenses you need

All companies are required to obtain the corresponding certifications and licenses according to the type of activity they carry out. It can be difficult to find all the permits to which they must apply, so it is advisable to seek advice.

Some of these permits and certifications will be required to obtain the municipal license. Among these we can mention:

Obtain the municipal license

The municipal license constitutes the definitive authorization for your company to operate in the location you have chosen. It can be commercial or industrial, depending on the type of business you are going to run.

 To obtain the municipal license you must have all the corresponding permits and licenses. These are part of the legal obligations of companies in Chile. If you need advice to start your business and make it known in this market, contact us.