How To Start A Business in Angola

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How to Start a Business in Angola - Step by Step

Starting a business in Angola involves a structured process designed to ensure legal compliance for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Below is a step-by-step guide that outlines the key procedures, relevant authorities, and associated considerations.

Step 1: Decide on a Business Structure

Choose an appropriate legal entity, such as:

• Sole Proprietorship (Empresa em Nome Individual)
• Limited Liability Company (Sociedade por Quotas - LDA)
• Public Limited Company (Sociedade Anónima - SA)

Foreign investors often opt for LDA due to simplified setup and operational flexibility.

Step 2: Name Reservation

Reserve a unique business name with the Guiché Único da Empresa (One-Stop Business Counter). This can usually be done within 1–2 days.

Step 3: Draft Articles of Association

Prepare and notarize the Articles of Association (Estatuto da Empresa), which define the company’s objectives, share capital, and ownership structure. This is mandatory for registration.

Step 4: Open a Company Bank Account and Deposit Capital

Open a business bank account and deposit the minimum required share capital (e.g., AOA 1,000,000 for an LDA). Obtain proof of deposit for registration purposes.

Step 5: Register with the Commercial Registry

Submit incorporation documents to the Guiché Único da Empresa to formally register the business. This process typically includes:

• Name reservation approval
• Articles of Association
• Shareholder identification

Estimated duration: 3–5 business days.

Step 6: Obtain Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Register with the General Tax Administration (Administração Geral Tributária - AGT) to obtain a NIF for tax compliance.

Step 7: Register for Social Security

All businesses must register with the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) to enroll employees in the national pension and benefits system.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Sector-Specific Permits

Depending on your business type (e.g., mining, oil & gas, manufacturing, retail), obtain the necessary operating permits from the relevant ministry (e.g., Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Industry and Commerce).

Step 9: Register Employees and Sign Employment Contracts

Formally register employees with the INSS and the Ministry of Public Administration, Labor and Social Security. Labor contracts should be signed and registered according to the labor code.

Step 10: Begin Operations

Once all registrations, licensing, and employee formalities are complete, you can commence official operations.

Associated Costs and Timeframe

• Company Registration: Approx. AOA 60,000 – 100,000
• Bank Account Setup: Varies by bank
• Legal Fees: Based on complexity and legal support
• Timeframe: 2–4 weeks on average

Useful Resources

• Guiché Único da Empresa – Company registration and name reservation
• General Tax Administration (AGT) – Tax registration and compliance
• INSS Angola – Social security registration
• Ministry of Industry and Commerce – Licensing and regulatory guidance