Companies & entities
Set up a company in Luxembourg
To set up a company in Luxembourg you must choose the appropriate form (most often a SARL), draft compliant articles of association, pay in the capital, sign the deed before a notary, then register the company with the RCS and declare the beneficial owners with the RBE. The firm steers the whole process and secures every step.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
Forming a Luxembourg company is quick when it is well prepared: the challenge lies not in the formalities but in the choice of structure and the quality of the articles, which determine the tax treatment, the governance and future developments.
Cerno Law Firm advises you on the form best suited to your project, drafts the deeds and coordinates the notary and the formalities, for a clean incorporation with no blind spots.
Your need
You are launching a business or structuring an investment in Luxembourg and must choose the right corporate form.
A poor initial choice complicates future fundraising, transfers and successions.
The risk
Standard articles that do not fit, an overly narrow corporate purpose, undersized capital, governance that leads to deadlock.
Loose structuring comes at a price at the first disagreement between shareholders or the first audit.
How we help
Advice on the form (SARL, SARL-S, SA, SOPARFI, SPF, SCSp), drafting of the articles and the shareholders’ agreement, coordination of the notary and the RCS and RBE formalities.
You obtain a company that is operational, compliant and suited to your objectives.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Launch an SME or a commercial activity.
- Structure the holding of participations (holding company or SOPARFI).
- Manage private wealth (SPF) or a fund (SCSp).
- Set up a Luxembourg subsidiary.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • The business plan and the allocation of capital
- • The identity of the shareholders and directors
- • Evidence of the source of funds where relevant
Deliverables
- • Advice on the corporate form
- • Drafted articles of association
- • Support with incorporation (notary, RCS, RBE)
Indicative timing
Drafting the deeds takes a few business days; the notarial signature and registration generally follow within one to two weeks, subject to availability.
Fixed fee according to the form
The fee depends on the form chosen and the complexity; it is confirmed before any engagement.
Which company form should you choose in Luxembourg?
The SARL suits the majority of SMEs and projects with identified shareholders. The SARL-S allows you to start with a symbolic capital. The SA is intended for more capital-intensive structures. The SOPARFI is favoured for holding participations, the SPF for private wealth, and the SCSp for fund structures.
The choice depends on your activity, the number of shareholders, the capital and your tax objectives. The firm guides you towards the most effective form.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Luxembourg?
A distinction must be drawn between the firm’s fees (confirmed in advance) and external costs: the notary, the RCS and, depending on the form, the minimum capital. The firm provides you with a full estimate before getting started.
Do you need to be a resident to set up a company?
No, a non-resident can set up a Luxembourg company. A business permit may, however, be required for certain activities.
How long does it take to form a SARL?
A few days for the deeds, then one to two weeks for the notarial signature and registration, subject to availability.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
Free guide · PDF
The practical guide to secure your next step
Checklists, key steps and points to watch, prepared by the firm. Get it instantly, no strings attached.
- The key steps, explained simply
- The documents to prepare
- The common mistakes to avoid
Go further
Related pages
Free diagnostic
A company project? Frame it in 2 minutes.
A few questions are enough to identify your need and the right legal answer, with no sign-up and no commitment.
Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
Typical examples of engagements handled by the firm, presented in an anonymised and illustrative manner. Each matter is handled and validated by a lawyer registered with the Luxembourg Bar.
A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
Permit obtained in 6 weeksA similar matter? Companies & governanceFounders protected before the funding round
Structuring a shareholders’ agreement and governance for a young company with several founders, ahead of a funding round.
Shareholders’ agreement signed before the roundA similar matter? Debt recoveryA debt recovered across borders
Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
Receivable recovered in full (100%)A similar matter? Employment lawAn executive defended before the Labour Tribunal
Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
Case argued at the hearingA similar matter? ContractsA secured international distribution
Negotiating and securing an international framework distribution agreement, from liabilities through to the competent jurisdiction.
Competent jurisdiction securedA similar matter?Typical, anonymised examples, for illustration only. They do not prejudge the outcome of a matter, which depends on each situation.
Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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The firm referenced and cited
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Let’s talk about your matter
Describe your situation: you receive an initial analysis and a transparent quote, with no obligation. One dedicated lawyer, from start to finish.