Business entities in Haiti in 2024

Since 2003, Healy Consultants provides our Clients with the best corporate structures for business in the Haiti. There most common corporate vehicle preferred by entrepreneurs is the setting up of a public limited company, locally known as Societe Anonyme (SA). Foreign legal entities may also register a branch office or a representative office in Haiti.

The Haitian limited liability company (SA)

• The Haitian SA is the most common corporate structure used by investors entering the Haitian market. This entity requires at least 3 shareholder to be incorporated. The Haitian commercial code demands that 1 of the shareholders be a Haitian national. A SA must also appoint at least 1 director from the 3 shareholders, who does not need to be resident in Haiti. A SA requires a minimum paid up share capital of HTG25,000 (US$500) to be incorporated;
• It is mandatory according to the Haitian commercial code to hire a Haitian lawyer when incorporating a public limited company in Haiti.

The Haiti branch (succursale)

The Haitian commercial code permits foreign legal entities looking to do business in Haiti to establish a branch office in Haiti. This entity’s scope of operations in Haiti is entirely defined and controlled by the parent company. When incorporating a branch in Haiti, the law demands that a lawyer be instituted to complete the incorporation.

The Haiti representative office (bureau de representation)

Foreign entities can establish representative offices in Haiti for the sole purpose of conducting market research and promotion activities of their parent company’s products and services. This entity is not considered a legal entity and is not permitted to carryon any commercial activity in Haiti.

Comparison table between Haiti business entities