03 June

Types of Companies in Syria: A Comprehensive Guide to Legally Establishing Your Company in Syria

When deciding to establish a company in Syria, it is essential to understand the types of legally recognized companies according to Syrian law and choose the legal form that best suits the nature of your business, the size of your investment, and the number of partners.

In this comprehensive guide, we will review the types of companies in Syria, which include:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Single Person Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Offshore Company
• Joint Stock Company (public, private, and holding)

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The Limited Liability Company in Syria is one of the most common types of companies and is suitable for small, medium, and even large projects.

Key features:

• Number of partners: from 2 to 50 partners.
• Liability: Each partner is responsible for the company’s obligations only up to their share.
• Capital: A deposit of 50 million Syrian Pounds is required in a bank (refundable).
• Management: Managed by one or more managers appointed by the partners.
• Not permitted to engage in insurance, banking, or savings activities.
• The value of shares in LLCs is not fixed.

Who is it suitable for?
Business or industrial project owners who want to protect their personal financial liabilities.

2. Single Person Limited Liability Company

Introduced to Syrian law in recent years, this is an important regulatory step to encourage entrepreneurs and individual investors.

Key features:

• Owned by a single owner.
• Liability limited to the registered capital.
• Treated as a legal entity independent from its owner.

Who is it suitable for?
Entrepreneurs and sole proprietors who wish to separate their personal financial liability from the business.

3. Limited Liability Offshore Companies

An offshore company is registered in Syria but is not allowed to conduct economic activity inside Syrian territory.

Key features:

• Composed of at least two persons.
• All activities are carried out exclusively outside Syria.
• Its purpose is limited to signing contracts and executing work outside the country.

When to choose this type?
If you want to establish an international company used for export purposes or managing projects abroad, the offshore company is an ideal choice.

4. Joint Stock Companies

The joint stock company is the optimal legal form for large projects that require raising substantial capital. It is divided into:

a. Public Joint Stock Company:

• Must have no fewer than ten shareholders.
• Capital divided into equal-value shares, tradable and listed on stock markets.
• Shareholders’ liability limited to the nominal value of the shares they own.

b. Private Joint Stock Company:

• Must have no fewer than three shareholders.
• Capital divided into equal-value shares.
• Shareholders’ liability limited to the nominal value of their shares.

c. Holding Company:

• Can be either private or public joint stock company.
• Its activity is limited to owning shares in LLCs or joint stock companies or participating in establishing such companies.
• It may participate in managing companies it holds shares or stakes in.
• Holding companies can own shares in limited partnerships as a limited partner only, without the right to participate in management.

Who is it suitable for?

• Public companies: for large investments and stock market activities.
• Private companies: for family businesses or investment partnerships.
• Holding companies: for business groups or companies managing multiple branches.

How to Choose the Right Type of Company for You?

When selecting the legal form for your company in Syria, consider:

• Number of partners
• Nature of activity
• Capital size
• Need for financing or partnerships
• Tax and legal burdens

Since the beginning of 2025 until the end of April, the number of companies licensed by the Companies Department at the General Directorate of Domestic Trade and Consumer Protection reached 456 companies, including:

• 390 Limited Liability Companies
• 55 Single Person Limited Liability Companies
• 6 Private Joint Stock Companies
• 5 Holding Companies

Steps to Establish a Company in Syria

The process of establishing a company in Syria includes the following steps:

1. Preparing the Contract or Articles of Association:
   Define the type of company, capital amount, names of partners, and each partner’s share in the capital.
2. Registering the Company:
   Submit the contract or articles of association to the Companies Directorate at the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection to register the company in the commercial registry.
3. Obtaining Necessary Licenses:
   Depending on the nature of the business activity, additional licenses may be required from the relevant authorities.
4. Opening a Bank Account:
   Open a bank account in the company’s name and deposit the specified capital.
5. Joining Commercial or Industrial Chambers:
   Some types of companies are required to join the relevant commercial or industrial chambers.

At ScopeOut, we assist you with all the procedures to legally establish your company in Syria, register it with the Chamber of Commerce, and protect your trademark both materially and legally.

Contact us today for a free consultation.