The Legal Checklist: Creating a SAS in 2025

For many creative minds, the word “legal” sounds like a nightmare of paperwork and endless lines. However, if you are serious about building a startup in Colombia, you need to formalize your business. The good news is that Colombia created a specific legal structure designed for entrepreneurs like you: the S.A.S. (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada).

Why is the S.A.S. the king of Colombian corporate structures? Simple: flexibility and protection. Unlike older models, a S.A.S. can be created by a single person (you don’t need a partner if you don’t have one yet) and it protects your personal assets. This means that if your company goes into debt, your personal house or car are generally safe.

Creating a company in 2025 is much faster than it was a decade ago. You can do most of the process digitally through the Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio). However, “fast” does not mean “careless.” A solid legal foundation is what separates a hobby from a scalable business capable of receiving investment.

“A startup is a company designed to grow fast. But you cannot grow tall on a weak foundation.”

— Paul Graham, Co-Founder of Y Combinator

The 3-Step “Red Tape” Guide

Don’t get overwhelmed. To officially exist, you just need to conquer these three pillars:

1. Draft the Bylaws (Estatutos): This is the “constitution” of your company. It defines who owns the shares, how decisions are made, and what the company does. Pro Tip: Don’t just download a template; make sure it allows for future investors.
2. Chamber of Commerce Registration: You must register your company at the local Cámara de Comercio. This gives you a “Matrícula Mercantil,” which is like your company’s birth certificate.
3. The RUT (Tax ID): The DIAN (Colombia’s tax authority) will assign you a RUT (Registro Único Tributario). This number is your ID for all financial transactions. Without it, you cannot open a bank account or bill your clients.