Below are the types of vehicles (i.e.: companies) that can be incorporated under the 2007 Companies Act of Sri Lanka. If your foriegn investor, please see Related Articles for additional information on Foriegn Investment, Foriegn Investment Restrictions/Conditions in Sri Lanka.

Private Companies
A private company must consist of at least one and not more than fifty members. It must have at least one director. A private company cannot invite public subscription for its shares.

Public Companies
At least seven members are required to form a public company (there is no upper limit). It must have at least two directors. Public companies may invite public subscriptions for their shares or debentures and other securities, and can also be listed on the stock exchange. They cannot commence business without a business commencement certificate.

Offshore Companies
A company registered within or outside Sri Lanka may register itself in Sri Lanka as an offshore company to carry on any business outside the shores of Sri Lanka. If a company registered outside Sri Lanka registers itself as an offshore company, it is deemed to have been incorporated in Sri Lanka. An offshore company cannot conduct any business in Sri Lanka

Subsidiaries
To establish a business in Sri Lanka foreign companies can incorporate as a local subsidiary company. Following incorporation, a subsidiary in Sri Lanka must comply with all statutory requirements imposed on domestic companies.

Branches
A company incorporated outside Sri Lanka may establish a place of business in Sri Lanka by registering a branch office with the Registrar of Companies. Applications for registration must be made within one month of establishing a place of business in Sri Lanka. Generally approval from the relevant line ministry would be required before the registration can be completed. The liability of a branch extends to its foreign assets.

Liaison / Representative Offices
A company incorporated outside Sri Lanka may maintain its presence in Sri Lanka through a representative office, and is of similar status to that of a branch office. It is however, prohibited from engaging in any trading or investment activity or accruing any turnover in Sri Lanka. No tax incident arises since it is not permitted to trade. Therefore, the question of permanent establishment is not relevant.

Joint Venture Company
A joint venture can be with other Sri Lankan companies or foreign entities. A joint venture business may be incorporated or carried on as an unincorporated business similar to that of a partnership. Joint ventures have become popular in recent years; particularly in export oriented projects.