Incorporation and establishment

The most common form of business vehicle in Myanmar is a private company limited by shares (PCLS). A PCLS is quick and straightforward to incorporate if it has only ordinary shares on issue and adopts model constitution approved by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, being the Myanmar companies office. (However, bespoke constitutions and different classes of shares can be used). As with most jurisdictions, a PCLS must have a Myanmar resident director and registered address.

Other main operating vehicles include public companies and registration of overseas corporations doing business in Myanmar (commonly referred to as ‘branch office’ registrations). Companies limited by guarantee or incorporated associations are also available and are commonly used to operate not-for-profit entities. A form of registered non-governmental association and international non-governmental association (INGO) can also be registered for some types of charitable and development activities, particularly where undertaken in cooperation with government.

We can advise you on the most appropriate type of entity for your intended activities in Myanmar, including all required information and conditions for establishment of the entity. Once you have chosen the right type of entity for your business or activities, we will prepare all documentation required to apply for the registration of your new entity. Where relevant, our services extend to preparing custom constitutions for new companies, preparing terms of classes of shares and assisting with negotiation of government agreements for proposed new INGOs. Once the application documents are ready, we will then file the application documents with the relevant regulator and manage all post-application procedures through until full registration.