If you’ve ever wondered what a business would be called if you set it up in China, Indonesia, or Japan, you’re in the right place! We’re continuing our fun exploration of legal entity names across the globe. Whether it’s an S.A., LLC, or 株式会社, these names carry a similar purpose but come with unique local twists.

Argentina: The “S.A.” and “S.R.L.” Duo

  • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): In Argentina, S.A. is the go-to for corporations, just like a U.S. corporation (Inc.).
  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.): The Argentine S.R.L. is similar to a U.S. LLC, perfect for small-to-medium businesses.

Chile: Meet the “S.A.” and “SpA”

  • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): Chile uses S.A. for corporations, mirroring Argentina’s setup.
  • Sociedad por Acciones (SpA): Chile’s SpA allows a single shareholder, much like a U.S. LLC. It’s perfect for startups.

Uruguay: Keeping it Simple with “S.A.” and “S.R.L.”

  • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): Uruguay’s S.A. offers limited liability for shareholders.
  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.): Like other Latin American countries, S.R.L. provides limited liability.

Brazil: A Dash of “Ltda.”

  • Sociedade Anônima (S.A.): Brazil’s S.A. follows the same rules as other S.A.s, where liability is restricted to shareholder investment.
  • Sociedade Limitada (Ltda.): Brazil’s Ltda. is the local version of the LLC, a popular choice for smaller ventures.

United States: Land of LLCs and Corps

  • Corporation (Inc. or Corp.): In the U.S., Inc. or Corp. are your classic corporate structures, ideal for large companies.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is known for its flexibility and liability protection.

England: Welcome to “Ltd.” and “PLC”

  • Private Limited Company (Ltd.): The U.K.’s Ltd. is similar to an LLC, offering protection from personal liability.
  • Public Limited Company (PLC): For public companies, the PLC operates similarly to S.A. or Inc. companies.

Italy: S.p.A. and S.R.L. on the Menu

  • Società per Azioni (S.p.A.): For large companies, Italy offers the S.p.A., similar to a corporation.
  • Società a Responsabilità Limitata (S.R.L.): Italy’s S.R.L. is perfect for smaller ventures.

Spain: The “S.A.” and “S.L.” Tag Team

  • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): Spain’s S.A. provides a classic limited liability corporate structure.
  • Sociedad Limitada (S.L.): Spain’s S.L. is its version of the LLC, popular among small businesses.

Greece: Introducing “A.E.” and “E.P.E.”

  • Anonymi Etaireia (A.E.): Greece’s A.E. functions like a corporation.
  • Etaireia Periorismenis Efthinis (E.P.E.): The E.P.E. in Greece works like an LLC, offering personal liability protection.

Canada: The “Corporation” and the “Ltd.”

  • Corporation: Canada’s Corporation or Inc. mirrors U.S. structures.
  • Limited Liability Company (Ltd.): The Ltd. in Canada is equivalent to an LLC, offering liability protection for small and large businesses alike.

Mexico: S.A. de C.V. and S. de R.L.

  • Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable (S.A. de C.V.): Mexico’s S.A. de C.V. offers a flexible corporate structure for capital contributions.
  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S. de R.L.): Mexico’s S. de R.L. is similar to an LLC.

China: Meet the “有限责任公司” and “股份有限公司”

  • 有限责任公司 (Youxian Zeren Gongsi): This translates to “Limited Liability Company” and operates much like an LLC in the U.S., providing limited liability for owners.
  • 股份有限公司 (Gufen Youxian Gongsi): This is China’s version of a corporation, similar to Inc. or S.A.. It’s ideal for large businesses with multiple shareholders.

Indonesia: The “PT”

  • Perseroan Terbatas (PT): In Indonesia, the PT is akin to a limited liability company. Owners’ liability is limited to the amount they’ve invested.
  • PT Tbk (Perseroan Terbatas Terbuka): If you’re looking to go public in Indonesia, this is the version of a corporation you’ll use. It functions similarly to a PLC or Inc. in other countries.

Japan: The “株式会社” and “合同会社”

  • 株式会社 (Kabushiki Kaisha or K.K.): The K.K. is Japan’s version of a corporation, much like the U.S. Inc. or the U.K.’s PLC. Shareholders are protected by limited liability.
  • 合同会社 (Godo Kaisha or G.K.): Japan’s G.K. works similarly to the U.S. LLC, offering limited liability but with a simpler and more flexible structure.

South Korea: The “주식회사” and “유한회사”

  • 주식회사 (Jusik Hoesa): This is South Korea’s version of a corporation, functioning similarly to an Inc. or S.A..
  • 유한회사 (Yuhan Hoesa): The Yuhan Hoesa is the South Korean equivalent of a limited liability company, similar to the LLC, offering liability protection for members.

Conclusion: A Global Journey Through Business Names

From S.A.s in Latin America to 株式会社 in Japan, legal entities might have different names, but they all serve the same purpose: to offer limited liability protection and a structured way to conduct business. Whether you’re forming an LLC, an S.A., or a 有限责任公司, knowing the local naming conventions is a key step in your global business expansion!

At GNS Law, we help businesses navigate the complexities cross border transactions. Contact us at info@gnslawpllc.com to discuss how we can assist in your cross-border ventures!

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