Establishing an Individual Business in Kosovo
An Individual Business in Kosovo is a business entity owned by a single individual with unlimited liability. This type of business does not have a separate legal personality, and its establishment is regulated by the Law on Business Organizations (Law No. 06/L-016). Below are the conditions, processes, and legal requirements:
1. Conditions for Establishing an Individual Business
Owner
- The Individual Business is owned and managed by a single individual.
- The owner bears full and unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the business.
Purpose
- The business must operate for commercial or economic purposes.
Name Registration
- A name must be chosen for the business that complies with the naming rules outlined in the relevant laws.
- The business name must be registered with the Kosovo Business Registration Agency (ARBK).
Business Address
- A valid and accessible business address must be provided at the time of registration.
- Any changes to the address must be reported to ARBK.
2. Registration Process
Application
Required Documents:
- Valid identification of the owner.
- Proof of business address (e.g., rental agreement or ownership document).
- Completed application form (available at ARBK).
Submission Location:
- Applications must be submitted to the Kosovo Business Registration Agency (ARBK) in person or via electronic means.
Registration Fees
- A service fee applies for registering the business. Fees are set according to the administrative regulations.
Unique Identification Number
- Once registered, the Individual Business is assigned a Business Identification Number (BIN), which is used for all official and tax-related purposes.
3. Features of an Individual Business
- Unlimited Liability: The owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations incurred by the business.
- No Separate Legal Personality: The business is not considered a separate legal entity.
- Simplified Management: The owner has complete control over decision-making and management of the business.
4. Legal Basis
The establishment and operation of an Individual Business are governed by the Law on Business Organizations, particularly:
- Article 30: Initial Registration for Sole Proprietorships.
- Article 48: Unlimited Liability Nature of Sole Proprietorships.
5. Post-Registration Obligations
- Tax Registration: The business must register with the Kosovo Tax Administration and comply with all tax obligations.
- Trade Name Usage: The registered business name must be used in all commercial activities.
- Updates to Business Information: Any changes in ownership, address, or operations must be reported to ARBK promptly.