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How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company as a Foreigner

  • Juan Valdez
  • Jun 19
  • 5 min read
How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company as a Foreigner
How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company as a Foreigner

How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company as a Foreigner

For international buyers exploring Colombia’s dynamic real estate market, the appeal is undeniable—rich cultural heritage, welcoming communities, and a lower cost of living combined with emerging market growth. Whether you’re drawn to homes for sale in Jardín, exploring coffee farms for sale, or seeking lifestyle-focused investments in Antioquia, one strategic option stands out for savvy foreign investors: setting up a Colombian property holding company.


Forming a holding company allows you to purchase, manage, and even sell Colombian real estate more efficiently, with added layers of legal protection, tax strategy, and professional flexibility. And with Jardín becoming one of the most attractive rural investment zones in the Coffee Region, the time to act is now.


As a marketing expert with 30 years of experience helping international clients succeed in Colombia, let’s walk through exactly how to set up a Colombian property holding company—and why it may be the smartest move for your long-term real estate goals. How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company as a Foreigner


Why Set Up a Property Holding Company in Colombia?

A property holding company, or sociedad por acciones simplificada (S.A.S.), is a popular legal structure for both domestic and foreign investors purchasing real estate in Colombia. Here’s why:

  • Asset protection – Your personal assets remain separate from your real estate investment.

  • Ease of ownership – Foreigners can own 100% of the company.

  • Tax flexibility – Proper structuring can lead to advantageous tax treatment.

  • Professional credibility – A company structure can improve access to banking, utility services, and rental platforms.

  • Transferability – You can sell the company instead of the property, simplifying transactions and minimizing closing costs.


Whether you're acquiring Colombian homes for sale, Colombian farms for sale, or multiple income-generating properties in Jardín or the broader Antioquia region, a holding company streamlines ownership and adds structure to your investment.


Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Colombian Property Holding Company

1. Choose the Right Structure – S.A.S.

In Colombia, most property investors choose the S.A.S. (Simplified Stock Company) structure. It’s flexible, low-cost to maintain, and doesn't require multiple shareholders—perfect for a solo expat or small partnership.


This structure gives you the same rights as any Colombian company to buy and hold real estate, engage in property management, and generate income.


2. Hire a Bilingual Attorney

You’ll need a Colombian attorney experienced in real estate and corporate law. A bilingual legal partner ensures your documents are properly drafted, translated, and registered, while also guiding you through tax implications and legal obligations.


At Jardín Colombia Real Estate, we work with vetted legal teams who specialize in helping foreign investors acquire property in Antioquia safely and efficiently.


3. Obtain a Colombian Tax ID (NIT)

Once your company is established, it must be registered with the DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales), Colombia’s tax authority. This process grants you a NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria)—essential for paying taxes, receiving income, and opening bank accounts.


4. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Your Colombian property holding company can open a corporate bank account to manage property transactions, rental income, and utility bills. Most banks require:

  • The company’s registration documents (Escritura Pública)

  • Tax ID (NIT)

  • Legal representative’s identification (passport or cedula)

  • Utility bill or proof of address


Having a local account improves your control and simplifies monthly operations if you plan to own rental properties, coffee farms, or even boutique hospitality projects.


5. Register Your Company with the Chamber of Commerce

All companies in Colombia must register with the Cámara de Comercio in the city or municipality where your property is located. In Jardín, this registration provides the company with legal status and establishes your company’s commercial domicile.


6. Define Corporate Purpose (Objeto Social)

Make sure your company's corporate purpose includes all real estate-related activities: buying, selling, renting, managing, and even farming or hospitality (if applicable). This ensures full flexibility for residential, commercial, or agricultural land use—especially valuable for investors interested in coffee farms for sale.


7. Notarize and Register the Company’s Public Deed

Once everything is reviewed, the company's formation documents must be notarized and filed at the local Registry Office. After this step, your holding company is officially recognized and authorized to operate—and purchase real estate—in Colombia.


Common Questions from Foreign Buyers

Can I own 100% of the company as a foreigner?

Yes. Colombia has no restriction on foreign ownership of property-holding companies. You can own 100% of the shares and act as legal representative, or appoint a local representative to help manage the business.


Can my company own multiple properties?

Absolutely. A single S.A.S. can hold multiple properties across Colombia, from urban apartments to Colombian farms for sale in the Andes. This makes it ideal for real estate portfolios, rental operations, and land development.


Can I buy property in my own name instead?

Yes, foreigners can purchase property in their personal names. However, holding title through a company adds structure, scalability, and tax options—especially if you're acquiring high-value properties or long-term rentals in Antioquia.


Strategic Benefits for Expat Buyers

For expats relocating to Colombia, a property holding company is more than a legal structure—it’s a gateway to flexibility and control. Whether you're investing in homes for sale in Jardín to live full-time, or creating a portfolio of rural income-producing assets, an S.A.S. allows you to manage your holdings professionally and sustainably.


With coffee farms for sale and Colombian homes for sale in growing demand, many international buyers are choosing company structures to enable:

  • Multi-use investments (residential + agricultural)

  • Airbnb or short-term rental businesses

  • Land banking and eco-tourism developments

  • Pass-through income to U.S. or European structures


At Jardín Colombia Real Estate, we provide not only access to the hottest properties in Antioquia, but also the outsourced marketing services and expert guidance needed to structure and grow your investment.


Why Antioquia and Why Jardín?

The Antioquia region is quickly becoming the next frontier for well-informed buyers looking beyond over-saturated markets like Medellín. Jardín, in particular, stands out for its UNESCO-protected architecture, favorable climate, natural beauty, and low property taxes.


Foreign interest is rising in everything from heritage homes to Colombian farms for sale, and infrastructure improvements are opening up new corridors for tourism and commerce.

Setting up a Colombian property holding company positions you to take full advantage of this momentum—professionally, legally, and financially.


Final Thoughts

Creating a Colombian property holding company is one of the most strategic steps a foreign investor can take. It provides structure, tax efficiency, and legal protection—all critical when buying in one of Latin America’s most promising real estate markets.


Whether you're interested in homes for sale in Jardín, coffee farms for sale, or expanding your real estate portfolio across Antioquia, the time to act is now. Let our team help you navigate this process with confidence.


📞 Ready to Set Up Your Company and Find the Perfect Property?

At Jardín Colombia Real Estate, we combine international business insight with on-the-ground expertise. We’ll connect you with legal professionals, walk you through every step of forming your company, and deliver access to the most in-demand listings in Jardín and beyond.


📧 Contact us at: jardincolombiarealestate@protonmail.com🌐 Visit: www.jardincolombiarealestate.com📞 WhatsApp: +57 305 393 3346

Let’s transform your vision into a property holding strategy that works.

 
 
 

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