Our Areas of Expertise
While we'd love to pretend that we can help with anything and everything on the Colombian legal landscape, we're also honest about where our expertise resides. Below are our practice areas where we can provide truly differentiated and insightful advice and assistance.
Real Estate Investments
Medellin as one of the most dynamic and up and coming cities in South America and globally is emerging as one of the best real estate markets to invest as well. With prices at a 20-40% discount to the capital of Bogota yet with relatively similar rent levels, Medellin offers Colombian and international investors a fantastic opportunity for monthly income and capital price appreciation. Navigating the local real estate market by yourself however can lead to costly mistakes. Both Andres and Dora have a deep set of real estate knowledge and expertise that extends beyond simply working with our clients but their own personal and family real estate portfolios as well. We are always happy to share that knowledge and experience during the entire Colombian real estate purchase and rental operation cycle.
Small and Medium Business Law
One of our core strengths and extensive experience lies in helping foreigners start and operate their small business ventures #1) properly, #2) cost and time efficiently and #3) with protection of the intellectual property that differentiates the venture in the marketplace. The equivalent of an American "LLC" for example in Colombia is known as a "SAS" (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) and there are a wide range of uses for a SAS in Colombia offering many of the same advantages as an LLC in USA, a Ltd. company in Canada, and their global equivalents.
Visas and Immigration
As of January 2015, there are 19 different classes of temporary and resident visas required for foreigners wishing to visit or live in Colombia. Many visa candidates may actually qualify for more than one of those classes and there can often be advantages to one over the other. Navigating the complexities and intricacies of the Colombian Cancilleria (Immigration/Visa authority) can be daunting, frustrating and time consuming. That's why we're here to help and Dora can always be called on to give her best advice and service.
Patent Law and Intellectual Property
You'd be surprised where our local client base lies in this area being some of the most well known companies and brands in Medellin and across Colombia thanks to the relationships and experience of Camilo. But many foreigners and start-ups in Colombia need the same kind of representation and advice that the big guys do. Let us guide you through your intellectual property concerns and needs large and small so you can protect the investment in your brand and competitive differentiation.
Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning
If you're either living or investing in Colombia you'll want to protect your Colombian assets in the case of death or other events beyond your control. Depending on the needs of the clients, we can help structure a range of vehicles to ensure your assets are handled as you wish regardless of any adverse of unexpected life events that may present themselves. It's easy to forget about estate planning at the time of making any large financial decision and therefore always a good idea to proactively take action at the time of realizing an investment and especially in a foreign country.
Taxes
It's impossible for anyone to tell you they are a specialist in helping every foreigner with global taxes and tax planning. Every foreigner comes from a different part of the globe and may have tax implications that even the best Colombian accountant can't predict. While we don't specifically assist in your tax declarations in Colombia, we can properly structure your company investment to ensure you Colombian tax obligations are accounted for and tax efficient. Our local accountant network allows us to refer our clients to the best on a case by case basis.
Charities and Foundations
There are a number of advantages that Colombian charities and foundations can offer certain types of investors and businesses. Colombian Foundations are permanent funds established and maintained by contributions for charitable, educational, religious, research, or other benevolent purposes. This type of Non-Profit Organization also deemed as a Charities are a type of NPO that centers its efforts in Non-Profit and Philanthropic goals as well as the well-being of a particular society. Colombian Foundations are regulated by Decree 1529 of 1990, for foundations established at the regional level and Decree 059 1991 for foundations established in Bogotá. Please contact us for further information about how a charity or foundation in Colombia may suit your goals for doing business here.
Medellin as one of the most dynamic and up and coming cities in South America and globally is emerging as one of the best real estate markets to invest as well. With prices at a 20-40% discount to the capital of Bogota yet with relatively similar rent levels, Medellin offers Colombian and international investors a fantastic opportunity for monthly income and capital price appreciation. Navigating the local real estate market by yourself however can lead to costly mistakes. Both Andres and Dora have a deep set of real estate knowledge and expertise that extends beyond simply working with our clients but their own personal and family real estate portfolios as well. We are always happy to share that knowledge and experience during the entire Colombian real estate purchase and rental operation cycle.
Small and Medium Business Law
One of our core strengths and extensive experience lies in helping foreigners start and operate their small business ventures #1) properly, #2) cost and time efficiently and #3) with protection of the intellectual property that differentiates the venture in the marketplace. The equivalent of an American "LLC" for example in Colombia is known as a "SAS" (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) and there are a wide range of uses for a SAS in Colombia offering many of the same advantages as an LLC in USA, a Ltd. company in Canada, and their global equivalents.
Visas and Immigration
As of January 2015, there are 19 different classes of temporary and resident visas required for foreigners wishing to visit or live in Colombia. Many visa candidates may actually qualify for more than one of those classes and there can often be advantages to one over the other. Navigating the complexities and intricacies of the Colombian Cancilleria (Immigration/Visa authority) can be daunting, frustrating and time consuming. That's why we're here to help and Dora can always be called on to give her best advice and service.
Patent Law and Intellectual Property
You'd be surprised where our local client base lies in this area being some of the most well known companies and brands in Medellin and across Colombia thanks to the relationships and experience of Camilo. But many foreigners and start-ups in Colombia need the same kind of representation and advice that the big guys do. Let us guide you through your intellectual property concerns and needs large and small so you can protect the investment in your brand and competitive differentiation.
Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning
If you're either living or investing in Colombia you'll want to protect your Colombian assets in the case of death or other events beyond your control. Depending on the needs of the clients, we can help structure a range of vehicles to ensure your assets are handled as you wish regardless of any adverse of unexpected life events that may present themselves. It's easy to forget about estate planning at the time of making any large financial decision and therefore always a good idea to proactively take action at the time of realizing an investment and especially in a foreign country.
Taxes
It's impossible for anyone to tell you they are a specialist in helping every foreigner with global taxes and tax planning. Every foreigner comes from a different part of the globe and may have tax implications that even the best Colombian accountant can't predict. While we don't specifically assist in your tax declarations in Colombia, we can properly structure your company investment to ensure you Colombian tax obligations are accounted for and tax efficient. Our local accountant network allows us to refer our clients to the best on a case by case basis.
Charities and Foundations
There are a number of advantages that Colombian charities and foundations can offer certain types of investors and businesses. Colombian Foundations are permanent funds established and maintained by contributions for charitable, educational, religious, research, or other benevolent purposes. This type of Non-Profit Organization also deemed as a Charities are a type of NPO that centers its efforts in Non-Profit and Philanthropic goals as well as the well-being of a particular society. Colombian Foundations are regulated by Decree 1529 of 1990, for foundations established at the regional level and Decree 059 1991 for foundations established in Bogotá. Please contact us for further information about how a charity or foundation in Colombia may suit your goals for doing business here.
Don't hesitate to contact us:
andres@medellinlegal.com - General Enquiries, International Law, Real Estate
nubia@medellinlegal.com - Tax Law, Tax Planning and accounting
info@medellinlegal.com - Real Estate, Corporate matters, Intellectual & Patent Property Law