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Vicente Lopez, Argentina Attorneys in related practice areas.
Corporate and commercial law in Vicente López covers the legal framework that governs companies, business contracts, commercial transactions, licensing and regulatory compliance within the municipality and the surrounding Buenos Aires Province. Businesses operating in Vicente López must comply with federal laws that regulate company formation, contracts, taxation and labor, as well as provincial and municipal rules for registration, commercial permits and local taxation. Common company types in Argentina include Sociedad Anónima - SA, Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada - SRL, and the newer Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada - SAS, each with different governance, liability and registration requirements. For commercial matters, the Civil and Commercial Code and the General Companies Law (Ley General de Sociedades) set out core rules, while tax, labor and municipal regulations affect day-to-day operations.
You may need a corporate or commercial lawyer in Vicente López in a range of situations. Examples include forming a company or choosing the right legal vehicle for your business, preparing or negotiating commercial contracts and leases, handling mergers, acquisitions or share transfers, structuring investments and financing, advising on tax obligations and payroll compliance, obtaining municipal permits and certificates of operation, protecting trade secrets and trademarks, resolving shareholder or partner disputes, and guiding a company through restructuring, insolvency or winding-up procedures. Lawyers also help interpret and apply provincial and municipal rules that affect zoning, signage, health and safety authorizations, and local tax obligations.
Key legal elements that businesses in Vicente López should know about include the following.
- Company formation and registration - Companies can be incorporated under federal and provincial regimes. Entities formed for operations in Buenos Aires Province must register with the provincial public-commercial registry, and companies with a domicile in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires register with the national oversight body. The choice of vehicle - SA, SRL, SAS or branch - affects capital, governance, transferability of interests and filing obligations.
- Corporate governance - Companies must maintain corporate books, record minutes and hold regular meetings as required by their bylaws and law. Directors and managers have fiduciary duties and can be personally liable in specific circumstances.
- Contracts and commercial obligations - The Civil and Commercial Code sets rules for contract formation, interpretation, breach and remedies. Contracts should be carefully drafted to allocate risks, payment terms, warranties, liability caps and dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Taxation and reporting - Federal taxes are administered by AFIP and include income tax, VAT and payroll contributions. Provincial taxes are administered by the Buenos Aires tax authority and municipal taxes apply in Vicente López for local services and commercial activity. Regular reporting and withholding obligations are common.
- Labor and employment - Argentine labor law and collective bargaining rules are protective of employees. Employers must comply with payroll registrations, social security and health contributions, mandatory benefits and termination rules. Labor disputes are frequent and can be costly without proper compliance.
- Municipal permits and zoning - Operating a commercial premises in Vicente López typically requires a municipal habilitación - business license, health and safety approvals and compliance with local zoning and signage rules. These requirements vary by activity and location.
- Consumer protection and regulated sectors - Sales to consumers are influenced by national consumer protection rules and may impose special obligations for warranties, clear pricing and advertising. Certain activities are regulated - food service, health, transport and financial services - and require sector-specific authorizations.
- Foreign investment and currency rules - Cross-border investments and payments are subject to central bank controls, reporting and foreign-exchange rules. Repatriation of profits and capital movement should be planned with these rules in mind.
- Insolvency and restructuring - Argentina has judicial procedures for reorganization and bankruptcy. Early legal advice is essential when a company faces liquidity stress to preserve value and explore restructuring tools.
Choosing between SA, SRL, SAS and other forms depends on capital needs, number of partners, limits on liability, governance complexity and plans to attract investors. SAS is often used for small businesses and start-ups because it allows simplified incorporation and flexible governance. SRL is common for small to medium closely-held businesses. SA is suited for larger enterprises or businesses planning to raise capital publicly. A local lawyer can assess your business model, liability preferences and tax implications to recommend the best vehicle.
General steps include selecting a corporate form and name, preparing bylaws or articles of incorporation, obtaining tax identification numbers, registering with the appropriate public-commercial registry (provincial registry for companies domiciled in Buenos Aires Province), and obtaining municipal habilitation and any required sector permits. The process also involves registering with AFIP for tax and payroll purposes. Times and requirements vary by company type.
Timing depends on the corporate form and how quickly the required documents and approvals are obtained. A simplified company (SAS) can be registered more quickly than a traditional SRL or SA if all documents are in order. Incorporation can range from a few days for online SAS registrations to several weeks for more complex formations that require notarization, public registry processing and municipal permits.
Most businesses need a municipal habilitación - business license - and possibly health, safety or environmental permits depending on activity. Additional requirements can include sign permits, fire safety inspections, commercial waste authorizations and occupancy certificates. Requirements vary by activity and neighborhood, so check the municipal office of Vicente López and consult a local lawyer before signing leases or starting operations.
Commercial leases are primarily governed by the Civil and Commercial Code and by the parties contract. Important issues include lease term, rent adjustments, guarantees, permitted uses, maintenance responsibilities and termination rights. Municipal zoning and permits must allow the intended commercial use. A lawyer can negotiate lease terms to reduce business risk and advise on landlord-tenant disputes.
Employers must register with AFIP, withhold income tax and social security contributions from salaries, make employer social contributions, and register employees with relevant social-security and health systems. Provincial and municipal tax obligations may include gross receipts tax and local municipal levies. Payroll compliance, proper classification of workers and adherence to collective bargaining agreements are critical to avoid fines and labor claims.
Yes. Foreign investors can establish companies or branches in Argentina. They must comply with registration, tax identification and reporting requirements and may need to register investments with national authorities. Currency conversion and profit repatriation can be subject to central bank regulations. Legal and tax advice is important to structure the investment efficiently and comply with reporting obligations.
Protection options include registering trademarks and designs with the national intellectual property office, using non-disclosure agreements and employment clauses to protect trade secrets, and including IP assignment clauses in contractor and employment contracts. Registration and contractual measures should be combined with internal policies to preserve confidential information.
Parties can use negotiation, mediation, arbitration or judicial litigation. Arbitration is commonly used in commercial contracts to achieve faster, private resolution, while court proceedings are used when injunctive relief or public enforcement is needed. Choice of law and jurisdiction clauses should be carefully drafted. Local counsel can advise which dispute resolution method is more practical given the facts and contractual counterparties.
Seek legal and financial advice immediately. Early steps include reviewing cash flow and obligations, negotiating with creditors, considering out-of-court restructuring or payment plans, and evaluating judicial reorganization procedures when appropriate. Prompt advice can preserve value and increase the chances of an orderly restructuring.
Helpful institutions and resources to consult include federal authorities such as the tax administration for registration and tax guidance, the central bank for foreign-exchange rules, and the national public office for intellectual property. At the provincial and municipal level consult the Registro Público de Comercio of Buenos Aires Province for company registration rules relevant to the Province, the Municipalidad de Vicente López - Office of Habilitations for local business permits, and provincial tax authorities for local tax matters. For employment matters, the national Ministry of Labor provides guidance on labor obligations. Local chambers of commerce and business associations in Zone Norte of Greater Buenos Aires can provide practical, on-the-ground information about operating in Vicente López. Finally, professional organizations such as the local bar association can help you find qualified corporate and commercial lawyers in the area.
If you need legal assistance in corporate and commercial matters in Vicente López, follow these steps.
- Identify the specific issue you need help with - company formation, contract review, tax compliance, permit application, dispute resolution or another matter.
- Gather key documents - drafts of contracts, identification of shareholders or partners, financial statements, lease agreements, prior registrations and correspondence with authorities.
- Contact a corporate and commercial lawyer with experience in Buenos Aires Province and municipal practice in Vicente López. Ask about their experience with your type of issue, expected timeline and fee structure - whether hourly, fixed fee or retainer.
- Request an engagement letter that sets out scope of work, fees and confidentiality terms. Make sure the lawyer performs a conflict check and confirms local registration to practice.
- Follow the lawyer s advice on immediate compliance actions and prepare for any required filings, notifications or negotiations. Keep clear records of communications and decisions.
Early legal advice can prevent costly mistakes and help structure operations to meet federal, provincial and municipal requirements. If you are unsure where to start, request an initial consultation with a lawyer who can outline practical steps tailored to your circumstance.
