Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Syria

1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Syria

Investment and business structuring law in Syria governs how investors establish, own, operate, and wind down businesses within the country. It covers corporate forms, licensing requirements, ownership structures, and the process for obtaining regulatory approvals.

Key aims include facilitating foreign and domestic investment, defining incentives for priority sectors, and setting rules for repatriation of profits and capital. The framework interacts with other laws on corporate governance, taxation, labor, and real property. Understanding these interconnections helps investors minimize risk and ensure compliance from inception through operation.

In practice, the regime relies on the Investment Law and its regulations to streamline licensing, while the Syrian Investment Authority and the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade play central roles in approvals and oversight. Recent reforms have emphasized transparency, time-bound licensing, and clarified steps for project registration and incentive eligibility.

The Syrian Investment Authority states that the Investment Law is designed to streamline licensing and provide incentives for priority projects that create jobs and contribute to export potential.

Source: https://sia.gov.sy

For residents and international investors, the landscape remains dynamic due to post-conflict reconstruction efforts and sanctions-related considerations. Consulting a local attorney is often essential to map the exact steps, timelines, and regulatory requirements for a specific project.

World Bank analyses emphasize that Syria's investment framework has evolved to address reconstruction needs and sector-specific incentives, while noting ongoing implementation challenges.

Source: https://www.worldbank.org

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a qualified lawyer can save time and reduce risk across the lifecycle of an investment project in Syria. The following concrete scenarios illustrate why specialized legal counsel is important.

• Setting up a local corporate structure for a foreign investor. A lawyer helps choose between a limited liability company, joint stock, or other forms, and drafts the articles of association, shareholder agreements, and local partner arrangements in compliance with Syrian law.
• Negotiating a joint venture with a state-owned enterprise or a local partner. A lawyer reviews the JV agreement, defines control rights, exit obligations, and dispute resolution terms to avoid future conflicts.
• Securing investment licensing and incentive eligibility. A legal counsel guides the application process under the Investment Law, prepares required documents, and coordinates with the Syrian Investment Authority and Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade.
• Navigating foreign exchange and profit repatriation rules. A lawyer helps structure currency flow, obtain necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Syria, and ensure compliance with FX regulations for dividends and royalties.
• Drafting and enforcing commercial contracts and procurement agreements. An attorney can craft bespoke contracts that address local enforcement, governing law, and venue for disputes, reducing the risk of unenforceable clauses.
• Ensuring compliance with labor and employment regulations in new or expanded operations. A legal advisor helps with local hiring requirements, work permits for non-nationals, and dispute resolution frameworks.

3. Local Laws Overview

Two to three core statutes shape Investment & Business Structuring in Syria, with additional regulations and executive orders that refine application. The structure below highlights the primary laws and how they interact.

Investment Law No. 18 of 2007 and its amendments govern incentives, licensing procedures, and the establishment framework for investment projects. It creates the basis for registering investment entities, determining eligible sectors, and offering fiscal or regulatory benefits to priority projects. Effective since 2007, ongoing amendments have aimed to clarify procedures and improve processing times.

Executive Regulations of the Investment Law (as updated) provide the procedural details for licensing, project registration, and incentive qualification. These regulations translate broad statutory goals into actionable steps for applicants, including submissions, timelines, and required documentation. Updates are issued to reflect policy priorities and practical enforcement considerations.

Commercial Companies Law (as amended) governs corporate formation, governance, capitalization, and daily management of Syrian business entities. It sets out the standard forms of business organization, shareholder rights, and reporting obligations. Amended provisions address corporate governance expectations and align with investment incentives where applicable.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic purpose of Syria’s Investment Law for new projects?

The Investment Law creates a framework for licensing, incentive eligibility, and project registration. It enables both local and foreign investors to formalize operations with defined rights and protections. The law also outlines the conditions under which incentives may be granted and how they are administered.

How do I determine the right corporate form for my project in Syria?

The decision depends on ownership structure, financing needs, and regulatory exposure. A lawyer can compare a limited liability company, joint stock, or branch establishment for foreign entities. They will align the choice with tax, governance, and repatriation considerations.

What licenses and authorities are typically involved in starting an investment project?

Key authorities include the Syrian Investment Authority and the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade. Licensing often requires approvals for investment registration, project classification, and sector-specific permits. A lawyer helps prepare and submit the complete package.

Is it possible to repatriate profits from Syria, and what approvals are required?

Profit repatriation typically requires foreign exchange approvals from the Central Bank of Syria and compliance with FX allocation rules. A legal adviser ensures proper documentation and timing to minimize delays and compliance risk. Processes can vary by project type and currency source.

Do I need a local partner to invest in certain sectors?

Some sectors and licensing regimes may require local participation or collaboration with domestic entities. A lawyer can structure ownership to comply with sector-specific limits while preserving investor control through contracts and governance rights.

What is the typical timeline from application to project license?

Processing times vary by project type and sector, but a straightforward license package may take several weeks to a few months. A lawyer helps map milestones, gather documents, and manage communications with authorities to reduce delays.

Should I prepare a separate arbitration clause for disputes?

Yes. Including arbitration provisions can provide a neutral forum for cross-border disputes. A Syria-focused lawyer can draft clauses specifying governing law, seat, and enforcement mechanisms, including international arbitration if appropriate.

What costs should I expect when engaging a lawyer for investment structuring?

Costs include hourly rates or flat fees for contract drafting, due diligence, and licensing support. A transparent engagement letter helps you forecast total costs and avoid surprises during completion.

How long does it take to register a company in Syria?

Company registration typically spans several weeks to a few months, depending on document completeness and authority backlogs. A lawyer coordinates the process to avoid repeated submissions and to address deficiencies quickly.

Do I need to obtain work permits for foreign staff before starting operations?

Yes. Work permits and residence permissions are usually required for non-nationals, with employer sponsorship and regulatory compliance. An attorney helps prepare visa applications and ensures alignment with labor and immigration rules.

Is there a difference between licensing for local projects and foreign investment?

Licensing structures differ in terms of ownership thresholds, required local content, and sector-specific incentives. A legal professional can identify which pathway best fits your business model and maximize eligible incentives.

Can a dispute be resolved through international arbitration rather than Syrian courts?

Yes, but this depends on contract terms and enforceability considerations. The lawyer can structure a choice of forum clause and assess recognition of awards under relevant treaties and Syrian law.

5. Additional Resources

• - Central agency for investment licensing, project registration, and incentive administration. Website: https://sia.gov.sy
• - Oversees economic policy, regulatory framework, and trade matters affecting investment. Website: https://www.moe.gov.sy
• - Regulates foreign exchange, capital flows, and monetary policy relevant to investment operations. Website: https://cb.gov.sy