Foreign investors may establish, acquire, and dispose of interests in business enterprises and may engage in all types of remunerative activities. However, restrictions apply to manufacture and trade products related to defense and weapons, political newspapers and all broadcast media, where only Lebanese nationals can obtain licenses. Furthermore, only Lebanese citizens are permitted to practice law.
Acquisition of Holdings
Foreigners are allowed to own and manage 100% of limited liability companies (SARL), unless the company engages in certain commercial activities such as exclusive commercial representation (in such cases, Lebanese citizens must hold a majority of capital, and the manager must be a Lebanese national). Concerning joint-stock companies (Société Anonyme Libanaise – SAL), one-third of the board of directors should be Lebanese; board members can be either shareholders or non-shareholders; one-third of capital shares should be held by Lebanese for companies that provide public utility services; and capital shares and management in cases of exclusive commercial representation are limited (Legislative Decree No. 34 dated August 5, 1967). Banking, insurance, and cargo, which can only operate as SALs, are required to have a Lebanese majority on the board, making them, in practice, restricted for FDI. For holding and offshore companies, all board members may be non-Lebanese.
Obligation to Declare
It is required of each foreign company wishing to do business in Lebanon to inform the Ministry of Economy and Trade in a formal document prior to registering in the Commercial Registrar.
Requests For Specific Authorisations
IDAL has the authority to award licenses and permits for new investment in specific sectors. The law does not permit offshore banking, trust, and insurance companies to operate in Lebanon. Banking, insurance, and cargo, which can only operate as SALs, are required to have a Lebanese majority on the board, making them, in practice, restricted for FDI. Several restrictions apply to the real estate sector as well (cabinet approval is required for acquisitions of land above 3,000 square meters).
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