FAQs

1. What are the common forms of legal business entities in Haiti?

There are five (5) common forms of business entities permitted by Haitian law:

1. Company
2. subsidiary
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
4. Registered partnership
5. Sole Proprietorship

2. Which Haitian entity will most effectively protect me from significant personal responsibility?

The Société anonyme Haitienne (S.A.), equivalent to a company, protects its shareholders from any personal liability. It should be noted that Haitian company law requires that at least one member of the board of directors be of Haitian nationality.

3. Do I need a lawyer to integrate in Haiti?

It is mandatory to hire a lawyer to start your business in Haiti.

4. How long does it take to establish in Haiti?

Starting a business in Haiti takes about six (6) weeks.

5. Is the company's income taxable in Haiti?

Yes, business income is taxed in Haiti.

6. What is the corporate tax rate in Haiti?

The corporate income tax rate in Haiti is 30%.

7. What is the personal income tax rate in Haiti?

The personal income tax brackets of Haiti and its tax rate are as follows:

8. What is the rate of payroll tax in Haiti?

The wage tax rate in Haiti is 2%.

9. What is the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) in Haiti?

The tax rate on value added in Haiti is 10%.

10. What is the property tax rate in Haiti?

The property tax rate in Haiti is 15%.

11. What is the tax rate on capital gains in Haiti?

The capital gains tax rate in Haiti is 15%.

12. Is there a double taxation agreement between Haiti and other countries?

There is no double taxation agreement between Haiti and other countries.

13. Does the Haitian Investment Code provide incentives for businesses?

The Haitian Investment Code provides significant fiscal (tax holiday) and customs incentives for companies in eligible sectors with a duration of less than 15 years.

14. Which sectors are eligible for incentives?

In accordance with the Haitian Investment Code, the eligible sectors are:

• export-oriented and re-export oriented investments;
• agriculture;
• Crafts;
• Tourism and related services;
• Investments made in the national industry with an added value of 35% on the final product;
• Investments in other sectors or special schemes such as:
  • Renewable energy;
  • Infrastructure;
  • recycling;
  • Housing
  • Construction

14. What are the requirements for a company to apply for incentives?

The companies covered by the investment code include:

• Those who are registered in Haiti;
• Those who start operations in Haiti;
• Those already operating in Haiti but making new investments or starting a new business;
• Those who have benefited from a tax holiday, but who are expanding, acquire new equipment and modernize.

15. Where can I get the Incentive Request Form?

At the Investment Facilitation Center (IFC). They are also available online at www.cfihaiti.com.

16. Where should I send my incentive application?

Incentive application files must be submitted to the CFI.

17. What is the deadline for granting these incentives?

The average time to award bonuses is thirty (30) business days.

18. How will the raw materials and heavy equipment needed by Haitian companies be handled by the customs authorities if they qualify for investment incentives under the Investment Code?

The equipment and raw materials necessary for the activities of qualified enterprises are imported duty-free.

19. Will my business in Haiti be treated in the same way as local businesses?

Article 11 of the Investment Code grants equal rights to foreign and domestic investors.

20. Is it possible to have a concession for land in Haiti?

Yes, it is possible for a company, depending on its needs, to receive a land grant in Haiti.

21. What are the daily minimum wages in Haiti?

The full costs for the employer are as follows: