Manufacturing & Industrial Legal Services

Launch Your Colombian Manufacturing Operations

Maximize benefits through Colombia's 100+ Free Trade Zones. Single 20% corporate tax rate (vs 35% standard), VAT exemptions on imports/exports, and duty-free equipment imports create compelling economics. Recent automotive client saved $3M annually through FTZ structuring. We handle DIAN approvals, customs protocols, and operational setup. Average approval time: 60 days.

FTZ Application & Approval
Tax Optimization Strategy
Customs Compliance Setup
Operational Structuring

Strategic site selection and development across Colombia's industrial corridors. Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla offer modern infrastructure and skilled labor. We negotiate land purchases/leases, secure construction permits, manage environmental approvals, and coordinate utilities. Recent 50,000 sqft facility completed in 8 months from site selection to operations.

Site Selection Analysis
Permit Management
Construction Oversight
Infrastructure Setup

Navigate Colombia's Manufacturing regulations with confidence. INVIMA registration for pharmaceuticals/food, MinTIC certifications for electronics, and sector-specific requirements. We ensure compliance with Colombian Technical Standards (NTC), manage inspections, and maintain operational licenses. Proactive compliance prevents costly shutdowns and penalties.

INVIMA Registration
Technical Standards (NTC)
Operating Licenses
Ongoing Compliance

Access Colombia's generous Manufacturing incentives. MEGA-Investments (>$11M) receive 27% income tax rate for 10 years. Technology investments qualify for 165% R&D deduction. Regional incentives in Pacific Alliance zones offer additional benefits. We structure investments to stack incentives, recently achieving 15% effective tax rate for electronics manufacturer.

MEGA-Investment Benefits
R&D Tax Deductions
Regional Incentives
Incentive Stacking

Start Manufacturing

Our Specialties

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Services

Free Trade Zone Advantages

Unmatched Tax Benefits

Colombia's Free Trade Zones offer game-changing benefits for manufacturers. The 20% single tax rate replaces multiple taxes, while VAT and customs duty exemptions dramatically reduce operational costs. Recent textile manufacturer reduced total tax burden from 42% to 20% through FTZ optimization. With streamlined customs procedures and no foreign exchange restrictions, FTZs provide the ideal platform for export-oriented Manufacturing.

Strategic Location Benefits

Gateway to the Americas

Colombia's strategic position provides unmatched access to American markets. Direct shipping to U.S. East Coast (5 days), West Coast (8 days), and throughout Latin America. Free Trade Agreements with USA, Canada, Mexico, and 14 other countries covering 1.5 billion consumers. Modern ports in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Buenaventura handle 2M+ TEUs annually. This geographic advantage reduces logistics costs by 30% compared to Asian alternatives.

Skilled Workforce Advantage

Quality Labor at Competitive Costs

Colombia offers Latin America's most skilled Manufacturing workforce at competitive costs. Average manufacturing wages 60% lower than USA while maintaining high productivity. Technical education programs (SENA) provide continuous training aligned with industry needs. English proficiency growing rapidly with 1.5M+ English speakers. Recent automotive manufacturer achieved 95% quality metrics within 6 months using local workforce. Strong work ethic and low turnover rates ensure operational stability.

Manufacturing Setup FAQ

Essential Questions for Manufacturing Investment

Key benefits include: competitive labor costs (60% lower than USA), strategic location with ocean access to both coasts, 16 Free Trade Agreements covering 60+ countries, 100+ Free Trade Zones with 20% single tax rate, skilled workforce with technical training programs, stable democracy with investment protections, and government incentives for Manufacturing. Combined advantages typically reduce total manufacturing costs by 25-40% versus U.S. operations.

Timeline varies by complexity: Free Trade Zone approval (60-90 days), company registration (15 days), environmental permits (60-120 days depending on industry), construction permits (30-45 days), and operational licenses (30-60 days). Total setup typically requires 6-9 months from decision to production. We coordinate parallel processes to minimize timeline. Existing facility acquisitions can be operational in 90 days.

Successful sectors include: automotive (40% growth since 2015), textiles and apparel (major exports to USA), pharmaceuticals (serving Latin American markets), cosmetics (leveraging biodiversity), electronics assembly, plastics and chemicals, food processing, and medical devices. Colombia excels in labor-intensive Manufacturing requiring skilled workers. Government prioritizes these sectors with special incentives and support programs.

Investment requirements vary: small operations can start with $500K-1M, medium-scale Manufacturing typically requires $2-5M, and large industrial projects need $10M+. Free Trade Zone minimum investment is $1.7M. MEGA-investment benefits require $11M+. Costs include facility (purchase/lease), equipment import, working capital, and setup expenses. Government financing programs available through Bancoldex and development banks.

Strong investment protections include: constitutional guarantees for foreign investors, bilateral investment treaties with USA and 15+ countries, legal stability contracts for investments over $2M, international arbitration rights, free capital repatriation, no expropriation without compensation, and equal treatment with domestic investors. MIGA and OPIC insurance available. These protections make Colombia one of Latin America's safest investment destinations.

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