How to Open a Ltd Company Online: Names, Shareholders
You can open a Ltd company without visiting the Companies Registrar: company names, shareholder details, and three documents.
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In short
To open a Ltd company online, prepare up to three names, details of the shareholders, and documents like an ID card and driver's license. The application is submitted through the website, and approval is typically received within 3 business days.
To open a Ltd company online, prepare up to three names for the company, details of the shareholders and their share distribution, and three documents: ID card, supplementary ID, and driver's license or passport. The application to the Companies Registrar is submitted on your behalf, and approval is received within an average of 3 business days, depending on the authorities.
What to Prepare Before Opening a Company?
Fill in all the details in the questionnaire on the website, and upload the documents as a photo from your phone or as a scan. It's advisable to prepare in advance:
Up to three names for the company, in order of preference
For each shareholder: full name, ID number or passport, and address
Share distribution in percentages among the shareholders
ID card from both sides, open supplementary ID with address, and Israeli driver's license or passport
Unlike a sole trader, opening a company does not require a bank account management approval or proof of business readiness. The bank account is opened in the company's name after registration.
How to Choose a Name for the Company?
The name in Hebrew is mandatory and can include Hebrew letters, numbers, and spaces. An English name can be added if desired. In the questionnaire, you can list up to three names, so if the first name is not approved, an alternative is ready.
While you type, the questionnaire checks with the Companies Registrar if the name is already taken. If it is, you will see a message and can choose another name immediately, even before submission. It's best to avoid overly generic names, like "Services" or "Consulting" alone: they are usually taken and also hard to remember. The company name appears on the certificate of incorporation and all its documents, so it's wise to choose a name you want to use long-term.
Shareholders and Share Distribution: Example of Two Partners
An illustrative example. Two partners open a design studio. One invests more money and works full-time, while the other joins part-time. They decide on a distribution of 60% and 40%, and in the questionnaire, each appears as a shareholder with their details and percentage.
The total shares cannot exceed 100%, and the questionnaire checks this. You can also open a company with one shareholder holding all the shares. It's advisable to finalize the distribution between partners before submission, as changes later require additional documents.
What's Included in the Price and What Can Be Added?
The basic package is the registration with the Companies Registrar. Other services are chosen based on need at that stage of payment. Prices are subject to VAT, and the final amount is displayed before payment.
Service | What It Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
Opening a Company with the Companies Registrar | Certificate of incorporation in Hebrew and English, articles of association, declaration of shareholders and directors | From ₪450 |
Opening Tax Authority Files | VAT, Income Tax, and National Insurance | ₪750 |
Opening a Bank Account for the Company | Signature verification by lawyers | ₪650 |
Authorized Signatory Protocol | Verified document for signing agreements | ₪450 |
You can also add a professional guide for the company or a personal meeting with an accountant, each for ₪75. Payment is made only after the documents have been uploaded.
After Opening: Company Number and Certificate of Incorporation
Once the registrar approves, the company receives a company number (ח.פ.), and the certificate of incorporation appears in the personal area for download. From here, you can open a bank account in the company's name and files with the tax authorities, if you haven't ordered them together with the registration.
The company has regular reporting obligations, so it's advisable to work with an accountant from the start. You can contact our partner EA&CO, with prices on their website (opens in a new tab), and issue invoices in the CPA Digital (opens in a new tab) system. Ready? Start the questionnaire and choose a Ltd company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Open a Ltd Company?
Filling out the questionnaire on the website takes less than 5 minutes if the names and shareholder details are prepared in advance. Approval from the authorities typically takes 3 business days on average, depending on the authorities. Checking the name with the registrar while filling out the form saves delays: a taken name can be replaced immediately, not after the application returns.
Can You Open a Ltd Company with One Shareholder?
Yes. One person can hold all the shares of the company, which is a common route for those working alone and wanting to separate personal money from business money. In the questionnaire, you add one shareholder with 100% of the shares. If a partner joins later, you can transfer some shares to them, but this requires additional documents.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Open a Company?
Not for the registration itself. The company's articles of association and the declaration of shareholders and directors are included in the basic package, and we handle the submission to the Companies Registrar for you. Our lawyers are only required for additional services: signature verification when opening a bank account for the company and preparing the authorized signatory protocol. These services are chosen based on need at that stage of payment, along with the registration.
What’s the Difference Between a Ltd Company and a Licensed Dealer?
A company is a separate legal entity: it signs contracts, holds its own bank account, and usually, shareholders are not personally liable for its debts. In contrast, a company's reporting is more complex than that of a licensed dealer. It's advisable to consult with an accountant to determine what is beneficial for you based on expected income and partners.
Can You Convert an Existing Sole Trader to a Company?
Not directly. A company is a separate legal entity, so you cannot simply transfer the sole trader's file to it. You open a new company from scratch and then transfer the activity and clients to it. It's advisable to plan the transition with an accountant to properly close the previous file and avoid double taxation.