Venezuela entry checklist for US companies: a 30/60/90‑day plan

If access for US companies expands, the winners are the teams with a compliance backbone, a clear structure, and bank‑ready documentation. Here’s a practical launch plan.

Who this is for

Enterprise and mid‑market teams planning a subsidiary/branch and real operations.
Investors and strategics exploring JV, distribution, equipment import, or service contracts.
HQ Legal/Compliance/Finance teams who need a controlled process and clear deliverables.

Days 1–30: compliance + go/no‑go

Validate the current regulatory perimeter (sanctions/licensing restrictions) and capture “allowed vs not allowed” in a memo.
Draft an initial risk register (sanctions, AML/KYC, FCPA, operational risks).
Run counterparty/UBO screening and define disqualifying criteria.
Pick an entry track: subsidiary / branch / distribution / agency model.
Build a first budget: setup, tax/compliance, banking, permits, office/HR.

Days 31–60: structure + a bank‑ready folder

Incorporate (Registro Mercantil) and collect the incorporation pack.
Obtain RIF (SENIAT) and define the baseline tax/compliance calendar.
Assemble a KYC folder: UBO chart, source of funds, business narrative, contracts/invoices.
Corporate governance basics: signature rules, PoAs, board resolutions templates.
Accounting setup: invoicing discipline, bookkeeping workflow, reporting cadence.

Days 61–90: operational launch

Permits & licenses (municipal + sector‑specific, depending on activity).
Import/customs (if you ship equipment/goods): broker, documentation, clearance workflow.
HR: hiring, contracts, payroll cycle aligned with local requirements.
IP: trademark filing (SAPI) where relevant.
First transactions: compliance monitoring, KPI tracking, risk controls.

Key deliverables you should have

Entry memo (go/no‑go, constraints, assumptions).
30/60/90 roadmap with owners and deadlines.
Risk register + mitigation plan.
Bank‑ready KYC folder (one coherent pack).
Contractor tracker and a budget model.

How we help

We operate as an HQ‑friendly extension team: roadmap, document packs, contractor coordination and registry follow‑ups. Start here: Offer for US companies.

Want a tailored roadmap for your case?

We’ll assemble a 30/60/90‑day entry plan, a document checklist, and a risk register for your industry and structure.

Request a consult Offer for US companies

This is general information and not legal/tax advice.