Business Structure Decision Checklist
Use this checklist to narrow options, not to make a final registration decision.
1. Ownership
- One owner: compare sole proprietorship and One Person Corporation.
- Two or more owners: compare partnership and corporation.
- Any foreign owner: classify the activity and verify the permitted equity level first.
2. Liability and continuity
- Need separation from personal liabilities: prioritize a juridical entity, subject to lawful capitalization and governance.
- Need continuity beyond an owner’s withdrawal or death: compare corporate succession rules.
3. Capital and control
- Record initial contributions and future funding needs.
- Identify who should appoint managers or directors and approve reserved matters.
- Check whether investors will need transferable shares.
Output
Prepare a shortlist stating the preferred entity, excluded alternatives, unresolved ownership or licensing issues, required founders and the official rules still needing verification.