Navigating the Legal Maze in Your Home Country

This is the Twelfth in a Series on Starting a Business as Mission Company

So, you’re ready to launch a Business as Mission (BAM) company in your own country. That’s awesome! You’re not just chasing profits—you’re chasing purpose, and that’s a mission worth taking on. But before you get too far down the road, you’ve got to handle the nitty-gritty legal stuff. This article will walk you through some basic steps and key points for setting up a BAM business legally in various regions like North Africa, Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and other emerging economies. One word of advice as we start—make sure you have reliable, local advice, preferably from a Christian attorney.

NOTE: We are not lawyers or accountants and can’t offer professional advice. We highly recommend establishing relationships with trusted advisors in your country to help you navigate the intricacies of local legalities.

Understand the Legal Landscape

Every country has its own rules, and it can feel like trying to learn a new language without a dictionary. Here’s a quick look at some regions:

North Africa: Think strict regulations, but also plenty of opportunity. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have been making strides to attract foreign investment, but you’ll need to navigate complex bureaucracy. There are often extra hoops for foreign-owned businesses, so locals have an advantage.

Asia: A mixed bag. In places like India or Indonesia, rules can be layered, with local, state, and national regulations. Then there’s China, where government relationships are key, and Vietnam, which has been on a liberalizing streak but still has its quirks.

South America: South American countries are generally pro-business, but are often bogged down by red tape. Brazil, for example, is notorious for its complex tax system, while Colombia has been improving its business environment but still has legal hurdles to clear.

Eastern Europe: If you’re in places like Ukraine or Romania, you might be in luck as they’re eager to welcome new businesses, but corruption and outdated laws can sometimes throw you a curveball.

Other Emerging Economies: Across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, there’s a common thread: governments that want more business but don’t always make it easy. Knowing local customs and regulations is vital.

Get Your Business Structure Right

Choosing the right business structure is like picking the right tool for a job—get it wrong, and you’ll be fixing things forever. Here are the basics:

Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to set up but offers no personal liability protection. Good for dipping your toes in but risky for the long haul.

Partnership: Two heads are better than one, but make sure you trust your partner like a brother or sister because you’ll share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the sweet spot for many. It protects your personal assets while keeping things relatively simple on the paperwork front. In some countries, this is known as a Private Limited Company (PLC).

Corporation: Big-time players will choose this option but it comes with big-time paperwork. If you’re aiming to go public or attract investors, this might be your best choice.

In many emerging economies, the LLC or its equivalent is your best bet—it’s like driving an automatic car in a stick-shift world: easy to handle but gets you where you need to go.

Name Your Business

You’ve got to name your baby, but it’s not as simple as picking something cool or catchy. Check that your dream name isn’t already taken or, worse, trademarked by someone else. This usually involves a quick online search or a visit to a government website. Some countries even have restrictions on what names you can use (no swear words or political statements, obviously).

Pro tip: Think local but not too local. Your BAM business might start in your hometown, but if God prospers it, you could go global. So, pick a name that’s easy to pronounce and doesn’t mean something weird in another language. Trust me, you don’t want to find out your brand name translates to “bad soup” in Mandarin or “won’t go” in Spanish.

Register Your Business

In most countries, registering your business is as mandatory as having a license to drive. This process varies widely:

Online Registration: Some places have jumped into the 21st century, offering online registration portals. These are usually a Godsend, saving you from a mountain of paperwork and countless trips to government offices.

Manual Registration: In other spots, be prepared for long lines, multiple stamps and signatures, and dealing with public servants who may or may not have had their coffee. On a serious note, be prepared for the demand of a bribe and have your mind made up in advance how you will handle this Biblically.

In regions like North Africa and South America, registering a business can sometimes feel like getting through airport security on a busy day. Patience is key, as is knowing the exact documents you need (proof of ID, address, business plan, etc.). It helps if you know someone who knows someone—networking is as valuable as a good lawyer in these parts.

Get the Required Permits and Licenses

Permits and licenses are like seasoning—different dishes require different spices. Your BAM venture might need special permits depending on what you’re doing:

Retail and Sales Licenses: Selling goods? You’ll likely need a sales tax permit. 

Import/Export Licenses: Planning to move products across borders? Understanding the rules for customs is confusing but necessary.

Health and Safety Permits: If you’re dealing with food, kids, or medical services you will most likely need to go down this path.

Local governments might ask for additional licenses, so always double-check. This is where knowing the local language or having a trustworthy translator comes in handy.

Bank Accounts: Keep Your Money Separate

Opening a business bank account is like setting boundaries in a relationship. It keeps your personal and professional finances from mixing. In some countries, you’ll need your business registration documents, proof of ID, and maybe even a minimum deposit to open an account.

In places like Eastern Europe, having a local bank account can also make you look more legit—customers and suppliers are often wary of dealing with businesses that only have foreign accounts.

Tax Registration: Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s

You can’t avoid it—taxes are part of the game. Registering for taxes can be straightforward or it can be like solving a complex math problem with no calculator. Some tips:

Know Your Tax Type: Income tax, sales tax, VAT (Value Added Tax)—every country has its own tax cocktail. Figure out what applies to your business.

Hire a Local Accountant: In emerging economies, tax laws change like the weather. A local accountant can help you stay compliant and, just as important, avoid overpaying.

Some countries have business-friendly tax policies for startups, so do a little digging—you might qualify for a break or two.

Employment Laws: Your Team, Your Responsibility

If you plan to hire staff, you’ll need to follow local labor laws. This includes minimum wage requirements, working hours, and employee benefits. In some places, hiring foreigners requires special permits, so think ahead if you’re planning to bring in outside talent.

Don’t forget about workplace safety regulations. Ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s expensive if someone gets hurt and you’re not covered. Most emerging economies have basic labor laws, but enforcement can be spotty, so don’t just follow the letter of the law—do what’s right by your employees.

Intellectual Property: Protect Your Genius

If your BAM business involves creating something unique—like a product, a service, or even a brand—protect it. Registering trademarks, copyrights, or patents ensures that your hard work isn’t copied or stolen. In places like Asia, intellectual property theft is common, so don’t skip this step if you’ve got something worth protecting.

Stay Compliant

Starting a BAM business is not a set-it-and-forget-it task. Laws change, and what was okay last year might not be okay now. Schedule regular check-ups on your legal status, whether that means reviewing your permits, staying updated on tax laws, or renewing licenses.

Conclusion

Launching a BAM company isn’t just about jumping through legal hoops—it’s about laying a solid foundation so your business can thrive and fulfill its mission. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but remember why you’re doing this. You’re not just starting a business; you’re setting the stage for transformation, both economically and spiritually. And that’s worth all the paperwork in the world.

For more information on Business as Mission, we recommend the online course, “Creating Your BAM Lean Canvas” at this link— https://thirdpathinitiative.com/all-courses . It is available in 6 languages: English, Spanish, Azeri, Russian, Ukrainian, Romanian. Other resources include https://businessasmission.com and Business as Mission by Michael R. Baer available at https://www.ywampublishing.com/p-961-business-as-missionbrthe-power-of-business-in-the-kingdom-of-god.aspx. For a more comprehensive guide to starting a BAM company we recommend C. Neil Johnson’s book, Business as Mission in a Nutshell—All the Basics available at https://www.amazon.com/Business-Mission-Nutshell-All-Basics-Entrepreneurs/dp/B09XZHFXBD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7Z3S362XF3Q7&keywords=c.+neal+johnson&qid=1652402384&sprefix=C.+Ne%2Caps%2C275&sr=8-1