Lebanon - Establishing an OfficeLebanon - Establishing an Office
A foreigner who would like to establish a business branch in Lebanon must first apply for a residency permit from the Directorate of General Security (Sûreté Générale in French) and a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. Foreign companies also require a license to operate from the Ministry of Economy and Trade. U.S. companies may operate through local branches, provided they obtain a “receipt of acknowledgement” from the Ministry of Economy and Trade and register in a local commercial court. For trade activity, the company must register at one of the four regional chambers of commerce and industry.
The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) has a one-stop shop service to issue permits and licenses in investors for all the key sectors.