Dagnachew & Mahlet Law Firm Limited Liability Partnership(LLP) (2024)

By Mahlet Mesganaw
Email: mahlet@dmethiolawyers.com


Introduction

Historically, under the Civil Code of Ethiopia in 1960, under Article 390, a foreigner is not allowed to own an immovable property in Ethiopia. However when investments are increasing by foreigners in Ethiopia, there arises a need provide incentive. Thus as part of the investment incentive together with income tax waivers, the Ethiopian government allows foreigners to own immovable property. A brief look on the subject matter is made here below.


The Shift

The 1960 Civil Code of Ethiopia on Article 390 clearly state that foreigners may not own immovable property situated in Ethiopia except in accordance with an Imperial Order. Such a stance has not been changed when the Imperial Era came out with an investment Proclamation No 242/1966. Similarly the Dergue regime’s investment Proclamation No 17/1990 did not change the situation. Neither the Transitional Government of Ethiopia Proclamation No 15/1992. Investment Proclamation No 37/1996 incorporated no specific law regarding ownership of immovable by foreigners as well. The first investment proclamation to introduce the shift was Investment Proclamation No 280/2002. Under Article 38 of the Proclamation, it states that notwithstanding the provisions of Article 390-393 of the Civil Code, a foreign national taken for domestic investor or a foreign investor is granted the right to own a dwelling house and other immovable property requisite for his investment. This right of ownership of an immovable covers those investors who have invested prior to the issuance of the proclamation. Then similar provisions allowing foreign investors ownership right of immovable has been included in Investment Proclamation No 769/2012 and the latest Investment Proclamation No 1180/2020 and its Regulation No 474/2020. We shall see who is eligible for ownership of immovable property next.


Who is Eligible

To own an immovable property in Ethiopia as a foreigner, the foreigner has to be a foreign national who invested in Ethiopia or a foreign national considered as domestic investor.“Foreign Investor” is defined under the latest investment proclamation as a person who has invested foreign capital in Ethiopia as a foreign national or as an enterprise in which a foreign national has an ownership stake or as an enterprise incorporated outside of Ethiopia by any investor. A foreign national will be considered as domestic investor by application made by the foreign investor. A foreign national or foreign enterprise will be treated as domestic investor as per the relevant law or international treaty ratified by Ethiopia and issued with permit. A foreign national or foreign enterprise accorded a domestic investor investment permit as per laws which were in effect when the permit was issued will be considered as a domestic investor. Thus foreign nationals who brought capital to Ethiopia as an investor and foreign nationals considered as domestic investors shall have the right to own immovable property. What constitutes an immovable property will be dealt next.


Immovable Property

A foreign investor or a foreign national treated as domestic investor will have the right to own immovable property necessary for his investment. Immovable property as used in this provision does not include land. The reason land is excluded is because of the FDRE Constitution. Under Article 40 Sub Article 3 of the Constitution, the ownership right of land in Ethiopia is assigned to the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia. A foreign investor or a foreign national treated as domestic investor who owns large investment may be allowed to own one dwelling house. Article 17 of the Investment Regulation No 474/2020 state that a foreign investor or foreign national considered as a domestic investor may own a dwelling house if he has invested a minimum of USD10 million. Comparing the latest proclamation with the earlier investment proclamations show strict conditions are set in this latest investment proclamation for ownership of dwelling house. For instance the previous investment proclamations namely Investment Proclamation No 769/2012 and 280/2002 provide that foreign investors or a foreign national treated as a domestic investor has the right to own a dwelling house and other immovable property requisite for his investment. There was no capital requirement for owning dwelling house.


Conclusion

In compliance with the economic progress and the size of the foreign investment in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government has continuously amending its investment laws to meet the needs of foreign investors to reside and operate their commercial activities. Ethiopian Investment law as an investment incentive rendering ownership right of immovable for foreign investors will encourage investment, but requiring huge investment to own dwelling house may discourage the same.

Dagnachew & Mahlet Law Firm Limited Liability Partnership(LLP) (1)Save as PDF

Dagnachew & Mahlet Law Firm Limited Liability Partnership(LLP) (2024)

FAQs

What does LLP mean in law? ›

The State Bar of California's Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) program certifies professional partnerships to allow partners to limit their vicarious liability for the acts tortious or otherwise of their partners and employees in accordance with statutes and the State Bar's Limited Liability Partnership Rules and ...

Is an LLP a partnership? ›

Limited liability partnership (LLP) is a type of general partnership where every partner has a limited personal liability for the debts of the partnership. Partners will not be liable for the tortious damages of other partners but potentially for the contractual debts depending on the state.

What does LLP mean in business? ›

You can set up ('incorporate') a limited liability partnership ( LLP ) to run a business with 2 or more members. A member can be a person or a company, known as a 'corporate member'.

What is the difference between an LLC and an LLP? ›

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A limited liability partnership is similar to a limited liability company (LLC) in that all partners are granted limited liability protection. However, in some states the partners in an LLP get less liability protection than in an LLC. LLP requirements vary from state to state.

What is an LLP good for? ›

Unlike an LLC (Limited Liability Company), all partners have limited liability protection, which means they are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the LLP. This makes an LLP a good choice for businesses that involve multiple owners, as each partner has their own protected interests.

Who is the ownership in an LLP? ›

Limited companies are owned by one or more shareholders, whereas limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are jointly owned and run by two or more members (partners).

What are the owners of an LLP called? ›

An LLP is a general partnership formed by two or more owners (called partners). Similar to an LLC, an LLP is a cross between a corporation and a partnership, with the partners enjoying some limited personal liability.

Can a partner in an LLP receive a salary? ›

Partners do not receive a salary from the partnership. Rather, the partners are compensated by withdrawing funds from partnership earnings. Partnerships are flow-through tax entities. As such, any profits or losses produced by the partnership pass through to the partners.

What are 3 examples of LLP? ›

Common businesses that become LLPs are law firms, accounting firms, and doctor offices because multiple partners are involved in the business.

Is LLP or LLC better? ›

Choosing to run your company as an LLC or LLP depends upon your profession and your state. If you're a professional who needs a license to do business, you're better off running your company as an LLP if your state allows it. If you are not a professional, an LLC is usually the best fit for your business.

Is an LLP a private company? ›

An LLP is a hybrid of a private limited company and a traditional partnership. It is designed to combine the limited liability which the members of a limited company enjoy with the benefits of flexibility, confidentiality and tax transparency provided by unlimited partnerships.

What is the downside of an LLP? ›

Disadvantages of an LLP

Public disclosure is the main disadvantage of an LLP. Financial accounts have to be submitted to Companies House for the public record. The accounts may declare income of the members which they may not wish to be made public. Income is personal income and is taxed accordingly.

What are the pros and cons of an LLP? ›

The big benefit is that it protects the individual partner's assets and deems the LLP as a legal entity in its own right. The disadvantages are that the partnership needs to publicly disclose its financial details and there are fewer tax advantages compared to setting up an LLC.

Does an LLP need a CEO? ›

It is entirely up to the LLP members whether to do so. Ultimately, the need for a CEO and/or CTO will depend on internal management structure, the size and needs of the LLP, and the industry in which it operates.

Does an LLP protect your personal assets? ›

An LLP insulates your personal assets from others' actions and the actions of the partnership's employees. That said, limited liability has limits. Each partner in an LLP remains personally liable for his or her own professional activities.

What are the disadvantages of a limited partnership? ›

On the downside, LPs require that the general partner have unlimited liability. They are responsible for 100% of management control but also are on the hook for any debts or mishandling of business dealings. As well, limited partners are only allowed limited involvement in operations.

Who can't be a partner in an LLP? ›

(3) An individual shall not become a designated partner in any limited liability partnership unless he has given his prior consent to act as such to the limited liability 20 partnership in such form and manner as may be prescribed.

Does an LLP get a 1099? ›

If you file as an LLC or LLP, you can get a 1099. But, S Corporations and C corporations do not get one.

Is an LLP a company or a firm? ›

LLP is an alternative corporate business form that gives the benefits of limited liability of a company and the flexibility of a partnership. • The LLP can continue its existence irrespective of changes in partners. It is capable of entering into contracts and holding property in its own name. •

How is a LLP taxed? ›

Generally, in an LLC or LLP, the business entity does not pay federal income taxes on its profits. Instead, the company's profit or loss passes through to the owners' tax returns and is subject to tax at the applicable individual income tax rate.

How are taxes paid in a partnership? ›

A partnership must file an annual information return to report the income, deductions, gains, losses, etc., from its operations, but it does not pay income tax. Instead, it "passes through" profits or losses to its partners.

How many partners does an LLP have? ›

Every LLP shall be required to have atleast two Designated Partners who shall be individuals and at least one of the Designated Partner shall be a resident of India.

How do I withdraw money from my LLP? ›

Withdrawal of Capital Once paid up, capital cannot be withdrawn by shareholders without the approval of court. Company can buy back the shares subject to Companies Act.

Can partners pay themselves a salary? ›

Much like sole proprietors, partners in a partnership must use the draw method to pay themselves. The IRS doesn't consider partners employees of a partnership. Therefore, you are unable to pay yourself a salary. You will be taxed like a sole proprietor for your percentage of the partnership's income.

Can you have one person in an LLP? ›

A limited liability partnership must have at least two members. If membership falls to only one member and the limited liability partnership continues to carry on business for more than 6 months, then the benefits of limited liability are lost.

Who are members of an LLP? ›

LLP members are partners in a limited liability partnership. You need two or more members to register an LLP at Companies House, and at least two of these members must be 'designated'. A designated member has more duties and legal responsibilities than an ordinary member.

What type of business are LLPs typically popular among? ›

Forming an LLP

Although found in many business fields, the LLP is an especially popular form of organization among professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and architects. In California, New York, Oregon, and Nevada, LLPs can only be formed for such professional uses.

What are the key differences between a company and an LLP? ›

LLP is required to file certain statutory returns annually and other filings based on certain events from time to time irrespective of doing business or not. Company is required to file certain statutory returns annually and other filings based on certain events from time to time irrespective of doing business or not.

What is the best state to start an LLP? ›

Delaware is considered to be the best state for incorporation. The state attracts many small business owners in terms of filing for an LLP or LLC due to its lenient business law statutes.

Does an LLP file a tax return? ›

Filing requirements

LLPs do not pay income tax but they are subject to the annual tax of $800. Your return is due the 15th day of the 3rd month after the close of your taxable year. For more information visit Due dates for businesses .

What type of organization is an LLP? ›

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a partnership in which some or all partners (depending on the jurisdiction) have limited liabilities. It therefore can exhibit elements of partnerships and corporations. In an LLP, each partner is not responsible or liable for another partner's misconduct or negligence.

What is the difference between a private limited company and a limited partnership? ›

A Partnership Firm in India has no separate legal status separate from its partners. However, a private limited company is an artificial separate legal entity and can hold assets and incur liability in its names.

What is an example of an LLP? ›

Examples of Limited Liability Partnerships

Common businesses that become LLPs are law firms, accounting firms, and doctor offices because multiple partners are involved in the business.

What does LLP stand for when someone dies? ›

LLP stand for Limited Liability Partnership which are a hybrid legal entity somewhere between a limited liability company and a traditional partnership.

What are the disadvantages of LLP? ›

Disadvantages of an LLP
  • Public disclosure is the main disadvantage of an LLP. ...
  • Income is personal income and is taxed accordingly. ...
  • Profit can not be retained in the same way as a company limited by shares. ...
  • An LLP must have at least two members. ...
  • Residential addresses were historically recorded at Companies House.

Why are law firms always LLP? ›

Tax Advantages

The LLP business form comes with a significant tax advantage over the LLC form. Under the LLP model, the partners in law firms can pass their profits or losses to their own individual tax returns come income tax time, meaning that the firm itself doesn't have to file a tax return.

Who is an LLP owned by? ›

An LLP is owned by its partners who are responsible for investing capital into it. However, unlike a Partnership firm where the management is controlled by the partners itself, the partners of an LLP do not participate in its management at all. Instead, they appoint designated partners for this purpose.

Does an LLP have to file taxes? ›

Filing requirements

LLPs do not pay income tax but they are subject to the annual tax of $800. Your return is due the 15th day of the 3rd month after the close of your taxable year. For more information visit Due dates for businesses .

What are the pros and cons of LLP? ›

The big benefit is that it protects the individual partner's assets and deems the LLP as a legal entity in its own right. The disadvantages are that the partnership needs to publicly disclose its financial details and there are fewer tax advantages compared to setting up an LLC.

Is it better to have an LLC or LLP? ›

Choosing to run your company as an LLC or LLP depends upon your profession and your state. If you're a professional who needs a license to do business, you're better off running your company as an LLP if your state allows it. If you are not a professional, an LLC is usually the best fit for your business.

What is the limit of LLP? ›

Minimum two partners are required to incorporate an LLP. However, there is no upper limit on the maximum number of partners of an LLP.

What is one disadvantage of a limited partnership? ›

On the downside, LPs require that the general partner have unlimited liability. They are responsible for 100% of management control but also are on the hook for any debts or mishandling of business dealings. As well, limited partners are only allowed limited involvement in operations.

What is the average age to make partner at a law firm? ›

Average age to make partner at a law firm

The most common age to graduate law school is between 25 and 28 years old, so the average age to make partner probably falls somewhere around 35 to 38 years old.

What is the difference between a partner and an owner in a law firm? ›

A law firm partner is a lawyer who buys into a firm and generates revenue in exchange for a share of ownership and profits. As a partial owner, law firm partners are usually more involved with the business of running the law firm in addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of practicing law.

Does an LLP need an agreement? ›

It is not essential for members of an LLP to have a members' agreement, but without one, you will be obliged to abide by the default provisions as set out in the Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001.

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