How is a board member removed from office? A director of a public limited company is removed by an ordinary resolution whereas a director of a private limited company is removed from office by a special resolution undertaken by the shareholders. THE COMPANIES ACT What are some of the filing obligations under the companies Act? There are various filing obligations under the act, some of which are: ■■ If a company changes its share capital, it is expected to file this change with the Registrar General within 15 days after that change has been effected. ■■ If a company has provided a security over any of its properties, it is expected to file a statement of such security with the Registrar General within 30 days after provision of such security. ■■ The financial statements are required to be filed with the Registrar General together with a copy of the auditor’s report within 30 days after it has been signed. ■■ Change or replacement of a director or a change of address of a director is supposed to be filed with the Registrar General within 30 days after such a change. ■■ If a company opens a register of shares, it should be filed within 15 days of the date of opening the register. The notice should also specify where the register is kept. ■■ If a foreign company ceases to carry on business in Rwanda it should file the notice within 7 days of such cessation. ■■ If a company passes a special resolution declaring it dormant, it should notify the Registrar General within 15 days. Simplified For Further Details, Contact Office of the Registrar General at RDB Email: [email protected] | www.org.rdb.rw Supported by: Introduction: This brochure has been designed to provide you with key information you need to know regarding the new law relating to companies. http://rwanda.e-regulations.org. All new companies are supposed to be registered on-line by following the steps below: Step 1 Step 2 Request and obtain an e-signature at www.org.rdb.rw Fill and submit an on-line application form and submit required documents as attachments What is a company? A company is a legal entity which is made up of at least one physical person, or one corporate person, for the purposes of doing business. A company has a separate legal personality from its shareholders. This means that it can sue and be sued and can also acquire property separately from its shareholders. What is a subsidiary company? A company is a subsidiary of another company (referred to as the Parent Company) if the parent company among others, controls the board of the company and more than half the number of shares. What is a company branch? A company branch is simply a different (physical) location for the same company. Step 4 Obtain hard copy of the registration certificate- this is picked physically from RDB. Can my company merge with another company? Yes, your company can merge with another company to form one company. This is referred to as an amalgamation. What is amalgamation? Amalgamation is where two or more companies combine or merge into one company and continue to operate as one amalgamated company (whether as a new company or as one of the old amalgamated companies). Amalgamation may also result in changes in the share structure of the company. Preference Shares: Preference shares entitle the holder to the payment of dividend at a fixed rate; and in the event of winding up, it guarantees the repayment of the paid up capital. Who is a shareholder? A shareholder is any person or legal entity that owns at least one share of a company’s stock. What are my obligations as a shareholder? You have the following rights and obligations as a shareholder: ■■ Attend meetings- Annual General Meetings (AGM) and extraordinary meetings. ■■ Vote in proportion of your shareholding ■■ Receive dividends shareholding ■■ Elect members of board of directors in respect of your B How can I incorporate my company in Rwanda? Email: [email protected] / Website: www.org.rdb.rw ■■ NK There are two broad categories- private and public companies. You can incorporate your company by registering it in the Office of the Registrar General. For information on the requirements and steps of registration, log onto Ordinary shares: An ordinary share represents equity ownership in a company and entitles the owner to a vote in matters put before shareholders in proportion to their percentage ownership in the company. A NK BA BA How are companies categorized in Rwanda? ■■ Step 3 Obtain an electronic copy of the registration certificate- this is sent on your email. What is a dormant company? A company is considered to be dormant for any period when no significant accounting transaction takes place within the company. What are the different types of shares? The different types of shares include: What is a share? A share is simply a divided-up unit of the value of a company. Email: [email protected] / Website: www.org.rdb.rw What is a company Board of Directors? The Board of Directors is the highest governing authority within the management structure at any publicly traded company. Who appoints members of the Board of Directors? Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the annual meeting of shareholders. Email: [email protected] / Website: www.org.rdb.rw
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