aktsiaseltsis

An aktsiaseltsis, often abbreviated as AS, is a type of legal entity in Estonian company law. It is essentially a joint-stock company. The defining characteristic of an aktsiaseltsis is that its share capital is divided into shares, and the liability of its shareholders is limited to the amount of their investment in the company. This means that the personal assets of shareholders are protected from the company's debts and obligations.

The establishment of an aktsiaseltsis requires at least one shareholder, who can be a natural person or a legal entity. There is a minimum share capital requirement, which must be paid up before the company can be registered. The governance structure of an aktsiaseltsis typically includes a management board responsible for day-to-day operations and a supervisory board, which oversees the management board and represents the interests of the shareholders.

Shares in an aktsiaseltsis can be transferred, though there may be restrictions outlined in the company's articles of association. The company's activities are governed by its articles of association and Estonian commercial law. Aktsiaseltsis entities are required to maintain accounting records and submit annual financial reports. They are also subject to taxation on their profits. This legal form is commonly used for businesses of various sizes, from small startups to large corporations, seeking the benefits of limited liability and the ability to raise capital through the sale of shares.