Law No. 7/26 requires most legal entities in Angola to declare their ultimate owners and controllers to a new public registry.
Angola has enacted Law No. 7/26 of 19 August, introducing a beneficial ownership regime and a Central Registry of Beneficial Ownership (CRBE). It applies to companies, law firms, NGOs, foundations, trusts and most other legal entities operating in the country, which must identify, declare and keep updated the individuals who ultimately own or control them.
Who is a beneficial owner
The law uses a 25% threshold, in capital or voting rights, as the presumptive test for beneficial ownership. It also sets broader “control by other means” criteria, so ownership structures should be assessed on control as well as percentage holdings.
The registry
The CRBE is a public, centralised registry with tiered access for authorities, obliged entities and the general public. Entities must make a mandatory initial declaration and then confirm it annually by 31 March.
Deadlines and penalties
Existing entities have a 180-day transitional window from 19 August to complete their initial filing. Fines range from AOA 25,000 to AOA 50,000,000, and accessory sanctions include disqualification from management roles. Implementing regulations are still to be published, and we are following them closely.
What this means for clients
This is a significant compliance milestone for any business already operating in Angola. Start by mapping ownership and control chains, including trusts, nominee arrangements and joint venture structures, so the initial declaration can be filed well inside the transitional window. The regime should also be built into the structuring of any new investment, joint venture or transaction in the country. Lechêne, Iñiguez & Partners is helping clients with beneficial ownership mapping and CRBE filings.
