How to close a business in Kosovo

Every business in the ARBK registry has a status. It tells you whether the business legally exists today. On Kerko, the status is shown at the top of every profile. Here is what each one means and how a business goes from "active" to "closed".

The statuses#

Registered#

The business is registered and legally exists. That does not necessarily mean it is actively trading (a business can be registered but dormant), but legally it can sign contracts, invoice and employ people.

Deregistered#

The business has been removed from the registry on request, usually the owner's. This is the typical status for an Individual Business its owner has closed.

Dissolved#

The company has been dissolved: the closing process is complete and the entity no longer exists. This status is typical for companies (LLCs, JSCs, partnerships) that have gone through dissolution and liquidation.

Canceled by the system#

The business was removed from the registry administratively, not at the owner's request. This usually happens when a business has not met its obligations to the registry under the law. The specific reason for a given business is not shown in the public data; for details you need to contact ARBK.

In practice: for a business partner, any status other than "Registered" means you should not sign new contracts with that entity. See How to check a business in Kosovo.

How to close an Individual Business#

Closing a B.I. is relatively simple, because the business and the owner are the same person:

1. Settle your tax obligations: file the final declarations with ATK and pay any outstanding amounts (taxes, VAT, contributions).
2. Deregister employees, if you have any.
3. Submit the deregistration request to ARBK, usually with your ID and proof that tax obligations are settled, according to ARBK's and ATK's current requirements.
4. Close the business bank account and, if you have one, the fiscal device according to ATK's procedure.

Note: deregistering does not erase debts. Since you are personally liable with a B.I., any remaining obligation stays yours.

How to close an LLC#

With a company the process is longer, because the company is a separate legal person and must settle its obligations before it ceases to exist:

1. Dissolution decision: the owners decide on the voluntary dissolution of the company.
2. Liquidation: a liquidator is appointed who collects the company's assets, pays creditors and publicly announces the closure, so that creditors can file claims within the legal deadline.
3. Distribution: whatever remains after all obligations are paid is distributed to the owners.
4. Final deregistration: after liquidation, ARBK records the company as dissolved.

If the company cannot pay its debts, the procedure is not voluntary liquidation but bankruptcy, which follows the bankruptcy law under court supervision.

Because of the deadlines and notices, liquidating an LLC usually takes several months. Work with an accountant and, if there are debts or disputes, a lawyer.

Why status matters#

• For customers and partners: status is the first check before any payment or contract.
• For owners: a business that no longer trades but is still "Registered" may still have filing obligations with ATK. If you don't plan to use it, close it properly.
• For employees: an employer with any status other than "Registered" cannot legally employ you.

Check the status on Kerko#

Search any business by name or NUI and see its current status. If you are the owner and your profile has outdated information, verify your business or request an update.