ARBK
Authorised persons of a Kosovo business
Who can represent and sign for a business in Kosovo: the director, persons authorised at ARBK, limits on their powers and what happens when they change.
Andi B. · · 3 min read
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When you sign a contract with a business, it isn't enough that the business exists. You also need to know that the person signing is allowed to. In Kosovo this is public information: these people are called authorised persons and are registered with ARBK.
Who authorised persons are
Authorised persons have the right to represent the business:
- sign contracts and invoices;
- open and operate bank accounts;
- act before ATK, courts and other institutions;
- hire and dismiss employees.
By legal form:
- Individual Business: usually the owner themselves.
- SH.P.K.: the director or directors, appointed by the owners. A director can be an owner, or someone else entirely.
- SH.A.: the board and executive directors, as set out in the statute. See Joint-stock company.
- Branch of a foreign company: the representative appointed for Kosovo. See Foreign company in Kosovo.
The owner isn't necessarily the representative
This is a common misunderstanding. Someone can own 100% of an SH.P.K. and, if they aren't registered as an authorised person, not represent the company towards third parties. They control the company through owners' decisions, e.g. appointing or dismissing the director, not by signing contracts themselves.
The reverse is also true: a director with no ownership at all can legally sign a contract on the company's behalf.
Sole or joint representation
If a company has several authorised persons, the statute or registration can specify:
- sole representation: each can sign alone;
- joint representation: two or more signatures are needed, typically for major decisions or large amounts.
For important contracts, ask whether any such limits apply.
How to check
- Open the business's profile on Kerko or at ARBK.
- Look at the authorised persons.
- Compare the name with the person signing.
- If it doesn't match, ask for a written authorisation (power of attorney) signed by an authorised person.
The full checklist is in How to check a business.
When the director changes
Changing authorised persons has two sides:
- Inside the company: the owners decide on the appointment or dismissal.
- In the registry: the change is registered with ARBK. Until then, for third parties, the registry still shows the old person.
After registering the change, update the bank and EDI access. The old director shouldn't still have account access. The process is in Changing business details at ARBK, and the banking side in Business bank account.
For owners
If you own a business verified on Kerko, you or an authorised person can manage the profile (e.g. contacts, hours and description) and add team members. Learn more about verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is a business's authorised person?
The person registered with ARBK who has the right to legally represent the business, e.g. sign contracts, open bank accounts or act before institutions.
Is the owner automatically an authorised person?
For an Individual Business, usually yes. For an SH.P.K., not necessarily. The company can appoint a director who isn't an owner, and the owner doesn't represent it automatically.
How can I see who the authorised person is?
In the ARBK registry or on the business's Kerko profile, which lists the authorised persons.
What about a contract signed by someone without authority?
It can be challenged. If the signatory isn't listed as an authorised person, ask for a written authorisation before signing.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules on company representation are set by the law on business organisations and each company's statute.
- ARBK
- LLC
- Verification
