The glossary to understand and take action

Shareholder

A shareholder holds rights in a company by virtue of their participation in the capital or under the rules of the relevant legal form.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

Their voting, financial and information rights must be distinguished from the manager's powers. The same person may hold these roles simultaneously without them becoming legally identical.

In your file

What this changes in practice

Shareholder status arises from holding corporate rights and entails rights and obligations according to the legal form and the articles of association. A contribution, voting rights, rights to distributions and an operational role are not necessarily the same. A shareholder may also be a director, employee or lender, but each relationship must be treated separately. Documenting decisions and movements of securities prevents ambiguities.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A shareholder lends money to the company in addition to their contribution. This advance must be distinguished from capital and documented, in particular for its repayment and any remuneration.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Identifier les titres et droits détenus
  • Séparer fonctions et relations financières
  • Conserver les décisions et mouvements de participation

The practical question

Find out more

Être associé donne-t-il le pouvoir de signer tous les contrats ?

La détention de parts ou actions ne confère pas nécessairement un pouvoir de représentation. Celui-ci dépend des fonctions exercées et des règles applicables. Distinguez les décisions réservées aux associés de la gestion confiée aux dirigeants. Avant une signature, vérifiez la qualité du signataire et les éventuelles autorisations internes nécessaires.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Share capitalShare capital is an amount set out in the articles of association based on contributions recognised as capital, then amended in accordance with the applicable procedures.Shareholder current accountThe shareholder current account records sums due between the company and a shareholder according to the relevant transactions and agreements.DividendA dividend is a distribution decided for the benefit of partners or shareholders under the conditions applicable to the company.SARLAn SARL is a private limited liability company whose organisation and shareholders’ rights are governed by law and the articles of association.Civil partnershipA civil partnership is a corporate structure intended for a civil purpose, whose rules differ from those of commercial capital companies.ManagerThe manager performs the management and representation functions assigned to them within the company.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideSetting up an SARL in Luxembourg: steps and documents to preparePractical guideSARL in Luxembourg: operation and decisions of the partners

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.