No, bearer shares are not permitted in Nevis. According to the Nevis Business Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, effective from August 24, 2023, corporations are prohibited from issuing, converting, or exchanging bearer shares. Existing bearer shares must be converted to registered shares within six months of the ordinance’s commencement. Non-compliance may result in penalties of up to USD 10,000. This legal reform applies to any Nevis corporation, ensuring greater transparency and alignment with international regulatory standards.
St. Kitts & Nevis LLC Formation
Register a Company in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2 days with tax advantages, strong privacy protection, and dedicated assistance for seamless setup.
About St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis Offshore Company Registration
For international entrepreneurs and investors, St. Kitts and Nevis company registration provides one of the strongest offshore foundations in the Caribbean. The jurisdiction is known for its reliable common law system, favorable tax environment, and robust privacy protections. A Nevis IBC (International Business Corporation) is the most widely used structure, offering a secure, tax-free platform for global operations.
By choosing Nevis offshore company formation, you gain access to a corporate vehicle with no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax. Profits can be reinvested without erosion, and international transactions are unrestricted by currency controls. The jurisdiction’s offshore framework is grounded in the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance, which ensures that your structure operates under well-established law while remaining flexible for modern business use.
Incorporating a St. Kitts and Nevis IBC is also fast. Companies are typically formed within 48 hours, with incorporation documents delivered electronically. Ownership is completely confidential — shareholder and director information is not publicly filed, allowing businesses to operate with privacy while maintaining compliance with international due diligence standards.
Whether used for holding assets, protecting intellectual property, or managing cross-border investments, a Nevis IBC combines efficiency with strength. It is a respected choice for anyone seeking long-term stability in offshore structuring.
Benefits
Register a Company in St. Kitts & Nevis
Tax-free structure
A Nevis IBC pays no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax.
Fast incorporation
Company formation is completed within 24–48 hours, with immediate issuance of incorporation documents.
Confidentiality
Shareholders and directors remain private under Nevis law, providing maximum discretion for business owners.
No audit or reporting requirements
Nevis companies are not required to file annual accounts or undergo audits, keeping compliance simple.
Global ownership and flexibility
There are no restrictions on foreign shareholders or directors, and no currency exchange controls apply
Stable legal foundation
As part of a well-established Caribbean jurisdiction, Nevis offers common law traditions and modern offshore legislation.
Features – International Business Company (IBC)
Offshore Company Registration in St. Kitts & Nevis
Incorporation in 2 business days
No local director or shareholder required
Electronic documents issued for global use
Strong privacy framework under Nevis law
Banking support available worldwide
Simple renewals with transparent pricing
International Business Company
St. Kitts and Nevis Company Formation Packages
Basic
$1,470
Annual Renewal: USD 1,390
Unlimited Name Availability Check: Ensure your chosen company name is unique and available.
Document Preparation and Filing: All necessary documentation is prepared and submitted on your behalf.
Expedited Incorporation Process: Company incorporation completed efficiently.
One Year of Secretarial Services: Comprehensive company secretarial support for one year.
One Year Registered Agent and Address: Provision of a local registered agent and address for one year.
All Government Fees Included for One Year: Covers all government-related fees for the first year.
Digital Corporate Documents: Receive all essential corporate documents in digital format.
This package provides all the necessary services for a foreigner to establish a new St. Kitts and Nevis International Business Company (IBC) from start to finish
Standard
$1,670
Annual Renewal: USD 1,390
All Core Services from the Basic Package Included: This package builds on the Basic tier and includes everything needed to successfully set up your St. Kitts and Nevis IBC from start to finish.
One Bank Account Application Included: After your company is incorporated, we assist with one full application to a supported bank.
OVZA’s Service Fee Fully Covered: Our bank account opening support fee is included in this package—no additional OVZA charges.
Bank Introduction: We introduce your company to a reputable bank we work closely with and provide hands-on guidance throughout the application process.
Premium
$1,770
Annual Renewal: USD 1,390
Everything in the Standard and Basic Packages Included: Includes full company formation, one initial bank application, and our standard bank account support.
Premium Bank Support – Up to 5 Applications: We apply to up to 5 different banks on your behalf, stopping as soon as the first approval is received.
All OVZA Application Fees Covered (Up to 5 Banks): Our bank account opening service fees are fully covered for each application—up to five total.
Bank Matched to Your Industry or Needs: We’ll recommend and apply to banks that best suit your business model, region, or niche industry requirements.
Fast Response Time: As a Premium client, you’ll usually receive a reply from our team within 30 minutes—including during evenings and weekends.
Frequent Progress Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates on your bank applications and overall progress.
Offshore Company Incorporation Process
Steps to Register a St. Kitts and Nevis International Business Company (IBC)
Step 1
Select Your Service Package
Choose the package that matches your needs. The Basic package provides full Nevis IBC registration. The Standard package includes one offshore bank account application. The Premium package covers multiple bank account applications with priority handling. You may also choose whether to use our network of notaries or provide your own notarized KYC documents.
Step 2
Complete Payment
Confirm your order through our secure checkout. Payments are protected with 256-bit TLS encryption and an EV SSL certificate. We accept major bank cards, mobile payments, and more than 300 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC.
Step 3
Submit and Verify Documents
Provide your passport and proof of address to satisfy compliance. If you select our notary service, we manage legalization. Otherwise, you may submit your own notarized KYC. Our legal team reviews all documents before submitting your Nevis IBC to the registry.
Step 4
Finalize Company Registration
Within 24–48 hours your Nevis offshore company is incorporated. You’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation and corporate documents electronically. Premium clients proceed immediately with multiple bank account applications, ensuring your Nevis IBC is fully operational.
St. Kitts & Nevis KYC Requirements
In St. Kitts & Nevis, all individuals and entities must submit KYC documents to complete company registration. Below, you’ll find a list of the required documents to register a company in St. Kitts & Nevis
All Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact Persons are required to submit the following documentation.
Proof of Identity
A notarized true copy of a valid passport, notarized within the last 3 months, provided as a scanned copy
Proof of Address
A notarized true copy (scanned) of a proof of address is required. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank reference letter or bank statement
- Utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.)
- Driver’s license
- Any other official document issued by a government or financial institution
The document must clearly show the holder’s full name and physical residential address in English. P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
All documents must be dated within the last 3 months.
Other Documents
- Compliance or Criminal Background Check (choose one):
- World-Check Report, Compliance Report, or Due Diligence Check Report
- Must be dated within the last 3 months
OR
- Police Record or Affidavit of Criminal History
- Must be dated within the last 3 months
- Affidavit template available upon request
- World-Check Report, Compliance Report, or Due Diligence Check Report
- Bank Reference Letter:
- Must confirm a banking relationship of at least 2 years
- Must be issued on the official letterhead of the bank
- Must be dated within the last 6 months
- Professional Reference Letter:
- Must be from a licensed lawyer or accountant
- Must confirm a professional relationship of at least 2 years
- Must be issued on the official letterhead of the firm
- Must be dated within the last 6 months
To verify the identity of a corporation or legal entity, company formation documents must be provided along with proof of identity for all relevant members.
Company Documents
The following certified true copies of company documents are required:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (or Constitution)
- Register of Directors
- Register of Shareholders or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
Company Members
All individuals associated with the corporation—including Directors, Shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)—are required to provide valid proof of identity and proof of address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis?
To register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis, you must select a unique company name, appoint at least one director and one shareholder, and submit the required incorporation documents to the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC). The incorporation process typically takes one to two business days. Nevis International Business Companies (IBCs) must also have a registered agent and a registered office in Nevis to comply with the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance.
What types of offshore companies can I register in St. Kitts and Nevis?
When you register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis, specifically in Nevis, you have two primary options:
- International Business Companies (IBCs): These are frequently used for international trade, investment holding, and asset protection.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): These offer enhanced liability protection and flexible management structures, making them well-suited for joint ventures, real estate investments, and wealth management.
What documents are required to register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis?
To incorporate a Nevis IBC, the required documents include a passport copy for each director and shareholder, proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, the company name and business structure details, and the Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation.
A registered agent licensed by the Nevis Financial Regulator Authority is mandatory for compliance. These requirements also apply to Nevis LLC formation, which offers flexibility and strong asset protection for international business owners.
Do I have to pay taxes if I register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis?
If you register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis, specifically in Nevis, as an International Business Company (IBC) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC), and it does not conduct business within St. Kitts and Nevis, it will be fully exempt from all local taxes.
This includes:
Corporate income tax
Capital gains tax
Withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties
This tax-free status is a major advantage of registering a company in Nevis. However, it is crucial to remember that you must still comply with the tax laws of your home country or any other country where you conduct business. This benefit is one of the key reasons Nevis LLC formation is popular among international entrepreneurs seeking efficient offshore structures.
Are bearer shares permitted if I register a company in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Does Nevis impose taxes on offshore companies?
No, Nevis IBCs and LLCs are fully exempt from corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, provided they do not conduct business within Nevis. This tax-neutral status is a major advantage for international investors and businesses and is protected under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance. This exemption also applies to a Nevis LLC, making it a popular structure for those seeking efficient offshore asset protection and tax planning.
Are there foreign currency restrictions in Nevis?
No, there are no foreign currency restrictions in Nevis. Offshore companies can conduct transactions in any currency without limitations. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the official currency, but the US dollar is widely accepted, ensuring stability and ease of international business transactions. The financial system is regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and this flexibility is a key benefit of Nevis company registration for global entrepreneurs.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Nevis IBC?
A Nevis IBC must maintain a registered agent and office in Nevis, renew its registration annually, and keep internal company records. Offshore companies are not required to file annual financial statements or undergo audits unless engaging in regulated activities such as banking, insurance, or investment fund management. Compliance is monitored by the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission.
Is there a requirement to file annual financial statements?
No, Nevis offshore companies are not required to file annual financial statements or tax returns. However, companies should maintain internal financial records in case of future regulatory requirements. The legal framework is outlined by the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance, and this simplified compliance is one of the key advantages of Nevis company registration for international businesses.
Is it possible to open an offshore bank account for a Nevis IBC?
Yes, a Nevis IBC can open offshore bank accounts in major financial centers such as Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Nevis itself offers banking services through offshore-friendly institutions, providing multi-currency accounts, online banking, and financial privacy. The banking sector is regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission.
What documents are required to open a bank account for a Nevis offshore company?
Most banks require a Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, a resolution appointing authorized signatories, passport copies of directors and shareholders, proof of address, and a business plan or nature of business statement. Banks also require compliance documents such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) records, in accordance with regulations set by the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Can a Nevis IBC open a bank account remotely?
Yes, many offshore banks allow Nevis IBCs to open accounts remotely without requiring a physical visit. The process varies by bank but generally includes submitting notarized or apostilled documents, video verification, or an introduction from a corporate service provider.
Some banks may also require a reference letter from an existing financial institution. Offshore banking regulations are overseen by the Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission.
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