Seychelles Company Formation
Register a company in Seychelles in 1 day with tax exemptions, strong privacy laws, and expert assistance for a smooth setup.
Benefits
Register a Company in Seychelles
Seychelles Company Formation Packages
- • 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 Seychelles International Business Company from start to finish.
- • Everything in the Basic Package: Includes comprehensive services for setting up a Seychelles International Business Company (IBC).
- • Bank Account Opening: Assistance with opening a bank account.
- • One-Time Application Fee: Covers the application fee for one bank account.
- • Bank Account Introduction: Introduction service to any bank on the supported list.
- • Certificate of Incumbency: Provided if required.
- • Everything in the Standard Package: Includes all the comprehensive services provided in the standard package.
- • Premium Banking Support: Enhanced support for bank account services.
- • One-Time Application Fee: Covers the application fee for up to 5 banks or until the account is successfully opened, whichever comes first.
- • Consulting on Alternatives: Expert advice on suitable alternatives if the initial application is not approved.
- • Remote Bank Account Opening: Facilitates opening a bank account remotely.
- • Fast Response: Prompt assistance available even on weekends.
- • Frequent Updates: Regular updates on the bank account opening process to keep you informed.
Offshore Company Incorporation Process
KYC Documents Checklist
KYC documents are essential to verify the identity of individuals and corporations in Seychelles. Below, you’ll find a list of the required documents.
The following proofs are required for all company members including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons.
- A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- A certified true copy (scanned version) of driver's license or national ID
- Bank reference letter & professional reference letter (minimum 3-year relationship), must be dated within the last 6 months and include the contact details of the issuer
- A Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), resumé, or LinkedIn profile
To establish the identity of a corporation or entity, it is necessary to provide company documents and proof of identity for its members.
Register a company in Seychelles with OVZA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register an offshore company in Seychelles?
To register an offshore company in Seychelles, you must select a unique company name, appoint at least one director and one shareholder, and submit the required incorporation documents to the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). The incorporation process typically takes one to two business days. Seychelles International Business Companies (IBCs)
must also have a registered agent and a registered office in Seychelles as required by the International Business Companies Act, 2016.
What are the benefits of registering a company in Seychelles?
Registering a company in Seychelles offers numerous advantages for international businesses:
- Tax Efficiency: Seychelles is a tax haven, meaning there is no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid to non-residents.
- Privacy: Seychelles offers strong privacy protections for offshore companies. Shareholder and director information is not publicly accessible.
- No Exchange Controls: There are no restrictions on the movement of funds in and out of Seychelles, and you can conduct business in any currency.
- Stable Regulatory Environment: The Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) provides a stable and well-regulated environment for offshore companies.
- Flexibility: Seychelles offers flexibility in terms of company structure and operations, making it suitable for various business needs.
What types of offshore companies can I register in Seychelles?
When you register a company in Seychelles, you have a few options for structuring your offshore business:
- International Business Company (IBC): This is the most common type of offshore company in Seychelles, widely used for international trade, investment holding, and asset protection.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure combines the features of a partnership and a corporation, offering flexibility and limited liability.
- Special License Company (CSL): This type of company is designed for businesses engaged in specific activities, such as banking, insurance, and securities trading. It requires a special license from the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).
- Protected Cell Company (PCC): This structure allows for the segregation of assets and liabilities into different cells within a single company, providing risk management benefits.
What documents are required to register an offshore company in Seychelles?
To incorporate a Seychelles 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 Association. A registered agent in Seychelles is required to handle the incorporation process, as per the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations.
Do I have to pay taxes if I register a company in Seychelles?
No, if you register a company in Seychelles as an International Business Company (IBC), and it does not conduct business within Seychelles, it will be fully exempt from all local taxes.
- Corporate income tax
- Capital gains tax
- Withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties
This tax-free status is a major reason why Seychelles is a popular choice for offshore company registration. However, it’s essential to remember that you must still comply with the tax laws of your home country or any other country where you conduct business.
Are bearer shares permitted if I register a company in Seychelles?
No, bearer shares are not permitted when you register a company in Seychelles. All shares must be registered in the name of the shareholder. This requirement is in place to ensure compliance with international financial transparency regulations, such as the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines
What is the renewal process for a company I register in Seychelles?
When you register a company in Seychelles, you need to renew its registration on an annual basis. This involves:
- Paying the government renewal fee: The fee amount will depend on the type of company you have registered.
- Maintaining a registered agent: Seychelles law requires all companies to have a registered agent within the jurisdiction.
The renewal process is overseen by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Does Seychelles impose taxes on offshore companies?
No, Seychelles IBCs benefit from a full tax exemption, meaning they do not pay corporate tax, income tax, or capital gains tax. This tax-free status is protected under the International Business Companies Act, 2016.
Are there foreign currency restrictions in Seychelles?
No, Seychelles does not impose foreign currency restrictions. Offshore companies can operate in any currency without limitations, making it an attractive jurisdiction for international business operations. The financial sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Seychelles.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Seychelles IBC?
A Seychelles IBC must maintain a registered agent and registered office in Seychelles, pay an annual renewal fee, and keep internal records. Unlike domestic companies, IBCs are not required to file annual financial statements or undergo audits unless engaging in regulated activities such as banking, insurance, or financial services. Compliance is monitored by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Is there a requirement to file annual financial statements?
No, Seychelles offshore companies are not required to file annual financial statements or tax returns. However, companies must keep internal financial records for regulatory purposes, as required under the International Business Companies Act, 2016.
Is it possible to open an offshore bank account for a Seychelles IBC?
Yes, a Seychelles IBC can open offshore bank accounts in major financial centers such as Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Seychelles itself has a well-developed offshore banking sector, offering multi-currency accounts, online banking, and strong privacy protections. Banking institutions are regulated by the Central Bank of Seychelles.
What documents are required to open a bank account for a Seychelles 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 international financial regulations.
Can a Seychelles IBC open a bank account remotely?
Yes, many offshore banks allow Seychelles 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 services are regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).