Can one foreign person serve as Seychelles IBC's sole shareholder and director?

Indeed. Regardless of residency or country, a single individual may serve as both the sole director and the only shareholder.

Are there any business activities that prevent 100 per cent foreign ownership?

You cannot use a Seychelles IBC to do business with Seychelles residents or within the country. Most international activities are allowed.

Do I ever need to visit Seychelles in person if I own 100 per cent as a foreigner?

No. The entire process can be done remotely through a registered agent

Will my ownership details be publicly accessible in Seychelles?

No. Shareholder and beneficial owner details are not filed with any government office and are not available to the public.

What happens if I miss the annual economic substance declaration, even though my IBC is exempt?

Missing the filings that are required can result in a penalty or loss of standing. Even in the case of exemptions, check your compliance needs.

Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Seychelles Offshore Company?

Seychelles continues as one of the most preferable jurisdictions to establish an offshore company. The question many foreign business owners in the world ask today is: will foreigners be allowed to own 100 per cent of an International Business Company in Seychelles in 2025? The response is an open yes, and foreign Seychelles IBC ownership is possible with no partner.

But, you must adhere to some legal regulations and have compliance. In this guide we tell you what there is to know and how to go about it. We’ll cover foreign ownership rights, the main benefits and, essentially, how to stay compliant step by step.

What Is the Seychelles IBC Model and How Does It Work?

A Seychelles IBC offers a flexible, tax-efficient structure designed for international business. You can form one with just a single shareholder and a single director. Importantly, both can be foreign nationals with no local residency required. This means you can own and run it entirely from abroad. No Seychelles partner is needed.

These companies are widely used for trading, holding assets, consultancy, and other cross-border work. Plus, setting one up is quick, affordable, and can be done entirely remotely.

How Does the Legal Framework Support Full Foreign Ownership?

Can foreigners fully own a Seychelles IBC?

Yes, Seychelles law lets non-residents hold 100% ownership of an IBC. You may also serve as sole shareholder and sole director. Moreover, the law imposes no local participation requirement on foreign owners.

What is covered by the 2016 International Business Companies Act?

This key statute simplifies company formation and management. It sets out clear, straightforward rules that favour foreign owners.

Key Highlights of Seychelles IBC Ownership Law

Total Foreign Ownership: Directors and stockholders may possess all of the shares.
Flexible capital: choose any permitted amount; there is no minimum share capital.
Options for privacy: select nominee shareholders or directors if you'd like.

These terms further simplify the process of establishing and maintaining an IBC.

Why Opt for 100% Foreign Ownership of Your IBC?

Full foreign Seychelles IBC ownership gives you total control over your operations and assets.

Profit liberty: You are not limited on how much profit you receive nor on the transfer of shares between borders.
Tax advantages: Seychelles IBC will not be liable to pay tax on foreign income, tax on capital gains or stamp duty on transferring shares.
Privacy: The jurisdiction does not publish the shareholder and beneficial-owner information, so your privacy is not revealed.
Transactions: You can open bank accounts, make contracts and possess property without interference or delay by the locals.

What Restrictions and Compliance Obligations Must You Know?

What trading restrictions apply to a Seychelles IBC?

A Seychelles IBC may not trade with local residents or within Seychelles except with other IBCs. Consequently, you must plan your contracts and clients accordingly.

What compliance obligations must you meet?

Foreign investor owners follow clear rules to stay compliant:

Record keeping: maintain accurate company records at your registered office.
Annual returns: file returns each year with your registered agent.
Bi-annual accounts: lodge accounting records twice a year.

Economic substance: in case you receive passive revenue and are part of a multinational group, you need to have substance locally.
Sanctions and risks: do not engage in business with sanctioned jurisdictions and high-risk businesses.

Openness: you must never lie whenever you are talking about your business or the source of its funds.

With such regulations identified, and statistics followed, you are protecting your company and are having a trouble-free offshore business.

How Can Foreigners Complete the Process to Own 100%?

Seychelles IBC can be established quickly and remotely with 100% foreign ownership. Take these straight steps to formally open your wholly foreign-owned company. This is a brief outline of the procedure:

Step	Action	What You Need
Name & Agent	Choose a unique company name and hire a licensed Seychelles agent.	Agent handles government filings and provides registered office.
Prepare Documents	Gather ID, proof of address Basic business description.	Certified passport copy + recent utility bill/bank statement.
Submit Papers	Agent files incorporation documents with the Registrar.	Memorandum, Articles of Association, and application form.
Get Certificate	Receive Certificate of Incorporation.	Legal proof of your 100% ownership.
Appoint Yourself	Name yourself as the sole director/shareholder.	No local partners required.
Open Bank Account	Start banking to operate your business.	Corporate account for international transactions.

‍

Now, let’s walk through each step in plain term:

1. Choose a company Name and Engage a Licensed Agent

Pick a unique name (ending with Ltd., Corp., etc.) and hire a registered agent in Seychelles. They will check name availability and handle all government paperwork for you.

2. Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

A certified copy of your passport
Proof of address
A brief description of your business activities

3. Agent Submits Incorporation Papers

Your agent prepares and files the legal documents:

Memorandum and Articles of Association
Official application to the Registrar

4. Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved (usually within days), you’ll get this certificate. It legally confirms your company exists and that you own it 100%.

5. Appoint Yourself as Sole Director and Shareholder

You can be the only person running and owning the company. No need for local residents or nominees.

6. Open a Bank Account and Start Operations

With your certificate, open a corporate bank account. Many banks allow remote setup. Then, begin your international business activities online.

Usually, this takes you some days. Besides, the whole process is conducted at a distance, and you do not have to travel and wait. This simple way of setting up provides you with complete control over your new offshore company.

How Do You Keep Your Fully Foreign-Owned IBC Compliant?

To maintain your reputation, the following should be done:

Keep in good records: whenever any information varies, don t forget to update your records and registrations that belong to your company.
Annual filings: pay your taxes every year using your registered agent.
Economic substance: if necessary, supply actual employees, real estate, and core operations locally.
Government fees: promptly pay the yearly licence and renewal fees.
Legal updates: keep an eye on modifications to Seychelles law and modify your procedures as necessary.
Nominee compliance: Verify that any candidate directors or shareholders abide by regional laws.
Transparent operations: stay away from illegal activity and maintain openness in your commercial interactions.

By following offshore company law, you can be able to secure your IBC and enjoy the smooth process of ownership.

To Conclude

In 2025, foreign ownership of Seychelles' offshore enterprise will be permitted. Under the law, there is 100 per cent foreign ownership, and they do not require a local partner. This actually presents Seychelles as a unique preference to international investors. Besides, the configuration process is highly uncomplicated, fast, confidential and affordable. Yet, you are to comply with the rules, keep records clear and be cautious of any rule change.

A Seychelles IBC offers you flexibility, full control and good privacy when used with the right approach. Finally, your international company can enjoy the friendly legal environment as well as the good reputation of Seychelles.

‍