In recent years, many international entrepreneurs have set up their corporate structures in Seychelles. And why not? Seychelles has a zero-tax regime, a rapid incorporation process, and powerful privacy laws. Also, this East African Island nation continues to remain committed to global standards, making it highly appealing to a wide spectrum of business owners.
Furthermore, the jurisdiction unites affordability, confidentiality, and efficiency, boosting the reason for choosing Seychelles IBC formation.
If you are ready to explore the many perks Seychelles has to offer, this blog is all you need. Here, we will uncover the fundamental elements of Seychelles offshore company formation. We will also take a look at legal frameworks, taxation, registration steps, and everything in between.
There are multiple reasons behind the popularity of Seychelles as a go-to choice for offshore company formation. Listed below are a few of the most powerful ones:
A favourable tax regime is one of the significant advantages of forming a company in Seychelles. The jurisdiction imposes no withstanding tax on dividends. Also, there is no corporate income tax and no capital gain tax. This means substantial cost savings for businesses operating in Seychelles.
You can set up your offshore company in Seychelles in almost no time. The country offers a business-friendly environment with almost negligible bureaucracy, allowing you to establish your company efficiently.
If your business prioritises confidentiality in operations, then offshore Seychelles is the right choice. It offers strict privacy laws and confidentiality. Your company ownership information is kept away from the public domain. And that offer an added layer of privacy and protection.
In Seychelles, the political environment is quite stable. In fact, the government emphasises promoting foreign investment. It has also implemented policies to help create a thriving business ecosystem. This is why creating an offshore company in Seychelles is an easy affair.
Offshore Seychelles is located strategically between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It serves as a doorway to these regions. Your business will gain access to developing markets. Thus, facilitating trade and investment opportunities.
Seychelles houses a variety of company types. All of these firms serve different business needs and purposes. Here are some of the main business types –
- Limited Partnerships
- International Business Companies (IBCs)
- Limited Liability Companies
- Protected Cell Companies (PCCs)
- Special Licence Companies (SLCs)
- Foundations
- Sole Proprietorship
It is imperative that all companies in Seychelles maintain proper accounting records.
Also, you can open a subsidiary, representative, or brand office in the country. Setting up your company in Seychelles necessitates determining the type of legal structure.
Listed below are ideal steps for starting an offshore company in Seychelles.
You need a Seychelles-registered agent to assist you with company formation. The idea behind appointing a registered expert is that they take care of everything from managing paperwork to obtaining relevant signatures and conducting other related tasks.
To form any company in Seychelles, you must choose a legal structure. Typically, the choice you make relies on your business requirements and goals, but IBC is one of the popular choices for setting up an offshore business. It offers complete ownership over assets.
Then, follow all the necessary requirements and regulations to register IBC name. It comprises the universal nuances of trade name registration.
Fill out the application form. Then, submit the form to the right authorities. Ensure that you list the names of shareholders and directors correctly in the form.
The following documents are indispensable for completing the process:
- Trade name registration copy
- Shareholder’s personal information
- Company director’s report, including residency proof
- The company’s address in Seychelles for incorporation
You will, indeed, need a licence to start and run your business. So, based on your company type, obtain a relevant licence.
Once you have applied for the licence, you will need to pay a registration fee to proceed with forming your business. This formation cost may depend upon the legal structure you select and the type of activity.
For business transactions, you, of course, need a bank account. You can choose from neobanks or reputable bank alternatives to conduct your business transactions hassle-free.
An International Business Company can be used for the following things –
- International Trading
- Professional Service Company
- Investment Company
- Shipping Company
- Holding and Property-Owning Companies
- Copyright/Patent Holding Companies
Here is an offshore setup guide for a smooth process.
Local legal experts are aware of the ins and outs of Seychelles IBC formation. These professionals will ensure your company meets all the legal standards.
With experts at aid, navigating the registration process becomes easy. Also, they help you stay compliant with local laws efficiently.
Work only with registered agents who hold licences controlled by the Financial Services Authority in Seychelles. They will help with opening a bank account, address shareholder matters, and prevent you from legal disputes.
Starting a company in Seychelles can result in multiple ongoing costs. So, set aside funds regularly for financial statements, accounting and so on.
Seychelles makes available a compelling proposition to form a company offshore. It offers a combination of confidentiality, favourable tax policies, strategic location and so on. Partner with trusted professionals and follow the right steps to enjoy the many benefits of Seychelles IBC formation.
Yes, you can. As long as you comply with local laws and regulations, you will thrive and build a successful offshore business in Seychelles.
After the Seychelles IBC formation, you can open an international bank account that enables online banking and multi-currency capabilities.
Not necessarily. You can work with a registered agent to complete the process remotely.
No. The Seychelles jurisdiction doesn’t require shareholders or beneficial owners to disclose their information publicly. Memorandum and Articles of Association are the only public records.