St Vincent & Grenadines Company Formation Overview
Time to register a company
1-2 business days
Average register a company timeline
Typical authorized capital
US$1,000
The minimum authorized capital
Tax rate
30%
Corporate tax rate
Briefly about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a relatively small island in the Caribbean Sea. At the end of the last century, a package of laws was passed here that made the country one of the most ideal tax-free jurisdictions in the world. Leading lawyers from the US and the UK were involved in their development. This made the process of St. Vincent offshore company formation as simple as possible and allowed the state to develop actively. Today, it has a stable economy that contributes to the rapid development of business.
General information
| Country name | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) |
| Type of legal system | Common law based on English law |
| Company taxation | No income tax for international companies |
| Minimum share capital | No minimum share capital requirements |
| Requirements for directors | Minimum of 1 director, residency not required |
| Shareholder requirements | Minimum of 1 shareholder, residency not required |
| Time to register a company | Usually 1-2 business days |
| Registered office requirements | Local registered office required |
| Beneficiary disclosure requirements | Beneficiary information is not subject to disclosure |
| Permission for bearer shares | Prohibited |
| Annual reporting requirements | Annual reports are not required |
Corporate information
| Possibility of purchasing ready-made companies | Available; purchase of ready-made companies is possible. |
| Legal system | Based on English common law. |
| Local registered office | Mandatory for all companies registered in SVG. |
| Organizational and legal forms | Common forms are limited liability companies (LLCs) and international business companies (IBCs). |
| Inclusion of BPA in the name | It is not mandatory to include “BPA” (Business Professional Association) in the name. |
| Local registered agent | Required for all companies; must be a licensed agent in SVG. |
| Beneficiary information | Usually kept confidential and not disclosed publicly. |
| Bearer shares | Permitted, but must be owned by a registered agent. |
| Typical authorized capital | The minimum authorized capital is usually US$1,000. |
| Conditions for payment of capital | Must be paid within the first year of the company’s registration. |
| Standard par value of shares | The par value of one share is US$1. |
Benefits of St. Vincent Company Formation
Registering a company in St. Vincent has many advantages, among the most important of which are:
Your organization receives tax-exempt status;
Annual maintenance costs are negligible;
Effective support for offshore companies is provided by the state;
The company is easy to register;
This jurisdiction is a member of the International Maritime Convention.
This is a good solution for those who want their business to grow actively and generate stable income while avoiding a complex tax system.
Ready to Start Your Company in the St Vincent & Grenadines?
Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the openning process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Taxation and Accounting in Saint Vincent & Grenadines
All companies that have undergone SVG company formation since 2019 are required to file a tax return and pay tax at a rate of 30% of profits. It is worth noting that only income received from activities in this jurisdiction is subject to taxation, not worldwide income.
After receiving an IBC or LLC certificate, the company is exempt from paying taxes for 25 years. At the same time, the owner can change the type of activity and the name of the organization.
The cost of registering a company here is only $225; the organization charges an additional $100 per year. However, there is an exception: for insurance companies, the cost increases to $500.
If you have any questions about taxation in this jurisdiction, we recommend that you seek assistance from our specialists. The legal framework of this country is changing rapidly, so it is necessary to closely monitor all innovations.
When registering an organization in this jurisdiction, you do not need to provide financial or accounting reports, but you must complete a tax return.
Taxation
| Corporate tax rate | 30% for local companies; 0% for offshore companies. |
| Personal income tax | 0% for non-residents; rates for residents depend on income level, up to 30%. |
| Withholding tax | 0% on dividends and interest; 15% on royalties paid to non-residents. |
| Stamp duty | Typically 5% on real estate transactions; varies depending on the specific transaction. |
| Annual license fee | Typically around $300 for a local company. |
Financial Services Governance Legislation in SVG
The US and European Union countries seek to collect more taxes from their companies; in addition, they seek to ensure financial transparency to prevent terrorist financing. SVG supports these traditions and adopts appropriate laws. In particular, SVG has implemented the OECD Global Forum’s Common Reporting Standard. To this end, SVG has signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement, and has enacted the relevant legislation to implement these agreements.
If you wish, you can register here:
- LLC;
- MPC;
- Offshore banks (but they must obtain an additional license);
- Sea vessels;
- Trust institutions;
- Insurance companies.
Today, LLCs are the most common type of companies registered in this jurisdiction.
International banks, stockbrokers, forex brokers, pension fund management companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other entities engaged in relevant financial activities must obtain the appropriate license from other competent authorities.
It is also worth noting that if your company uses cryptocurrency, this will not be a reason for refusal.
Types of companies
| Limited liability company | The most common type; requires at least one shareholder and offers limited liability protection. |
| Limited liability company (LLC) | Combines the features of corporations and partnerships; provides flexible management. |
| Limited partnership | Requires at least one general partner and one limited partner; suitable for investment purposes. |
| Offshore banks, insurance companies, trust institutions | Must obtain an additional license |
St. Vincent company registration process
This country has made every effort to ensure that Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Company Formation is as easy and quick as possible:
- Therefore, there are no citizenship requirements for the founder. It does not matter in which country your company is located or what your citizenship is. Your organization must have at least two employees — a director and a shareholder, which is incredibly convenient for small projects and startups.
- Information about the owner and shareholders of the company is confidential, so it is not accessible to third parties. However, they can obtain information about the company’s authorized capital and legal address.
- After registering your organization, you will receive a certificate and a certificate of exemption from import duties. However, you will not be able to obtain a tax exemption certificate.
Your organization must have a registered office in this island country, and you must also have a registered agent in this territory.
Setting up a company in SVG involves fairly simple steps:
Decide on the legal form of the organization.
For offshore companies, IBC or LLC are usually used, which provides a number of tax advantages.
Choose a name.
The name of the organization can be written in any language and cannot be similar or sound like existing names.
Obtain a legal address.
A licensed registration agent can provide the legal address required for submitting documents.
Prepare the necessary documents.
The regulatory authority reviews the application and may request additional information or clarifications.
License Issuance
The standard package of documents includes:
– Memorandum, Articles of Association.
– Information about the manager and shareholders.
– Confirmation of the legal address.
– Payment of state fees.
Open a bank account.
When opening an account, all key managers and shareholders will need to undergo a verification process (CDD).
Company Registration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines packages
Documents required for company registration in St. Vincent
The list of documents required for company registration includes:
- Constituent documents: Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association.
- Confirmation of name reservation.
- Director’s consent to take office.
- KYC documents: passports, proof of residence, proof of work experience and business reputation of the manager and shareholders.
- Business plan.
- Confirmation of the source of funds.
- Receipts for payment of all state fees.
Ready to Start Your Company in the St Vincent & Grenadines?
Our experts will accompany you at every stage of the opening process, ensuring its smoothness and efficiency.
Offshore bank account
After St. Vincent company formation in CIPO, you need to open a bank account. To do this, you need to contact any bank in this jurisdiction. You must have documents describing the partnerships within the organization with you.
As a rule, opening a bank account takes only a few minutes. It is worth noting that you must immediately deposit the entire amount of the authorized capital. The amount of this fee is determined solely by the specifics of your company, and the jurisdiction does not set any requirements in this regard.
Conclusion
If you want the process of registering a company in the BVI to be as quick and smooth as possible, please contact our company’s specialists for assistance.
Their responsibilities include providing comprehensive advice and answering any questions you may have, checking the readiness of documents, and ensuring that your company complies with the requirements of the state authorities of this jurisdiction. You can issue a power of attorney, and our specialists will act on your behalf. In this case, your efforts to register a company will be minimal.
Banking in SVG
| State banks | The central bank and some commercial banks are owned by the state. |
| Central Bank | Central Bank of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. |
| Number of banks | 6 commercial banks |
| International financial institutions | IMF, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). |
| Credit rating | B+ from Fitch Ratings. |
| Level of corruption | Relatively low level of corruption. |
| Judicial system | The judicial system is independent and ensures the rule of law. |
| Executive | President and Cabinet of Ministers. |
Director and Secretary Information
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 (one shareholder is sufficient). |
| Data is entered into a public register | No, information about shareholders is generally confidential. |
| Shareholder residency requirement | No; there are no residency requirements for shareholders. |
| Beneficiary information disclosed | No, information about beneficial owners remains confidential. |
| Information may be disclosed to a local agent | Yes, local agents may have access to certain information. |
| Shareholders that are legal entities are acceptable | Yes, legal entities may be shareholders. |
Corporate Structure
| Legal System | Based on English common law, providing a solid foundation for doing business. |
| Local registered office | Mandatory for all companies; must have a physical address in SVG. |
| Local Registered Agent | Mandatory appointment of a local registered agent to ensure compliance and liaison with local authorities. |
Director and Shareholder Information
| Minimum Number of Directors | A minimum of 1 director is required; this can be a natural or legal person. |
| Shareholder residency requirement | There are no residency requirements for shareholders; they may be non-residents. |
| Entry of data in the public register | Basic information about directors and shareholders is entered into the public register. |
| Bearer shares | Bearer shares are permitted but subject to strict rules; disclosure is mandatory. |
FAQ about Company formation in SVG
How to start a business in St. Vincent?
To start a business in St. Vincent, you need to choose a legal form (e.g., company or sole proprietorship), register your business with the Companies Registry, obtain the necessary licenses, and comply with local regulations.
How much does it cost to register a company in St. Vincent?
The cost can vary significantly. As a rule, registering a company in St. Vincent costs between $1,500 and $3,000, but again, depending on the complexity of the business structure and the additional services required, the cost can vary significantly.
What is the main competitor to SVG?
As of 2024, the main competitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the field of offshore services are often the British Virgin Islands (BVI) or the Cayman Islands, which are known for their developed offshore financial services.
Is SVG a third world country?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a developing country. Despite significant progress in various areas, the country still faces economic and social problems typical of developing countries. For example, the average salary is already between $12,000 and $15,000 per year.