Company formation in Seychelles Overview
Opening a Company in Seychelles has already been chosen by more than 200,000 companies (54,000 of which are actively conducting business), 600 international trusts, and 421 investment funds. The jurisdiction has become one of the most famous offshore centers in Africa (it has the status of “emerging” in international ratings), and is also a member of ESAAMLG, applies FATF recommendations, and cooperates with the OECD, IMF, and WTO.
Time to register a company
1-2 days
Average register a company timeline
Average capital
no minimum
The minimum capital
Tax rate
0%
Income tax rate
Advantages of Company Registration in Seychelles
A modern legal system with data confidentiality has become attractive for both newly established companies and well-established holding companies.
Offshore company formation in Seychelles offers many advantages for business:
Optimal tax planning.
IBCs are not subject to corporate income tax on income earned outside the islands. There is also no withholding tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty, or currency controls.
Personal data protection.
Data on ultimate beneficiaries and shareholders is not available in public registers. Nominee director services are available. Most often, companies are registered here to store assets, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure protection from personal or political risks.
Optimal IBC registration period.
Remote document submission is available without the personal presence of senior managers or owners. The registration period in the state register is 1-2 days.
Minimum regulatory requirements.
When conducting business operations outside the islands, IBCs do not submit financial statements or undergo audits. There are no restrictions on the amount of initial capital or currency.
100% non-resident ownership.
The jurisdiction allows 100% ownership of the company by a non-resident, and there are no citizenship requirements for directors or their number.
Political stability and a growing reputation as a financial center.
The FSA monitors the financial market and its participants, as well as compliance with FATF and OECD recommendations. The jurisdiction already has the status of one of Africa’s well-known financial centers, on a par with Johannesburg (South Africa) and Port Louis (Mauritius).
A redomiciliation procedure is available.
According to the International Business Companies Act of 2016, a legal entity registered in another jurisdiction may continue its business activities in Seychelles as an IBC, subject to certain conditions (not being bankrupt, paying the state fee, providing all necessary documents).
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Types of companies available for registration in Seychelles
The registration system allows you to choose from several legal forms for Seychelles Company Formation. Depending on further business goals, the following types of companies are available to entrepreneurs:
- IBC/international companies.
IBC is one of the most common forms, where:
- Income earned outside the islands is not taxed.
- There is no currency control.
- There is no minimum amount for initial capital.
- One manager and one shareholder are required (can be a natural or legal person, with no residency restrictions).
- Hedge funds.
According to the Mutual Fund and Hedge Fund Act of 2008, it is necessary to undergo a licensing procedure with the FSA.
- Trusts.
Not subject to tax (if operating outside the jurisdiction), must comply with the International Trusts Act of 1994.
- Funds
Most often registered for asset management, regulated by the Foundations Act of 2009.
- LP/limited partnerships.
LPs are established for investment or for private capital management structures.
Service packages for registration in Seychelles
Regulation and requirements for registering a company in Seychelles.
The main regulator of the financial market is the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which operates under the Financial Services Act of 2013. Its functions also include licensing insurance companies, financial intermediaries, funds, etc.Company registration in Seychelles is based on a number of legal norms, such as:
- International Business Companies Act of 2016.
- Mutual Fund and Hedge Fund Act of 2008.
- International Trusts Act of 1994.
- Foundations Act of 2009.
Seychelles complies with the FATF Recommendations and participates in the CRS. Companies must maintain registers of shareholders and managers (non-public) and conduct KYC procedures.
Ready to Start Your Company in Seychelles?
Our experts will accompany you at every stage of the opening process, ensuring its smoothness and efficiency.
The process of registering a company in Seychelles
The features of Seychelles business registration include the possibility of completing all stages remotely, without the personal presence of the owners, and an affordable redomiciliation option.
The IBC registration process consists of:
Selection of a registration agent.
Only a licensed agent can communicate officially with government agencies (FSA).
Reserving a name.
The agent must submit an application to the FSA to verify the uniqueness of the future company’s name, and then reserve it.
Submitting documents for business registration.
The agent collects and sends the following to the FSA:
Obtaining a certificate of incorporation.
The FSA reviews the documents fairly quickly, and within 1-2 days the company can receive a registration number and certificate of registration.
Taxation in Seychelles
When incorporating a company in Seychelles, it is important to remember that the tax system varies depending on the type of company and the nature of its activities:
- For IBCs and trusts, the income tax rate is 0%.
- For LPs, taxes are paid by the partners at their place of residence.
- CSL – 1.5%
- VAT – 15%.
- Stamp duty and withholding tax apply only to local companies.
IBCs do not file tax returns or pay tax on dividends, capital gains, or interest. The state fee for company registration is $100 and $100 for renewal.
Seychelles participates in CRS (automatic exchange of tax information) and supports OECD rules.
Banking for a company in Seychelles
Many trusts, funds, and commercial companies consider business registration in Seychelles because of a number of advantages. However, when opening a bank account for an IBC, difficulties may arise due to the lack of a physical office and confirmation of local presence.
Local companies can use the services of Absa Bank Seychelles, MCB, Nouvobank, Bank of Baroda, and SBBS. AML/KYC compliance is required, as well as a detailed package of documents from companies indicating information about the ultimate beneficiaries.
EMI/fintech platforms such as Silverbird, Statrys, Valuyz, and Onerway can serve as alternatives.
About company registration in Seychelles (faq)
How long does it take to register a company in Seychelles?
Registration takes 1 to 2 days, one of the fastest and easiest offshore company registration processes.
Do I need a resident director to register a company in Seychelles?
No, it is not necessary, as the legislation does not specify any requirements regarding the residency of key managers.
What are the costs of maintaining a company and licenses in Seychelles?
The costs depend on the type of company and its activities (whether it has a license or not). For an IBC, you need to pay $100 for registration renewal, licensed agent services, etc.
How can I open a bank account remotely?
Local banks are willing to cooperate with companies that have a physical office on the islands and conduct operational activities. An alternative is EMI/fintech platforms that are willing to work with offshore companies.
