Seychelles Company Registration

Yes. The entire process - KYC, document signing, and filing with the Registry - can be handled remotely. After incorporation, apostilled originals are sent to you by courier, usually within a week.

Registration starts from $950. The registered address (from $600 a year) and remote filing (from $200) are billed separately. With an EMI or online bank account, from $2,850. Annual renewal starts from $990, making it one of the lower-cost options in the industry.

Seychelles applies a territorial tax system established by law: Business Tax applies only to income sourced in Seychelles. IBC income from activities conducted abroad is outside the local tax base, without individual rulings or special tax concessions. Tax obligations may still arise in the owner’s country of tax residence, which should be considered before incorporation.

Director and beneficial-owner information is filed with the authorities but is not publicly available. Regulators and courts can access the information, while ordinary counterparties cannot obtain it from the public register. Nominee services are legally permitted and can be used with proper documentation.

Yes. Since 2021, every IBC has been required to maintain accounting records and submit them to its registered agent twice a year. Records must be retained for seven years. An audit is not required, and the information is not published, but the accounting requirements are mandatory and penalties may apply for non-compliance.

EMIs and fintech platforms regularly open accounts for IBCs, including multi-currency solutions, and in some cases the process takes several days. Traditional banks are more selective with offshore structures and conduct enhanced KYC. Contracts, invoices, and a clear description of the company’s activities are typically required.

Seychelles has previously appeared on international watchlists, so some banks and counterparties may conduct additional checks. At the same time, the jurisdiction has strengthened its transparency requirements, including mandatory accounting records, beneficial-owner information, and licensing for registered agents. For international trading and holding structures where cost is a priority, the jurisdiction remains competitive. If reputation is the main consideration, BVI, the UAE, or an EU jurisdiction may be worth considering.

Both jurisdictions offer 0% tax on foreign income and closed registers. BVI has stronger international positioning, but annual renewal costs are approximately three times higher. Seychelles offers lower costs, faster incorporation, and licensing opportunities in forex, securities, and VASP activities. BVI is more commonly considered for fund and venture structures, while Seychelles may be suitable for trading and consulting.

An IBC cannot conduct business with Seychelles residents, own local real estate, or operate in banking, insurance, brokerage, or virtual-asset activities without the relevant FSA licence. Separate licensing is required for forex or crypto activities.

Incorporation itself takes 1-3 business days once the complete KYC documentation has been received. Allow approximately one week for apostillation and delivery of the original documents. Opening an operational bank or EMI account typically adds another 1-3 weeks.