Sep 4, 2024

How to Register a Seychelles Offshore Company in 2024

For entrepreneurs who are eager to launch an international business, an offshore company in Seychelles is a great, let alone useful, tool. It is particularly practical if you want to legally reduce taxes and keep your business details private. Another positive aspect here is that you will enjoy more flexibility in company management. While there are other ways to set up a business with global potential, they are usually less common and not as beneficial.

Seychelles

Something like 15 to 20 years ago, offshore companies were often used for tax base erosion. Other uses involved aggressive tax planning and moving profits around. Luckily, these practices are next to impossible nowadays. As a result, some believe that tax-free zones are no longer useful. However, this is not true.

Since the jurisdiction managed to stay on good terms with global regulators, Seychelles has kept its appeal to business people. This is why companies registered here are effectively used for international business activities. A business you will start in Seychelles may be useful for various purposes and will most likely become promising and potentially profitable. 

Here’s what makes Seychelles a popular choice for a business launch:

  • Favorable Taxation: If your business operates outside Seychelles, you will benefit from low taxes.
  • Confidentiality: Seychelles comes with strong protection of privacy.
  • Easy Business Setup: Starting a business in the jurisdiction is both simple and hassle-free.
  • Flexible Corporate Regulations: The rules for directors and shareholders are lenient.
  • Low Startup and Operational Costs: You can either buy a ready-made company or register a new one, and both options are quite affordable.
  • Variety of Legal Structures: There are multiple ways to organize your business in the Seychelles.
  • No Restrictions for Foreign Nationals: There are no limits on foreign ownership or involvement.
  • Advanced Offshore Banking: Seychelles has a well-developed offshore banking system.
  • Low Annual Maintenance Costs: It won’t cost you a fortune to keep a company running in Seychelles.

Registering a company in Seychelles is easy, inexpensive, and not time-consuming at all.

Seychelles offshore companies: key features

Would you like to run a Seychelles offshore company? If so, it pays to be aware of several particular features they have. For more details about the jurisdiction and its specifics, you are welcome to contact the Offshore Pro team. The article about offshore company registration myths and the facts behind them will also come very useful.

Simply look at all the wonderful advantages you will enjoy with a Seychelles offshore company:

  • No Taxes to Pay: Companies don’t pay any taxes, just an annual fee.
  • High Confidentiality: Your data is protected in the jurisdiction. 
  • Flexible Business Structure: You can easily set up a business so that it will meet all your goals.
  • Uncomplicated Registration: In Seychelles, the registration process is simple and bound with minimum paperwork.
  • No Restrictions for Foreign Nationals: Foreigners have full rights without any limitations.
  • Ease of Management: You are unlikely to face any issues with managing your company in Seychelles.

However, be prepared for certain limitations on your Seychelles company operations:

  • Seychelles-incorporated offshore companies can’t do any business in the jurisdiction.
  • They are not allowed to own commercial or residential properties.
  • Operating in the financial sector or engaging in gambling activities is also out of their reach.
  • Offshore companies in Seychelles can’t issue bearer shares.

Offshore company registration in Seychelles: what you should know

Starting a new business the traditional way gives entrepreneurs more freedom. At the same time, the associated administrative costs are very low. In Seychelles, it usually takes about 3 to 4 business days to launch a new business. Sometimes, however, things take a bit longer. Want to know more? Please refer to our detailed step-by-step guide for offshore business registration.

Here’s what you should do to launch a Seychelles offshore company (* if the corresponding corporate laws require it):

Types of Companies (Legal Entities): With various company types available, the International Business Company (IBC) is the one that is most commonly used in practice. The information below mostly applies to IBCs.International Business Companies (IBCs), Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Protected Cell Companies (PCCs), Special Licence Companies (SLCs), Foundations, and Sole Proprietorships.
Minimum Share CapitalUSD 1
Minimum Number of Shareholders1
Estimated Registration Time for IBCs in Seychelles3 to 4 days
Basic Taxation: Corporate Income Tax, Dividend Tax, and VAT.0% (provided certain terms are met)
Number of Double Taxation Agreements28
Registered Office*Required
Local Director*Not required
Annual General Meeting*Not required
Redomiciliation*Permitted (if allowed by the laws of another jurisdiction)
Electronic SignaturePermitted
Accounting and/or Annual Financial ReportingRequired (preparation only, no filing necessary)
100% Foreign Ownership of an Offshore Company in SeychellesAllowed
Incentives for Onshore Business Activities in SeychellesAvailable (for certain sectors)
Tax BenefitsAvailable (for IBCs and SLCs)

Here’s what you must do to register a Seychelles offshore company:

  1. Prepare the Articles of Incorporation.
  2. Appoint a director.
  3. Select a registered address.
  4. Open a bank account for your offshore company in Seychelles.

Below, you will find the list of documents required to register your Seychelles offshore company:

  • Proof of identity.
  • Corporate documents (for each legal entity involved as a founder).
  • Documented proof of residential address.
  • Certificate of good standing (This certificate is optional. Examples include a recommendation letter from a bank, lawyer, or accountant).

Please note that these requirements are specific to the registration of an offshore company in Seychelles. To open a corporate bank account, you will need more documents, as well as some additional steps.

The costs associated with registering an offshore company in Seychelles are few. This is what you will have to do:

  • Pay for local agent services (note that foreign nationals aren’t permitted to register companies in Seychelles directly).
  • Prepare business setup documents.
  • Get a registered address.
  • Obtain the required licenses (if applicable).
  • Provide for nominee services (if required).

Cost of our services

  • Company registration in Seychelles with documents apostilled – 2,899 USD.
  • IBC renewal – 1,999 USD / year.

Fines for delayed payments (the amount of the fine depends on the length of the delay):

  • Up to 6 months – 599 USD.
  • From 6 to 18 months – 1,299 USD.
  • More than 18 months – 1,699 USD.
  • If the fines are not paid for 2 years, the offshore IBC in Seychelles is struck off the register.

Registering an offshore company in Seychelles is an efficient solution for international business. Please contact our specialists to learn more about the jurisdiction and use its advantages to the full.