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BVI Offshore Company Registration and Business Setup

More Information

5 simple steps are needed to incorporate your company in the BVI

 
 
Upload your documents
Your account manager will ask you for official documents which are required for your company formation.
 
Incorporate your company successfully
Once your documents have been processed your company will be successfully incorporated subject to local authority approval.
 
Process any additional services
Your account manager will guide you through the steps of completing your request of additional services such as bank accounts.
 
Manage Your company via our client portal
Our client portal will give you immediate access to all your documents as well as display your company structure.
 
 

BVI Offshore Banking Options

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British Virgin Islands Offshore Company Formation

Good to Know
With over half its income coming from the licensing of offshore companies and related services, the BVI is a significant global player in the offshore financial services industry. Once frequently labelled as a “tax haven”, the territory has fought hard against the label in recent years, signing the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters in June 2013. Re-positioning itself as a responsible international financial centre and tax planning destination, the BVI has turned its attention to Asia-based clients.

Main Characteristics of a BVI Offshore Company

Company type
Business Company (BC)
Governing corporate legislation
The BVI Financial Service Commission is the governing authority and companies are regulated under the Business Companies Act 2004.
Information published relating to company officers
There is no public register of company officers.
Accounting requirement
No accounting / reporting requirements.
N.B. As per Section 98 of the Business Companies Act 2004 (Amended) a company must keep such records and underlying documentation as necessary to establish its financial situation and explain its transactions
Taxation
No Taxes of any sort.
While the company may not be liable to pay taxes, please consult with a tax/legal advisor in your country of residence, to determine your own tax liability.
Legislation
Modern offshore legislation.
Standard currency
US$
Time to form
The BVI has a fast and efficient registry: it takes about 48 hours to register a company (upon validation of your identification documents).
Stability
Stable jurisdiction with a very good reputation.
Communication
Efficient communication means.
Time zone
Convenient world time zone: GMT-4
Secretary required
No
Paid up capital requirement
No paid up capital requirement. The standard share capital is USD 50,000 but can be amended to fit your requirements.
Renewal Date
Anniversary date of the company / Each Year
Basis of legal system
Under Common Law.
Minimum directors/shareholders
Minimum of 1 director/shareholder
Bearer shares
Bearer shares are not permitted.

Documents Required

for the Creation of a BVI Company

A certified copy Certification of a passport can be made by a notary, an attorney-at-law, a bank, a public officer, or in accordance with SFM indications. Kindly consult your dedicated account manager at SFM to obtain precise information. of your passport (specific wording required), a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months (specific wording required), a curriculum vitae, an original bank reference letter dated less than three months, as well as last 3 months' bank statement. All in original.**






Frequently Asked Questions

Offshore Company Formation in BVI

  • Is it legal for me to setup an offshore company in the BVI ?

    Absolutely, offshore companie formed in the British Virgin Island are perfectly legal, are recognized internationally and are able to open bank accounts.
  • Is a BVI Offshore Company tax liable?

    No, Offshore companies formed in the BVI are exempt from any form of taxation and withholding taxes in the BVI

    While a company may not be subject to tax reporting to its local authorities, you should consult with your own tax, legal or accounting advisor to determine whether you are subject to tax in any other jurisdiction including the jurisdiction in which you are a tax.
  • What type of company do you register in the BVI?

    The type of companies that we form in the BVI are known as Business Company (BC), commonly known as offshore companies.
  • How many directors and shareholders should I appoint on my BVI BC?

    A minimum of 1 director and 1 shareholder should be appointed on a Seychelles International Business Company.
  •  
  • Do I need to submit accounting records for a company in the BVI?

    No, there are no accounting requirements. However under Section 98 of the Business Companies Act 2004 (Amended) a company must keep such records and underlying documentation as necessary to establish its financial situation and explain its transactions.
  • Will my name be public once I setup a BVI company?

    No, There is no public register of company officers in the British Virgin Islands.
  • Do I need to deposit the paid up capital for a BVI company?

    There is no paid up capital requirement. The standard share capital is USD 50,000 but can be amended to fit your requirements.
  • Are bearer shares allowed in the BVI?

    No, bearer shares are not allowed in the BVI and tend to disappear from most jurisdicitons.


British Virgin Islands Offshore Jurisdiction News


Significant Amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act

4 October 2022
The BVI authority has recently adopted new amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act in order to ensure continued compliance with international standards.[..]
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ITA Audit for the British Virgin Islands

26 October 2021
In 2018, the Economic Substance (Companies and Limited Partnerships) Act came into effect. Recently, the deadline for the first filings passed for the BVI Tax Authority. They are now expected to commence targeted requests for audits to entities requesting verification of relevant activities[..]
Continue reading

Top 4 Best Offshore Bank Account Jurisdictions

25 May 2021
When it comes to setting up a business there are lots of things you need to consider, including choosing the right banking jurisdiction[..]
Continue reading
* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.

Our Client Reviews

Our Testimonials Are Verified By Feefo, A Third Party Company

4+ out of 5 stars customer rating
Overall Rating
96% Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com
27-Apr-2023
Excellent service with full support throughout the process, with quick and clear communication at all times.
03-Apr-2023
Better feedback and better clarity of the requirements and timelines from the start
08-Mar-2023
The progress of my new company was delayed more than I expected.
08-Mar-2023
Always on hand for help and assistance, and helped us no end in the process of incorporating our business, would be very happy to recommend to others.
04-Jan-2023
I have used SFM for company set up and also for company dissolution. I have found them to be efficient and courteous. Sometimes responses involving the local registration authorities have taken some time, but I surmise that this is attributable to the third party involved. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.
03-Nov-2022
Experienced professionals and very fast Excellent value for money.

SFM can assist you with British Virgin Islands international company formation. With a presence in over 27 jurisdictions globally, our expert team will guide you through the entire process, from company formation to yearly renewals. Your dedicated account manager will ensure your experience is seamless and free of any complications.

The British Virgin Islands is attractive for its stable political and economic climate, complemented by a flexible and uncomplicated company registration process. Additionally, the region's favourable financial policies, including the absence of corporate tax, make it a prime choice for business owners seeking international opportunities.

We offer a transparent pricing structure, with fees that include a dedicated account manager and the handling of all required documents. Our streamlined process takes just a few steps, allowing you to register a company online from anywhere in the world, capitalising on BVI's advantageous business environment.

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