The Seychelles Company Formation Services

SCG connects you to Seychelles, a globally recognized offshore jurisdiction in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles IBCs benefit from zero-tax status on foreign income, robust privacy measures, and a stable legal framework underpinned by the International Business Companies Act. The rapid incorporation timeline, minimal reporting obligations, and no local share capital requirements make Seychelles highly competitive in the offshore arena.

International entrepreneurs—including those from the U.S.—can establish a Seychelles IBC upon fulfilling standard prerequisites:

• Business License: Obtain a relevant license for conducting authorized activities.
• Local Registration: Register with Seychelles authorities to confirm legal status.
• Registered Office in Seychelles: Mandatory for official documentation.
• Industry-Specific Requirements: Certain sectors (banking, trust services) need extra licensing.

Due to no corporate taxes on foreign income and strong investor privacy, Seychelles stands out as a strategic hub for global businesses.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUSINESS STRUCTURE IN SEYCHELLES

Understand the Legal Framework

The Seychelles International Business Companies Act comprehensively details the formation rules, operational guidelines, and dissolution processes. Reviewing this legislation will help you structure a compliant IBC.

Key Considerations for IBC Incorporation

1. Company Name: Must end with “Limited,” “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or “Société Anonyme.”
2. Shareholders: At least one, with no nationality restrictions.
3. Directors: Only one required; can be an individual or corporate entity.
4. Capital Requirements: No minimum share capital.
5. Flexible Articles: Tailor corporate governance to fit your needs.

FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE FEE FOR THE 1ST CALENDAR YEAR

• Name verification
• Incorporation documents filing with Seychelles Registrar
• Government and registration fees
• Registered office & agent (first year)
• Optional secretary (if selected)

Standard corporate documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Director Appointment
• Board Resolutions
• Share Certificates
• Registers of Directors & Members

The IBC Act (as amended) remains the cornerstone of Seychelles offshore legislation.

LEGAL FORM

Seychelles IBCs are private companies limited by shares, primarily engaging in international business. They enjoy zero local tax on offshore profits, streamlined administration, and robust confidentiality provisions.

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

To form a Seychelles IBC:

1. Draft Memorandum: Sets forth the company name, purpose, and share capital.
2. Create Articles: Define internal governance, voting rights, and directorial powers.
3. Sign & Witness: At least one subscriber must sign in the presence of a witness.
4. Registrar Submission: File both sets of documents for official approval.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Business License: Mandatory for active operations.
2. Tax Obligations: Foreign-sourced income is fully exempt from Seychelles tax.
3. AML Regulations: Thorough KYC checks and suspicious transaction reporting.
4. Annual Returns: Typically not required, but basic record-keeping is essential.

SHAREHOLDERS

• Minimum of one.
• Corporate or individual, any nationality.
• Privacy assured—shareholder identities remain confidential in Seychelles.

SHARE CAPITAL

• No prescribed minimum.
• Standard authorized share capital often set at $50,000 (but fully customizable).
• Different share types (e.g., voting, non-voting) may be issued.

DIRECTORS

• At least one director, no residency or nationality constraints.
• Corporate directors allowed.
• Director details are kept private from public registers.

REGISTERED OFFICE AND LOCAL AGENT OR SECRETARY

• Must have a registered office in Seychelles.
• Must appoint a registered agent for official service of process.
• Company secretary is optional but advised for smooth corporate administration.

MEETINGS

• No requirement to hold AGMs.
• Meetings can happen anywhere or via electronic means.
• Proxy or remote voting is permissible.

AUDIT AND FINANCIAL RETURNS

• No audit requirement nor public filing.
• Maintain internal accounting records for at least five years.
• Should reflect the company’s true financial standing if ever needed.

WHAT ARE THE AML COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES IN SEYCHELLES?

1. Identify Clients: Enforce KYC protocols.
2. Monitor Transactions: Flag and report dubious activity.
3. Tailored AML Policy: Proportional to organizational size and complexity.
4. Training & Updates: Frequent staff awareness sessions on evolving AML laws.

COMPANY NAME

• Must end with “Limited,” “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or “Société Anonyme.”
• “Bank,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” etc., require special permissions.
• Names that imply government affiliation are disallowed.

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

• Memorandum: Lays out share capital, scope, and liability.
• Articles: Regulates directorial powers, meeting procedures, and internal policies.
• Signature & Witness: At least one founder must sign these documents.

INCORPORATION TIME

Seychelles IBC formation usually completes in 2–6 business days. Apostille certification, if required, adds another 3–5 days.

RECURRING AND MAINTENANCE FEE AS FROM 2ND YEAR

• Annual fee for registered agent & office.
• Government license renewal, depending on authorized share capital bracket.

TAXATION

• Zero corporate tax on offshore-sourced income.
• No capital gains, inheritance, or withholding taxes for foreign-sourced revenue.
• Any local earnings within Seychelles may be subject to local taxation.

AUDIT AND FINANCIAL RETURNS

• No statutory audits.
• Maintain transaction logs, invoices, and statements for internal reference.

ANNUAL OBLIGATIONS

• Renew agent and office services each year.
• Keep updated internal registers of directors/shareholders.

IMPORTANCE OF RECORD KEEPING

Retaining comprehensive financial records ensures compliance and a seamless response to any official queries. Proper documentation underpins strong corporate governance in Seychelles.

OUR SERVICES FOR COMPANY FORMATION IN SEYCHELLES INCLUDE

• Name availability check
• Drafting & filing incorporation documents
• Government fees
• Registered office & agent for one year
• Standard corporate documents (digital)
• Optional secretary service

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SEYCHELLES COMPANY FORMATION

For Directors, Shareholders, and UBOs:

1. Notarized Passport Copy
2. Recent Utility Bill (proof of address)
3. Professional Reference Letter
4. Apostilled Corporate Documents (if the subscriber is a corporate entity)

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SEYCHELLES

• Tourism & Hospitality: The archipelago’s thriving resort and eco-tourism market.
• International Trade: Benefit from strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean.
• Financial & Professional Services: Offshore banking, insurance, and reinsurance thrive under relaxed regulations.

NAVIGATING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS IN SEYCHELLES

1. Conduct Due Diligence: Validate partners using robust KYC procedures.
2. Legal Safeguards: Seek local counsel for precise compliance advice.
3. Transparent Communication: Keep thorough records of key decisions and transactions.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENGAGING WITH LOCAL ENTITIES

• Chamber of Commerce: Connect for market insights and networking.
• Financial Institutions: Multiple offshore-friendly banks operate in Seychelles.
• Collaborative Ventures: Joint ventures can expedite market entry and resource sharing.

HOW TO OPEN A CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT IN SEYCHELLES

1. Bank Selection: Choose a reputable Seychelles or international bank with eBanking features.
2. Document Collection: Submit company registration documents, ID proofs, and business plan.
3. Application & Review: The bank will verify identity and compliance.
4. Confirmation: Once approved, you can start transactions immediately.

Advantages: Diversify your banking options, benefit from multi-currency support, and maintain confidentiality.