Ways To Setup an Offshore Company In Seychelles

Author: Bobby Brantley

Seychelles is one of the places where you can set up an offshore company quite easily, and the process is relatively affordable. The country offers tax-free incentives as well as privacy. It is already recognized as a good alternative to BVI because of its reputation standing. Its absence of economic ties with the EU, UK, and US make it an even more attractive choice. Moreover, a company's capital structure can be highly flexible in Seychelles and there is only a low $100 government fee no matter the amount of shares or authorised capital whereas in BVI this is either $350 or $1100 if there are more than 50,000 shares or USD 50,000 in authorised share capital Here are the steps to setting up an offshore company in Seychelles:

  • Decide on the type of business you want – Seychelles is a good option if your company will hold only a single asset, such as a piece of property in the UK. You can benefit from the basic privacy that a Seychelles offshore company can provide.
  • Choose between a Seychelles IBC and Seychelles CSL – IBC stands for 'international business company' and is the most popular type of offshore company in Seychelles because the incorporation process is fast (usually within 24 hours or less). It also offers flexibility, superb legal framework, and low government fees (around US$100 annually).

A Seychelles CSL (special license company) might be attractive if you want a low tax offshore company formation that deals with global services or trading, like in the case of an e-commerce business. It is completely tax resident, but the business tax rate is low (1.5 percent). This type of company may have also access to double taxation avoidance agreements, which is entered between various treaty partner countries (i.e. Indonesia, China, and South Africa) and the Government of Seychelles making it useful as an investment company or holding company with underlying investments or subsidiaries in any of these countries.

  • Think of an appropriate name for your company – Verify that the words you intend to add to the name of your company are allowed in Seychelles. Certain words like 'trust', 'bank', 'royal', 'foundation', and 'insurance' may not be allowed.
  • Prepare due diligence documents – Be sure to have the right due diligence information like a certified copy of your driver's license and passport, details of your company's proposed business activities, and a certified or original copy of a document, which provides your residential address.
  • Get help – Find a company that specializes in setting up offshore companies in Seychelles. Make sure that it is regulated and licensed by the Financial Services Authority. You want a company with both cost effective and efficient services and knowledgeable and qualified professionals. Look up reviews online to ensure that they are a trusted service provider for hundreds of intermediaries and private clients around the world.
  • Consider bespoke solutions – Some companies can customize their services to suit your unique objectives and requirements for setting up an offshore company in Seychelles.