Seychelles Company formation
Registering your Seychelles Company is a straightforward process. Completion depends on the required documents, due diligence checks and the Registrar’s processing times.
If you need a company promptly, a ready-made company may be an option, subject to availability and completion of the required checks and transfer formalities.
Why choose Meridian Trust for your Seychelles Company formation?
People on the spot: Our role as your Seychelles Company formation agents does not end there: our job is to establish your Seychelles Company by using the business structure most relevant to your requirements.
Ethical: Our legal, tax and company formation professionals all endorse the codes of conduct and ethics they are obliged to uphold by their various governing bodies.
On-going support: Once your Seychelles Company is ready, we continue to serve you: we make sure that you achieve the utmost value from your Seychelles Company.
Understanding: Our international clientele includes financial advisors, law firms, business consultants and tax advisors, so we know exactly what you expect of us.
A free initial consultation: Please call us on +357 24812050 or send us an email. We look forward to talking to you.
Seychelles - the dynamic offshore centre
Seychelles is currently an offshore tax haven on the rise, one of the most competitive and gaining confidence quickly. Its new incorporation volumes are increasing steadily, along with its recognition in the professional community. With offshore corporate legislation based on the time-tested concepts of some of its most successful competitors, and after a methodical improvement and modernisation, Seychelles now has an offshore corporate package that is hard to beat. With strong historical and business ties to both Western Europe and South Asia, Seychelles has emerged as the leading offshore tax haven in the Indian Ocean region. It competes as equal with the more widely recognized Caribbean offshore financial centres.
Tax treatment
A Seychelles IBC may benefit from exemption on qualifying foreign-source income, subject to applicable tax rules. The treatment of its income and profits depends on the source and nature of that income and, for certain companies, compliance with economic substance requirements. A shareholder’s tax obligations depend on their circumstances, tax residence and the laws applicable to them.
The former blanket exemption quoted under Article 109(1) of the earlier Seychelles IBC legislation should not be relied upon as a statement of current law. The applicable framework includes the International Business Companies Act, 2016, as amended, and the Business Tax Act, as amended.
A Seychelles IBC may also benefit from stamp duty exemptions on qualifying transactions, including certain transactions involving its shares, debt obligations and other securities. However, exemptions are subject to statutory conditions and exceptions, particularly where Seychelles immovable property is involved.
A Seychelles IBC should therefore not be described as automatically or completely tax-free. Conducting business outside Seychelles does not, by itself, establish exemption from every tax. The company’s activities, income sources and any applicable substance requirements must be considered. The former statement guaranteeing all exemptions for twenty years should not be relied upon under the current framework.
Business activities and applicable requirements
- A Seychelles IBC may conduct business in Seychelles, subject to applicable licensing, registration and tax requirements.
- Any acquisition or ownership of real estate in Seychelles is subject to applicable property laws, approvals and taxes.
- Banking, insurance, registered agent services and other regulated activities require the relevant licences or authorisations. Incorporating an IBC does not itself authorise these activities.
Activities a Seychelles IBC may undertake
Subject to applicable laws, approvals and regulatory requirements:
- It may maintain Seychelles-based bank accounts and deposits, subject to the bank’s acceptance and due diligence requirements.
- It may maintain books and records within Seychelles and must comply with applicable accounting record-keeping requirements.
- It may maintain professional relationships in Seychelles with attorneys, accountants, trust and management companies, investment advisers and other professional service providers.
- It may hold meetings of its directors in Seychelles.
- It may lease premises in Seychelles for office purposes, communication with members and maintaining company books and records.
- It may hold shares, debt obligations or other securities in another Seychelles IBC or a Seychelles domestic company.
- It may own a vessel or aircraft registered in Seychelles, subject to the relevant registration and licensing requirements.
- Shares in a Seychelles IBC may be held by a person resident in Seychelles, subject to applicable disclosure and tax requirements.
Confidentiality and Company Information
Protection of company information
Confidentiality remains an important feature of a Seychelles International Business Company. However, it is subject to applicable company law, beneficial ownership requirements and disclosure obligations. Information about shareholders, directors and beneficial owners must be maintained and provided where legally required.
Company records and statutory filings
A Seychelles IBC must maintain its statutory registers, company records, minutes and resolutions in accordance with applicable law. The register of directors must be filed with the Registrar, and beneficial ownership information is subject to registration and reporting requirements. Information is therefore not held exclusively by the registered agent.
The company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association form part of its registration documents. Access to company documents and ownership information depends on the applicable statutory rules; confidentiality does not prevent access by competent authorities where legally authorised.
International information exchange
The Republic of Seychelles is an independent country and participates in international tax cooperation. Its commitments include exchange of information on request and automatic exchange of financial account information under the Common Reporting Standard, together with applicable FATCA arrangements.
Client confidentiality is protected within this legal framework. Companies and their service providers must comply with relevant due diligence, record-keeping and disclosure requirements.
Legal Protection
Shareholder rights and foreign claims
Shareholder rights and disputes involving a Seychelles IBC are governed by applicable law and the company’s constitutional documents. Where a foreign authority seeks to seize shares or other interests in the company, the availability of relief from a Seychelles court depends on the circumstances and relevant legal provisions. Specific legal advice should be obtained before relying on any protection against confiscation.
Company Incorporation and Government Fees
Efficient incorporation
A Seychelles IBC can be incorporated through a licensed corporate service provider. Registration can proceed once the required documents, due diligence checks and fees have been completed, subject to the Registrar’s processing times.
Government registration and annual fees
A Seychelles IBC must pay the applicable government incorporation and annual fees. These are separate from registered agent charges and other professional service costs.
We can confirm the current government fees, any additional filing charges and the annual maintenance costs before proceeding. The total cost should be assessed against the company’s proposed structure and ongoing requirements.