Seychelles as an Offshore Company Tax Haven

The Seychelles has long been recognised as one of the world’s most popular tax havens, particularly in terms of using low cost offshore companies. The Seychelles is seen as beneficial because of the absence of many taxes. In particular there is no income tax, no capital gains tax or estate taxes. The Seychelles operates a system of territorial taxation which means that only locally-sourced income is taxed. Any foreign-source income including foreign source business income is not taxable.

In order to qualify as an IBC (International Business Company), a Seychelles company must satisfy the following criteria:

• It may not carry on business in Seychelles
• It may not own real estate in Seychelles
• It may not do banking, insurance and registered agent business without a special license.

Seychelles Companies and their Tax Liability

A Seychelles IBC, by the definition of the law, is not subject to any tax or duty on income or profits. A shareholder of a Seychelles IBC is also not subject to any tax on his income derived from the IBC.

In a similar fashion, a Seychelles IBC is also exempt from any stamp duties on all transactions relating to its business, in particular on any transfers of property to or by the company, and on any transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of the IBC.

Essentially, a Seychelles IBC is a completely tax-free offshore corporation, insofar as it complies with a few simple rules of operation. The main requirement is that a Seychelles IBC should not pursue business within the territory of the Seychelles (except, of course, it may enter into business with any other Seychelles IBC`s). The law provides that all exemptions for a Seychelles IBC shall remain in force for a period of twenty years from the date of incorporation of the IBC.

Seychelles Company Formation / Registration

Offshore Trade Services are able to incorporate a Seychelles IBC. Company formation normally takes between 1 - 2 working days to register, though Off The Shelf companies are available should your requirements be more immediate.

Seychelles Offshore Company Anonymity and Disclosure

Confidentiality is one of the key features of the Seychelles IBC (International Business Company) as details of the companies beneficial owners, directors and shareholders are NOT part of the public record. At registration of a new IBC, the Registrar of Companies does not require any data whatsoever on who is the actual beneficial owner of the new company. This information is only known to the licensed Registered Agent of the company and is kept in complete confidentiality. The internal corporate files of the IBC, like the Register of Members, Register of Directors and all Minutes and Resolutions, are kept at the offices of the Registered Agent and are also confidential.

The only documents of a Seychelles IBC that are held on public record are the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. These documents do not contain any indication as to the actual shareholders or the beneficial owners of the company.

The Seychelles has avoided entering any information-sharing agreements with foreign countries or organizations for exchange of financial aid. Client confidentiality is robustly enshrined in the Seychelles corporate and business legislation. The offshore financial services sector contributes significantly to the country`s GDP. There is an inherent interest with the government and with the general public to maintain and develop the country`s status as a competitive offshore financial centre.

Seychelles IBC’s are not required to file any financial accounts. The IBC is free to arrange its accounts in any manner that is most fit for the company owners, so as to enable them to establish the financial position of the Company with reasonable accuracy.

Seychelles Offshore Company Shares

Seychelles IBCs are normally incorporated with an authorised share capital of US$100,000 with par value. The authorised share capital may be expressed in any currency. The minimum issued capital is either one share of no par value or one share of par value.

Registered shares, bearer shares, shares of no par value, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights are permitted in Seychelles.

Our Services – Offshore Company Formation, Nominee Director, Nominee Shareholder, Mail forwarding and Bank Accounts

Offshore Trade Services specialize in Seychelles company formations ranging from simple company registrations to complex structures including offshore Trusts and in providing a very comprehensive assortment of administrative services to Seychelles companies, including the provision of Nominee Director, Nominee Shareholder, Mail Forwarding and Bank Account services. We are also able to offer a 'transfer in' service whereby we can take over the management of your existing Seychelles Offshore Company, often for no cost at all.

Please read also about our Due Diligence Requirements.