Seychelles - Company Incorporation

The International Business Company is the most widely used vehicle for offshore operations in the Seychelles, it normally takes the form of a private company limited by shares, but can also be a Limited Life Company. The governing legislation is the International Business Companies Act 1994.

Features of a Seychelles International Business Company

• The Offshore company may use any name which is not already taken in the Seychelles. Prohibited words within a name are: Bank, Building Society, Chamber of Commerce, Insurance.
• The name of the company may be in any language and can use a suffix indicating Limited Liability, such as: Limited or Ltd., Corporation or Corp., Incorporation or Inc., SA, GmbH.
• One director and one shareholder are required.
• Shareholders, directors and officers need not be resident in the Seychelles. There is no stipulation as to their nationality.
• No minimum capital requirement.
• No business may be transacted with residents of the Seychelles.
• Accounts need not be kept.
• No returns are needed of shareholders, directors or officers.
• Shareholders and directors meetings need not be held in the Seychelles and can be held by telephone.
• The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the only documents to be held on the public record.

Officers of the Company

• The Director can be a person or a Corporation.
• Directors may be of any nationality and may reside anywhere.
• No requirement for an Annual General Meeting. The Directors may hold meetings in any country. Shares may be either registered or bearer and may be issued in any currency
• Nominee Directors may be used if desired.

Activities and Rules about Territory

No ownership interest in real property in the Seychelles is permitted. Property may be leased for office use only. Engaging in the business of company management or providing registered facilities for Seychelles-incorporated companies is not permitted.

International Business Company
Type of Law	Based on English Common Law and French Civil Law - There has been the introduction of progressive laws facilitating the establishment of offshore structures and encouraging inward investment
Languages	English, French is also official
Tax on Offshore Profits	None
Minimum Number of Directors required	1 (A local director is required, but this can be a nominee). Corporate Directors are allowed.
Minimum Number of Shareholders	1
Filing of Annual Returns	None
Filing of Annual Accounts	None
Annual Licence Fee	Around US$100
Shelf Companies Available	Yes