Guernsey is a leading UK financial centre and is a popular location for offshore incorporations and is a highly respected jurisdiction and its sophisticated financial industry infrastructure also contributes hugely its success together with its exceptionally low tax rates and quick incorporation times.
The Guernsey agent would usually supply full administration services to our clients, including provision of the Directors who operate the company and exercise mind, management and control in Guernsey. This includes operating all bank accounts.
Generally agents do not provide Registered Office only services except in exceptional circumstances. Even then they would be looking at a minimum of £6,000 per annum Registered Office Fee and would require six monthly accounts together with copies of all minutes and details of any changes to the Officers / Shareholders / activity.
They do not usually offer a simple incorporation, registered office, resident agent service, and I believe you may find it difficult to locate a provider for such a service.
Company Name
The name of a company may be in any language that uses the Latin alphabet.
We are able to check your Guernsey company name is acceptable with the Guernsey Registry.
Registered Office
It is mandatory to have a registered office in Guernsey, this is a physical address where documents may be legally served – we can provide a registered office in Guernsey. It is a requirement for a Guernsey incorporated company to have a registered agent.
Company Shareholders
A minimum of one shareholders is required, with no restrictions on nationality or residency. Shareholders may be an individual or company and the shares are issued as registered shares.
Details of shareholders must be kept on a share register at the registered office or registered agent, these details are protected. The information is also maintained at the Companies Registry, the information on shareholders will only be seen if requested by the relevant authorities for use in a criminal investigation.
Share Capital
There is no minimum capital requirements for a company incorporated in Guernsey and the capital may be expressed in any currency.
Travel
It is not necessary to visit Guernsey to complete your incorporation
Proof of Identity
As part of our due diligence we require proof of identity and address for all directors and shareholders of the company.
Company Registration Renewal
Companies are obliged to pay an annual validation fee to the authorities accompanied by the annual return. This fee is variable on the type of company.
Company Directors
Only one director is required, of any nationality and residency. Company directors must complete a registration form in order to be provided with a unique company director number, we complete this during the registration process.
Company directors are legally obliged to file certain types of information with the Guernsey Registry.
Timescale
A Guernsey Company Formation can be completed in 2 days from application.
Filing Requirements
To incorporate a Guernsey company the following is required for the Guernsey Registry:
Proposed Company Name
Description of Company Activities
Shareholders Details
Company Directors Details
Guernsey Registered Office Address
Amount of Share Capital
Passport/identity card of the directors
Articles of Incorporation
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association – which we draft
