The Seychelles is booming as an International Offshore Financial Centre and it is not difficult to see why. The jurisdiction has many appealing features:

- Stable and Independent Country
- Fast Incorporation, usually within 24 hours
- Low Incorporation and renewal Fees
- Convenient Time Zone +4 hrs GMT
- Multi-lingual Incorporation documents allowed (Chinese characteristics accepted)
- Secure offshore banking
- Nominee Shareholder and Directors permitted
- Corporate Nominees permitted (even those from other jurisdictions)
- Minimum 1 Shareholder, 1 Director ; Reserve director allowed
- Disclosure of UBO to the Authorities and Shareholder to Registered Agent ONLY
- Register of Directors must be filed with the Authorities
- Bearer Shares NOT allowed.
- No minimum Share Capital requirements
- Information sharing agreements in force with some countries worldwide
- No Annual Financial Accounts returns but must keep financial records which must be filed with the Registered Agent
- No Annual meeting requirements

Characteristics of the Seychelles IBC Act 2016

The International Business Company's Act 2016 and its Amendments was enacted to provide a comprehensive regime for the incorporation, regulation, operation and taxation of International Business Companies.

TAXATION

International Business Companies are not subject to taxation within the Seychelles, provided no business is being conducted in Seychelles.

SHAREHOLDERS

An International Business Company need only one shareholder and shares are issued in registered form only. Details of the shareholders DO NOT appear on the public file, although a Register of Members must be maintained at the registered office address.
The Register is only open to inspection by members of the company.

DIRECTORS

A minimum of one director is required and corporate directors are permitted. Details of the directors are filed with the Authorities, and a Register of Directors must be maintained at all times.

ANNUAL REPORTING

International Business Companies are not required to file annual accounts. However, they are required to maintain financial records which have to be filed with the Registered Agent.

SECRECY

There are specific statutory provisions governing secrecy in relation to companies but English Law, which applies within the jurisdiction, does impose a common law duty on professionals to keep the affairs of their clients confidential.

TIME SCALE

Incorporation can be achieved within 24 hours. However it does take a few days for documents to arrive from Seychelles.

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

As a matter of local company law the company must maintain a registered office address within the Seychelles and must also appoint a Seychelles resident as a registered agent.

NAME / ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS

The following words cannot be used: Assurance, Bank, Building Society, Chamber of Commerce, Credit Union, Licensing, Police, Royal Chartered, Co-operative, Foundation, Government, Stock Exchange, Tribunal, Parliament Imperial, Insurance, Municipal, Mutual Fund and Trust, or any other words which suggest the patronage of any Government. All company names must end with Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Limited Liability Company, Company or the abbreviation Ltd, Corp., Inc., LLC, or Co.