Seychelles is a stable country and known by many as a tourist destination, since it achieved its independence in 1976 it became an attractive offshore center. Today its industry is aimed at tourism, agriculture and fishing like all jurisdictions located on the African continent.

However, the reform carried out by the local government to diminish its independence from tourism has achieved a broad and fruitful expansion in the financial sector. With the creation of the Seychelles International Trade Authority and a set of laws facilitating the establishment of offshore structures and encouraging foreign investment, Seychelles is now an attractive offshore jurisdiction.

International business companies are companies incorporated under the International Companies Act 2016 and depending on the Act the type of companies may be Private Limited by Shares (Pte Ltd) or Limited Liability Company (LLC).

The country offers the opportunity to create an offshore company participating outside it with its classic and famous IBC companies. Below, we present some of the advantages offered by this jurisdiction when creating this type of company, it is not required to pay a capital, you can make use of directors or registered shareholders, does not apply exchange controls and has bank secrecy.

The business entities most used by entrepreneurs who decide to invest in Seychelles are the so-called Seychelles International Business Companies (IBC), they can register with only one shareholder, one director and a capital of US $ 1;

Seychelles IBCs can be managed from abroad: no resident directors are required and a resident registered agent will be responsible for maintaining company records after business registration. Seychelles IBCs are not required to submit annual returns or annual financial statements, although the latter must be prepared and kept at the company's office.

This type of company is adapted to all types of legal activity and activities related to finance, online gaming, banking or insurance can be carried out after obtaining the corresponding license. 

For investors, the option of being able to register a company in Seychelles with a special license company (CSL) is presented. Such a company is a tax resident, but benefits from a reduced corporate tax rate of 1.5% on its overall profits. Two resident directors are required for their training.

There is also the Seychelles limited liability company (owner company) and the branch. Foreign companies may establish branches in Seychelles, but must appoint two agents for this purpose, who must habitually reside in Seychelles. The scope of the branch's operations shall be defined by the parent undertaking. In addition, the office will have an independent management team and a separate corporate bank account.

If the branch encounters financial difficulties, the parent company assumes unlimited liability for their debts.

Please note that by having a company in Seychelles, it is not entitled to have real estate in the country.

Seychelles, as well as other jurisdictions on the continent offers the excellent benefit of exemption from paying taxes.

If you wish to register a company in Seychelles, Foster Swiss can advise you. We help you with practically everything: we provide advice from the moment you choose a corporate structure for your company until even one year after you have incorporated your company. And of course we take care of the whole process for you.

For more information on this topic or any requirement related to our services, you can contact us directly through info@fosterswiss.com