IncHub · Offshore Company Formation
Seychelles Offshore Company Formation
An International Business Company (IBC), the complete setup for UAE-based founders, family offices, and international investors. Accessible, cost-efficient, and incorporated in just 1 to 3 working days.
1-3
Working-day
incorporation
incorporation
0%
Foreign-income tax
1
Director minimum
Private
Beneficial register
$0
Min. share capital
Why Seychelles
Why Businesses Choose Seychelles for Offshore Incorporation
Seychelles has built a reputation as one of the most accessible and cost-effective offshore jurisdictions in the world. The IBC Act 2016, as amended through 2024 and 2025, provides the legal foundation for a well-structured yet flexible corporate vehicle.
For UAE-based founders and family offices, a Seychelles IBC is often the first step in a broader international structure. It pairs naturally with a UAE free zone entity or a DIFC holding company, providing clean separation between offshore activities and regional operating businesses.
Incorporation is fast, typically 1 to 3 working days once documents are in order. Annual maintenance costs are among the lowest of any comparable jurisdiction. While Seychelles has modernised its compliance framework to FATF and OECD standards, it remains considerably more straightforward to maintain than BVI or Cayman.
At a Glance
The essentials, grouped for clarity
The foundational characteristics of a Seychelles International Business Company, organised by what matters most when assessing a corporate structure.
Foundation
Company Type
IBC
Governing Legislation
IBC Act 2016
Regulator
Seychelles FSA
Registered Agent
Mandatory
Governance
Minimum Directors
1
Minimum Shareholders
1
Company Secretary
Not required
Minimum Share Capital
No minimum
Privacy
Register of Directors
Not public
Register of Shareholders
Not public
Annual Accounts Filing
Not required
Audit Requirement
None
Tax & Timeline
Corporate Tax (foreign)
0%
Withholding Tax
None
Capital Gains Tax
None
Stamp Duty
None
Incorporation Timeline
1-3 days
Scope of Operations
What a Seychelles IBC can and cannot do
A Seychelles IBC is structured for international business activities only. It is not designed to trade within Seychelles, hire local employees, or hold Seychellois real estate directly.
Permitted Activities
- Holding shares in other companies, domestic and international
- International trading and procurement operations
- Asset protection and estate planning structures
- Intellectual property holding
- Investment holding and portfolio management
- E-commerce and digital businesses serving international markets
- Import and export transactions
- Consulting and professional service billing
Activities Requiring a Separate Licence
- Banking and insurance, licence required from FSA
- Securities trading and fund management
- Cryptocurrency and virtual asset services, VASP Act 2024, four licence categories
- Gambling operations
If your business involves crypto, token issuance, digital asset exchange, or wallet services, Seychelles offers a dedicated regulatory pathway under the VASP Act 2024. IncHub can advise on VASP licence applications separately from standard IBC formation.
Anatomy
Corporate structure and governance
The Seychelles IBC is designed to deliver maximum flexibility without unnecessary complexity, adaptable to a single individual, a family office, or a multi-tier holding group.
01
Directors
A minimum of one director is required. Directors may be individuals or corporate entities. Nationality is unrestricted. Directors are not listed on any public register, though their details are filed with the Registrar under the IBC Act 2016 and held by the registered agent.
02
Shareholders
A minimum of one shareholder is required. The director and shareholder may be the same person. Corporate shareholders are permitted. Share registers are maintained by the registered agent and are not publicly accessible.
03
Beneficial Ownership
Since 2021, all Seychelles IBCs must maintain a Register of Beneficial Owners. This register is filed with the Seychelles FIU but is not publicly available, accessible only to law enforcement and regulatory authorities through a formal process. Nominee arrangements must be declared under the 2024 and 2025 amendments.
04
Share Capital
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement. Shares may be denominated in any currency. The IBC may issue registered shares only, structured as voting, non-voting, or shares carrying weighted voting rights. Bearer shares are not permitted.
Territorial Tax System
Tax treatment
Seychelles operates a territorial tax system. A Seychelles IBC pays zero corporate tax on income sourced from outside Seychelles. This covers trading profits, dividends from foreign subsidiaries, capital gains on foreign assets, interest on foreign deposits, and royalties from foreign licensees.
There is no withholding tax on dividends paid out of the IBC, no capital gains tax, and no stamp duty on share transfers or company formation transactions.
What to Watch
The territorial exemption applies to income genuinely sourced offshore. If the IBC creates a permanent establishment inside Seychelles through physical operations or local employees, that income becomes taxable under domestic rules. A registered office address alone does not constitute a permanent establishment.
Seychelles participates in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and complies with FATCA. Financial account data for non-Seychellois residents is automatically reported to home-country tax authorities. The value of a Seychelles IBC lies in legitimate territorial tax efficiency, not evasion.
For large multinational groups with global revenues above EUR 750 million, the OECD Pillar Two global minimum tax rules apply. For the vast majority of SME and family office clients, this is not a relevant consideration.
Ongoing Obligations
Ongoing compliance requirements
Seychelles has strengthened its compliance framework considerably since 2020. Understanding the annual requirements is essential before making a decision.
Annual Government Fee
A flat government renewal fee is payable each year on the anniversary of incorporation. This is among the lowest in any comparable offshore jurisdiction.
Accounting Records
Since 2021, all Seychelles IBCs are required to maintain accounting records at their registered office in Seychelles, in either physical or electronic form. These records must be updated at least twice a year, typically in January and July. Records include bank statements, invoices, receipts, title documents, contracts, and ledgers.
Companies with annual turnover exceeding USD 3,750,000 must prepare a Financial Summary within six months of their financial year end. Dormant companies may submit a Director’s Declaration in lieu of accounting records.
Accounting records are not filed publicly. They are held by the registered agent for inspection by authorities if required, and must be retained for seven years.
Registered Agent
Every Seychelles IBC must maintain a licensed registered agent domiciled in Seychelles at all times. The agent is the interface between the IBC and the Registrar of Companies and the FIU. If the agent resigns and is not replaced within the statutory window, the company faces strike-off. IncHub coordinates with a licensed Seychelles-based registered agent on your behalf.
Annual General Meetings
Annual general meetings of shareholders are not mandatory. When held, they may take place anywhere in the world, by telephone or other electronic means, or by proxy. Directors may similarly pass resolutions by written consent.
Step by Step
From engagement to incorporation
A streamlined process designed to deliver your Certificate of Incorporation within one to three working days from document verification.
Average Timeline
Certificate issued within 1-3 working days.
01
Name Reservation
Choose a name ending in Limited (Ltd.), Corporation (Corp.), or Incorporated (Inc.). The name must be unique and cannot imply government or regulatory affiliation.
02
Document Collection
Provide certified passport copies and proof of address dated within the last three months for all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners. Corporate shareholders must supply incorporation documents and current registers.
03
KYC and Due Diligence Review
IncHub conducts a compliance review. Documents are verified and submitted to the Seychelles registered agent for processing.
04
Filing with the Registrar
The registered agent submits the Memorandum and Articles of Association along with all statutory documents and government fees to the Registrar of Companies.
05
Certificate Issued
Upon approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation. You receive the stamped Memorandum and Articles, Register of Directors, Register of Shareholders, and Register of Beneficial Owners ; all required for banking, contracts, and ongoing operations.
06
Bank Account Opening
IncHub assists with introductions to suitable banking institutions for your offshore entity. Account opening timelines vary depending on the institution and business activity.
Checklist
Documents required for incorporation
A clear list of what we need from individuals and corporate shareholders.
Certified copy of valid passport for each director, shareholder, and beneficial owner
Proof of residential address dated within three months, utility bill, bank statement, or similar
Source of funds declaration
For corporate shareholders: Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association, for corporate shareholders
Register of Directors and Register of Shareholders, for corporate shareholders
Certified copy of passport and proof of address for each ultimate beneficial owner
Schedule of Charges
Transparent pricing
All-in fees for incorporation, annual maintenance, and certification, with no hidden additions. Quoted in USD.
Incorporation Package · Year 1
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| IBC Incorporation, all-in Year 1 Includes IncHub advisory, cross-jurisdictional coordination, KYC review, statutory documents, registered agent Year 1, registered office Year 1, government licence fee Year 1, Certificate of Incorporation, and full statutory pack. | $2,500 |
Year 1 all-in fee: USD 2,500. No hidden additions.
Annual Maintenance · From Year 2
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual Renewal Registered agent + registered office renewal + government renewal fee + IncHub compliance coordination + ongoing advisory support. | $2,000 |
Certification & Authentication
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille per document | $250 |
| Notarial Certification per document | $200 |
| Notarial Certification with Apostille | $400 |
| Certificate of Good Standing (from Registry) | $275 |
| Certificate of Good Standing (from Registered Agent) | $200 |
| Certificate of Incumbency | $250 |
| Share Certificate (each) | $150 |
Corporate Secretarial & Documents
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Board Resolution / Written Consent (per document) | $200 |
| Power of Attorney (preparation and execution) | $350 |
| Amendment to Memorandum & Articles of Association | Contact us |
| Dissolution / Strike-off Coordination | Contact us |
Operational & Support
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accounting Records Compliance Service Bi-annual submission, NIL. | $1,200 |
| Virtual Office Address (per year) | $750 |
| Courier Dispatch, Urgent International | $150 |
| Bank Account Opening Assistance | Contact us |
All fees listed are IncHub’s professional service charges, inclusive of advisory, coordination, and compliance review. They exclude disbursements, courier costs, or third-party charges levied directly by the Seychelles Registrar, FSA, or notarising authorities. Fees subject to periodic review, contact IncHub for a formal written quotation tailored to your structure.
Is It The Right Fit
Is a Seychelles IBC right for you?
A Seychelles IBC works best in specific scenarios. If your situation matches one or more of the following, it is worth a detailed conversation with our advisory team.
Strong Use Cases
- You operate internationally and want to hold assets or route income through a low-tax jurisdiction
- You are a UAE-based founder building a multi-jurisdictional holding structure
- You need a clean vehicle for holding shares in other companies or joint ventures
- You are a family office seeking a cost-effective offshore wrapper for investment assets
- You are an e-commerce operator or digital services business with a predominantly international customer base
- You want a nominee structure for an additional layer of privacy while remaining fully compliant
When Seychelles May Not Be Ideal
- You require banking in tier-one jurisdictions with minimal friction. some major banks apply enhanced due diligence to Seychelles IBCs
- Your business requires a jurisdiction with an extensive double tax treaty network, Seychelles has very few treaties in force
- Your business requires a physical presence, staff, or local trading, Seychelles IBCs are not designed for this
- You are raising institutional investment where investors require a BVI, Cayman, or ADGM vehicle
If Seychelles does not fit your situation, IncHub can advise on alternatives including BVI, Cayman Islands, RAKICC, and DIFC structures. We work with all major offshore jurisdictions and can compare total cost of ownership across options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Seychelles IBC incorporation, compliance, and use cases.
Still have questions?
Our advisory team responds within one working day. Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and structure options.
How long does Seychelles IBC incorporation take?
Typically 1 to 3 working days from the point all compliance documents are verified. If any documents require apostille or notarisation before submission, this adds time on the client side.
Do I need to be physically present in Seychelles?
No. The entire process is handled remotely through a licensed registered agent. You never need to travel to Seychelles.
Who can see the names of my directors and shareholders?
Directors and shareholders are not listed on any public register. The Register of Directors is filed with the Registrar but is not accessible to the public. The Register of Beneficial Owners is held by the registered agent and filed with the Financial Intelligence Unit, accessible only to law enforcement and regulatory authorities under a formal process.
Does a Seychelles IBC need to file accounts?
Accounts do not need to be filed publicly. However, since 2021, accounting records must be maintained at the registered office in Seychelles and submitted to the registered agent twice a year. For companies with turnover above USD 3,750,000, a Financial Summary is required within six months of the financial year end.
Can my Seychelles IBC open a bank account?
Yes. Seychelles IBCs can open multi-currency bank accounts at a range of international institutions. Account opening is subject to each bank’s own KYC and AML procedures. IncHub can make introductions to appropriate institutions based on your business activity and expected transaction volumes.
Can I use a Seychelles IBC for crypto or virtual asset activities?
Seychelles has introduced a regulatory framework for virtual asset services through the VASP Act 2024. IBCs wishing to offer crypto exchange, custody, token issuance, or related services must obtain the appropriate licence from the FSA. A standard IBC formation does not automatically permit VASP activities. IncHub can guide you through the VASP licensing process separately.
What happens if I do not renew my Seychelles IBC annually?
Failure to pay annual government fees or maintain a registered agent can result in the company being struck off the register by the Registrar. A struck-off company can be restored within a prescribed period on payment of fees and penalties. If a company is dissolved and not restored in time, it may be wound up and its assets treated as bona vacantia.
Can I re-domicile an existing foreign company to Seychelles?
Yes. Seychelles law permits re-domiciliation. A foreign entity can be transferred to Seychelles as an IBC, provided the home jurisdiction also permits outward re-domiciliation. The reverse is also possible: a Seychelles IBC can be re-domiciled to another jurisdiction.
What is the difference between Seychelles and BVI?
Both are popular offshore jurisdictions for IBCs. BVI has a longer track record, broader banking acceptance, and a more extensive body of case law. Seychelles is considerably cheaper to incorporate and maintain, making it the practical choice for structures where cost efficiency is the priority. BVI government fees scale with authorised capital, while Seychelles charges a flat government fee regardless of share capital. For a detailed comparison, speak with our advisory team.
Get in Touch
Speak with an IncHub advisor
We advise UAE-based founders, family offices, and international investors on offshore structuring, company formation, and ongoing compliance.
Authorized across:
DIFC · DMCC · ADGM · FTA Registered Tax Agent · ISO 9001:2015
Contact
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