Overview of BVI Company Registration
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is one of the world's leading offshore financial centers. It is renowned for its political stability, robust legal system based on English Common Law, and business-friendly environment.
A BVI Business Company (BC) is a popular vehicle for international trade, investment holding, and asset protection. For Indian entrepreneurs, it offers a gateway to global markets with a flexible corporate structure.
Key Benefits
- Tax Neutrality: No corporate tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or VAT in the BVI for business conducted outside the territory.
- Asset Protection: Strong legal framework to protect assets from future liabilities.
- Confidentiality: Details of directors and shareholders are not publicly accessible (though filed with the registry).
- Flexibility: No requirement for annual general meetings to be held in the BVI. Single director/shareholder allowed.
- Ease of Administration: Minimal reporting requirements compared to onshore jurisdictions.
Registration Requirements
- Director & Shareholder: Minimum one director and one shareholder required. They can be the same person and of any nationality.
- Registered Agent: Mandatory to appoint a licensed registered agent in the BVI.
- Registered Office: Must maintain a registered office address in the BVI (provided by the agent).
- Capital: Standard authorized capital is usually USD 50,000 (no requirement to pay it up).
Economic Substance Requirements
The BVI Economic Substance Act requires companies conducting "relevant activities" to demonstrate real economic presence in the BVI. Relevant activities include:
- Banking & Insurance
- Fund Management
- Financing & Leasing
- Headquarters Business
- Shipping
- Holding Business (Pure equity holding entities have reduced requirements)
- Intellectual Property Business
If your company falls into these categories, you may need to have local employees and office space. Pure holding companies usually just need to comply with statutory obligations and have a registered agent.
Documents Required
To register a BVI company, you will need to provide:
- Passport: Notarized copy of valid passport for all directors and shareholders.
- Address Proof: Recent utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months).
- Reference Letter: A professional reference letter from a bank, lawyer, or accountant.
- CV/Resume: Brief professional profile of the beneficial owners.
Registration Process
- Consultation & Name Check: We check the availability of your desired company name.
- Document Collection: You submit the required KYC documents.
- Incorporation: We file the Memorandum and Articles of Association with the BVI Registry.
- Licensing: Upon approval, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued.
- Post-Incorporation: We assist with opening a corporate bank account and issuing share certificates.
Bank Account Opening
Opening a bank account for a BVI company can be done in various jurisdictions (e.g., Singapore, Mauritius, Caribbean, or Digital Banks). It typically requires:
- Certified corporate documents (Certificate of Incorporation, M&A).
- Business plan and proof of business activities (invoices, contracts).
- KYC of all UBOs (Ultimate Beneficial Owners).
- Bank reference letters.
We guide you through the selection of the right banking partner based on your business profile.
