Company Formation in Seychelles

Your Complete Guide to Costs, Requirements, and Setup Timeline

In 2026, establishing a company in Seychelles remains one of the most efficient and flexible offshore structures for international business. Due to a favorable legal regime, robust asset protection framework, and simplicity of administration, Seychelles continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and global service providers.

A Seychelles company — particularly an International Business Company (IBC) — is widely used for:

Holding and managing assets
International trading and services
Intellectual property ownership
Investment vehicles and joint ventures
Shipping and maritime operations
Crypto‑related entities and fintech structures

This guide walks you through the process of Seychelles company formation, including legal requirements, costs, timelines, compliance, tax considerations, and strategic benefits.

Why Choose Seychelles for Company Formation in 2026

1. Efficient and Flexible Legal System

The legislative framework for offshore companies in Seychelles is designed for simplicity and certainty. The International Business Companies Act provides a clear legal basis for IBCs with minimal administrative burden.

2. Global Recognition

Seychelles companies are recognized in most international business jurisdictions, and banks, payment providers, and partners typically accept them, provided compliance standards are met.

3. Confidentiality and Asset Protection

Seychelles law includes strong confidentiality protections for beneficial ownership and provides efficient asset protection tools when structured properly.

4. Flexible Corporate Structure

Directors and shareholders can be individuals or corporate bodies from any country. No local residency requirement is imposed.

5. Cost‑Effective Solution

Compared with many European or Caribbean jurisdictions, Seychelles offers competitive pricing for setup and maintenance without excessive government fees.

Types of Companies You Can Form in Seychelles

International Business Company (IBC)

The most common form, suitable for holding assets, trading, investment, and proprietary activities.

Key features:

Limited liability structure
No requirement to file public accounts
Tax benefits under certain conditions
Flexible share classes and corporate governance

Other Forms

Depending on activities, you may consider:

LLC (Limited Liability Company) — for joint ventures and partnerships
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) — for asset holding or project financing
Protected Cell Companies — for segregated asset structures in risk‑managed businesses

Key Requirements for Seychelles Company Formation

Corporate Requirements

Minimum of one shareholder (individual or corporate)
Minimum of one director (no residency requirement)
Company secretary (required, can be local or international)
Registered office address in Seychelles

Documentation Needed

Passport copy of shareholder(s) and director(s)
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Completed incorporation forms
Declaration of beneficial ownership

Capital Structure

Standard authorized share capital: USD 1,000 (can be increased)
Shares may be ordinary or preference, registered or bearer (where permitted under local law)

Seychelles Company Formation Process

Step 1. Pre‑Incorporation Consultation

We evaluate your business model and recommend the optimal corporate structure, license requirements, tax planning, and compliance roadmap.

Duration: 1–2 business days

Step 2. Prepare and Submit Documents

We draft and collect all required incorporation documents and submit them to the Seychelles Registry.

Duration: 3–5 business days

Step 3. Registration and Government Approval

Upon approval, the Seychelles Registry issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

Duration: 5–10 business days

Step 4. Post‑Incorporation Compliance

After registration, we assist with:

Opening corporate bank accounts
Setting up accounting/AML frameworks
Ongoing compliance support

Estimated Costs in 2026

Government and Registry Fees

Incorporation fee: USD 300–550 (varies by share capital)
Registered agent and office fee: USD 350–900 per year

Service Provider Fees

Company formation package: USD 750–2,000 (depends on service scope)
Company secretary and compliance support: USD 450–1,200 annually

Optional Services

Corporate bank account assistance: USD 500–1,200
Trust or foundation setup (for asset protection): USD 1,500–3,000
Nominee director/shareholder services: USD 1,000–2,500 annually

Typical total first‑year cost: USD 1,500–4,500 (including government and service fees).

Taxation and Reporting

Seychelles IBCs are generally not subject to local corporate tax on income derived outside Seychelles, provided economic substance and compliance obligations are met.

Note:

Local tax residents and companies with local income must comply with Seychelles tax law.
International operations must respect tax rules in jurisdictions where revenue is generated.
Clients are responsible for maintaining tax compliance in relevant jurisdictions.

Compliance and Substance Requirements

In 2026, Seychelles requires offshore companies to demonstrate economic substance where applicable, especially for certain activities:

Banking and insurance
Fund management
Finance and leasing
Headquarters activities
Distribution and service centers

Substance may include:

Local bank accounts
Physical presence or permanent establishment
Staff and operational functions

Our team provides guidance to ensure compliance with global standards and substance requirements.

Banking and Payment Integration

Opening a corporate account for an offshore company can be challenging. Seychelles companies often qualify for:

International banks with offshore divisions
Fintech and payment service providers
E‑money institutions and alternative payment routes
Crypto‑friendly banking solutions where appropriate

Successful banking depends on strong compliance documentation, AML/KYC preparedness, and transparent business models.

Advantages of Seychelles Company Formation

Efficient incorporation process
International legal recognition
Confidentiality and asset protection
No residency requirements for directors or shareholders
Competitive pricing and low maintenance
Flexible corporate governance
Compatible with multiple business models

Limitations and Considerations

Seychelles IBCs are not automatically tax exempt for local income
Must comply with international AML/KYC standards
Banking depends on the quality of documentation and business model
Economic substance requirements must be met for relevant activities
Not suitable for regulated activities without additional licenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest timeline for Seychelles company formation?

In many cases, full incorporation can be completed within 5–10 business days.

Do directors or shareholders need to reside in Seychelles?

No. There are no local residency requirements for directors or shareholders.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my Seychelles company?

Yes, but approval depends on compliance documentation, business model, and banking criteria.

Are Seychelles companies tax‑free?

Offshore (international) income is generally not taxed locally, but clients must ensure compliance in their operating jurisdictions.

Is a Seychelles company suitable for crypto businesses?

Yes, provided compliance, substance, and payment integration are properly structured.

Start Your Seychelles Company Formation

Establishing a company in Seychelles offers a strategic, efficient, and internationally recognized offshore structure for global business. Our services include:

Pre‑incorporation advisory and feasibility analysis
Full document preparation and submission
Corporate bank account support
Ongoing compliance and substance assistance
AML/KYC and accounting setup
Optional trust/foundation structures for asset protection

Contact us today for a tailored company formation plan designed to your business needs. Our experts will guide you from initial planning to full operational readiness in Seychelles.