How to Set Up a Company in Seychelles (2026)
A Seychelles IBC (International Business Company) costs USD 100–200 in government fees, takes 3–5 business days, and has 0% CT on foreign-source income. It's the cheapest offshore holding vehicle a...
Seychelles IBC — what it is
The Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is a pure offshore holding vehicle. Governed by the International Business Companies Act 2016. Key features:
- 0% tax on foreign-source income
- USD 1 minimum share capital (notional)
- 1 director, 1 shareholder minimum; no nationality/residency restrictions
- No audit requirement
- No annual accounts filing (must maintain internal records)
- 3–5 business day formation
Governed by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) of Seychelles
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Limitations vs BVI or Cayman
| Factor | Seychelles IBC | BVI BC | Cayman Exempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government annual fee | ~USD 100 | USD 350–1,100 | USD 854–3,000+ |
| Setup cost | USD 300–700 | USD 800–1,500 | USD 1,500–3,000 |
| Treaty network | Very limited | UK unilateral relief | None |
| Banking accessibility | Difficult | Difficult | Difficult |
| EU list status | Appeared on EU list at points | Improved; periodic | Improved |
| Institutional recognition | Low | Medium | High |
Seychelles is the cheapest option but carries the lowest prestige and the most frequent appearance on EU monitoring lists. It's appropriate where cost is the primary driver and the company is purely a holding layer above a more credible onshore structure.
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Formation
All Seychelles IBC formations are handled by licensed CSPs (Company Service Providers) regulated by the FSA.
1. Contact a Seychelles-licensed registered agent 2. Provide KYC documents (passport, proof of address, source of funds) 3. CSP files with the FSA Registrar 4. Certificate of Incorporation issued within 3–5 days
Annual government fee: USD 100 (IBCs with authorised capital ≤USD 5,000); USD 300 (USD 5,001–50,000)
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Real cost (Year 1)
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Government formation fee | $100 |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | $300–600 |
| **Total** | **$400–700** |
Annual renewal: USD 400–700 (government fee + registered agent)
Related Guide
Read the complete formation guide for this country — structures, costs, taxes, banking, and visas.
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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.