The Seychelles is a group of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar. The Seychelles economy is primarily based on tourism and fishing.

The financial sector is very dynamic, thanks to the creation of the Seychelles International Business Authority and the introduction of progressive laws aimed at facilitating the establishment of offshore structures and encouraging inward investment, it is now a significant element of the economy.

An increasing number of international banks and insurance companies will have established branches or subsidiaries, which, together with the local administration office accounting and legal firms provide customer support.

Offshore destination renowned but delicate to do business with Europe, the Seychelles offer three types of offshore companies: the IBC, the CSL and the LP. This activity is enhanced by the Seychelles International Business Authority that imposes the country rules fo the offshore.

The Seychelles have six commercial banks, a body of credit and two exchange. However, only two of these banks are suitable for an offshore activity because they hold the appropriate license.

An offshore company in the Seychelles must meet the Company Law and the International Business Companies Act and can be of three types:

• The International Business Company (IBC) is the most present in the country and takes the form of a joint stock company. It has the advantage of not imposing any restriction on the nationality of the leaders and the minimum capital. However, IBC can not exercise a business on Seychelles or own property (for the offices you can only rent, for example). It is also forbidden to do business with other companies in the country, except in some cases (lawyers, accountants, …). However, it is possible for the CWB owning shares in other companies in the Seychelles or have a registered ship. The costs of creation are USD 100 for a maximum principal amount of USD 100 000. The license renewal is USD 100.

• Companies of special license (CSL) are standardized by the Companies Act of 2003. This type of offshore company allows activities both inside and outside of the Seychelles and has many tax advantages.
• The Seychelles Limited Partnership (LP) is regulated by the Limited Partnership Act of 2003 and allows you to receive and distribute income easily.

Seychelles is recommended for operations with Asia, India and Africa, but not with Europe. Use the Seychelles to bill a European company presents difficulties. In fact, the services apply a withholding tax of at least 30% when a German, French or Italian pay Seychelles.

Formation expenses : 1’000 – 2’500 CHF