How to Purchase or Register a Seychelles Offshore Company in 2024

For entrepreneurs who are eager to launch an international business, an offshore company in Seychelles is a great, let alone useful, tool. It is particularly practical if you want to legally reduce taxes and keep your business details private. Another positive aspect here is that you will enjoy more flexibility in company management. While there are other ways to set up a business with global potential, they are usually less common and not as beneficial.

Something like 15 to 20 years ago, offshore companies were often used for tax base erosion. Other uses involved aggressive tax planning and moving profits around. Luckily, these practices are next to impossible nowadays. As a result, some believe that tax-free zones are no longer useful. However, this is not true.

Since the jurisdiction managed to stay on good terms with global regulators, Seychelles has kept its appeal to business people. This is why companies registered here are effectively used for international business activities. A business you will start in Seychelles may be useful for various purposes and will most likely become promising and potentially profitable. 

Here’s what makes Seychelles a popular choice for a business launch:

• Favorable Taxation: If your business operates outside Seychelles, you will benefit from low taxes.
• Confidentiality: Seychelles comes with strong protection of privacy.
• Easy Business Setup: Starting a business in the jurisdiction is both simple and hassle-free.
• Flexible Corporate Regulations: The rules for directors and shareholders are lenient.
• Low Startup and Operational Costs: You can either buy a ready-made company or register a new one, and both options are quite affordable.
• Variety of Legal Structures: There are multiple ways to organize your business in the Seychelles.
• No Restrictions for Foreign Nationals: There are no limits on foreign ownership or involvement.
• Advanced Offshore Banking: Seychelles has a well-developed offshore banking system.
• Low Annual Maintenance Costs: It won’t cost you a fortune to keep a company running in Seychelles.

Basically, you have two main options for launching an offshore business in Seychelles. The most common one is to register a new company from the ground up. It is a bit cheaper compared to purchasing a shelf company. Besides, you are free to choose the name and legal form for your business in this case. The second variant, however, may work better under certain circumstances. The reason is simple: it will only take you just 1 to 2 days to handle all administrative matters related to a ready-made company, should you purchase one.

Seychelles offshore companies: key features

Would you like to run a Seychelles offshore company? If so, it pays to be aware of several particular features they have. For more details about the jurisdiction and its specifics, you are welcome to contact the Offshore Pro team. The article about offshore company registration myths and the facts behind them will also come very useful.

Simply look at all the wonderful advantages you will enjoy with a Seychelles offshore company:

• No Taxes to Pay: Companies don’t pay any taxes, just an annual fee.
• High Confidentiality: Your data is protected in the jurisdiction. 
• Flexible Business Structure: You can easily set up a business so that it will meet all your goals.
• Uncomplicated Registration: In Seychelles, the registration process is simple and bound with minimum paperwork.
• No Restrictions for Foreign Nationals: Foreigners have full rights without any limitations.
• Ease of Management: You are unlikely to face any issues with managing your company in Seychelles.

However, be prepared for certain limitations on your Seychelles company operations:

• Seychelles-incorporated offshore companies can’t do any business in the jurisdiction.
• They are not allowed to own commercial or residential properties.
• Operating in the financial sector or engaging in gambling activities is also out of their reach.
• Offshore companies in Seychelles can’t issue bearer shares.

Offshore company registration in Seychelles: what you should know

Starting a new business the traditional way gives entrepreneurs more freedom. At the same time, the associated administrative costs are very low. It is usually a smart idea to register an offshore company in Seychelles, except in two cases: if you’re pressed for time or if you need a company with a history. In this jurisdiction, it usually takes about 3 to 4 business days to launch a new business. Sometimes, however, things take a bit longer. Want to know more? Please refer to our detailed step-by-step guide for offshore business registration.

Here’s what you should do to launch a Seychelles offshore company from the ground up (* if the corresponding corporate laws require it):

Here’s what you must do to register a Seychelles offshore company:

1. Prepare the Articles of Incorporation.
2. Appoint a director.
3. Select a registered address.
4. Open a bank account for your offshore company in Seychelles.

Below, you will find the list of documents required to register your Seychelles offshore company:

• Proof of identity.
• Corporate documents (for each legal entity involved as a founder).
• Documented proof of residential address.
• Certificate of good standing (This certificate is optional. Examples include a recommendation letter from a bank, lawyer, or accountant).

Please note that these requirements are specific to the registration of an offshore company in Seychelles. To open a corporate bank account, you will need more documents, as well as some additional steps.

The costs associated with registering an offshore company in Seychelles are few. This is what you will have to do:

• Pay for local agent services (note that foreign nationals aren’t permitted to register companies in Seychelles directly).
• Prepare business setup documents.
• Get a registered address.
• Obtain the required licenses (if applicable).
• Provide for nominee services (if required).

How to purchase a ready-made offshore company in Seychelles: important considerations

Buying a ready-made offshore company in Seychelles is a smart and viable alternative to starting a new one from scratch. While it is less common, this opportunity may offer significant advantages. In certain situations, they potentially outweigh the existing risks. Speaking of which, these risks include potential financial or legal liabilities that may come with the company, which the new owner might not be aware of.

For your convenience, here are the main things to keep in mind when you purchase a ready-made company in Seychelles:

Here’s what you should keep in mind when purchasing a ready-made company in Seychelles:

• After you purchase the company, update its ownership structure.
• The new owner must make changes in the company’s management and ownership structure, e.g., appoint new directors and/or redistribute shares.
• One more thing to do is prepare and approve new bylaws for your Seychelles company.

You can use your ready-made Seychelles company in different ways. Here’s what the potential uses include:

• cross-border trade
• stock market transactions
• implementation of investment projects regardless of their complexity
• management of real estate and movable properties
• e-commerce.

Should you register a new company or buy a ready-made one in Seychelles? The choice is yours, and it depends on what your needs are. For more information and personalized advice on doing business in Seychelles, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Offshore Pro experts!