A Nevis company is a popular choice for those who want to access an internationally recognised corporate structure with a strong legal framework for asset protection. All corporate services for the formation of a Nevis corporation are provided by a licensed registered agent. As a result, anyone worldwide can form a corporation in Nevis, and shareholders and directors do not have to travel to Nevis.
The Nevis Business Corporation (IBC) and Nevis Limited Liability Company (LLC) are established in line with Nevis corporate legislation. After company formation, the structure’s operation is regulated by the FSRC’s financial services regulatory framework.
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Looking to start a company in Nevis? We offer three options for Nevis company formation, depending on the level of assistance and corporate services required.
This package is ideal for international markets and includes forming a Nevis corporation for international business, with a bank account.
Includes: Get started
Preparation of documents;
Company registration in Nevis;
Comprehensive assistance with opening a bank account;
Translation and apostille of documents;
Professional director/shareholder services for one year;
Registered office and registered agent services for one year;
Courier delivery of documents.
We offer a solution for confidentiality-conscious clients and set up an LLC/IBC with professional directors or shareholders.
Includes:Preparation and apostille of documents;
Company registration in Nevis;
Courier delivery of documents;
Government fees;
Registered agent and registered office services for one year;
Professional director/shareholder services for one year.
The Basic Package. We establish an asset holding, investment, or reserve/shell structure under which you, as the client, will manage to carry on business.
Includes: Get startedPreparation of documents;
Company registration in Nevis;
Translation and apostille of documents;
Courier delivery;
Government fees;
Registered agent and registered office services for one year.
Nevis is a small island in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and as such, it has its own legislation regarding the establishment of companies, limited liability companies, trusts and other international financial structures. Nevis’ corporate legislation is based on common law and is detailed in statutes relating to business corporations and LLCs.
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48h
English
USD / XCD
A Nevis company is an offshore corporation established under the laws of the island of Nevis, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. A Nevis company can be set up as a standard corporation. It can support international business, asset management, investments, and cross-border activities. Some of the most common uses include:
HNWIsFund managersIP holdersCrypto foundersDigital nomadsE-commerce ownersConsulting & export businessesAsset holdersThe rules for establishing and running a business corporation are laid down in the Business Corporation Ordinance (B.C.O.). This explains how a business corporation can be incorporated in Nevis and what rules apply to the corporation, to its directors, and to its shareholders. In addition, the B.C.O. sets out special circumstances under which a corporation can issue two classes of shares. The Limited Liability Company Ordinance (L.L.C.O.) sets out rules for the establishment and operation of an LLC and for the interests of its members. It also sets out the rights and protections afforded to the corporation’s creditors while it operates in Nevis.
Nevis offers legal structures for international companies to manage their assets.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is not included in the updated list of EU non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, dated February 2026. The list comprises 10 jurisdictions, and none of them is based in the Caribbean region.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is under enhanced follow-up by the FATF while a CFATF review of the country is ongoing. The FATF continues to monitor Saint Kitts and Nevis’s implementation of measures to address the technical compliance issues set out in the 2019 Money Laundering Action Plan for Saint Kitts and Nevis. A 2025 FATF follow-up report on the measures introduced by Saint Kitts and Nevis to address the technical compliance issues outlined in the 2019 Money Laundering Action Plan for Saint Kitts and Nevis reveals considerable progress by this jurisdiction.
Below are a number of advantages that a Nevis offshore company can potentially offer:
Nevis offers several legal structures for international business, investment, and wealth planning. The right option depends on your objectives, from asset holding and trading to succession and wealth protection.
For US-facing owners · charging-order protection
Flexible management structure
Strong asset protection framework
Charging-order protection under Section 43
Suitable for holding assets and investments
For international trading & investment
Traditional share-based corporate structure
Directors, shareholders, and share capital
Suitable for trading and investment activities
Flexible share classes and corporate structuring
Hybrid entity for wealth structuring
Separate legal personality
Flexible governance options
Suitable for wealth and succession planning
Can accommodate philanthropic and commercial purposes
For asset protection & succession planning
Designed for international wealth structures
Suitable for long-term asset holding
Flexible arrangements for beneficiaries and trustees
Specific confidentiality and statutory protections
Asset holdingIP licensingE-commerceFund SPVConsulting exportYacht ownershipReal estate holdingCrypto operationsOffshore companies are said to be tax-free in certain countries. This is not entirely true. However, it’s important to note that Nevis’s taxation conditions are based on very favourable terms. Special attention is needed to the terms and conditions that apply to resident corporations. They are taxed on their worldwide income, whereas income earned within Nevis is taxed only in Nevis. Exemptions from taxation can apply to special structures and to certain approved businesses.
Note that the Saint Kitts and Nevis tax system is not a purely territorial tax system. A resident corporation is generally taxed on its worldwide income, but certain structures and approved types of businesses can receive tax exemptions. The corporate income tax rate was recently increased to 25% for tax years commencing on or after 1st January 2024.
As with many countries around the world, owners of Saint Kitts and Nevis companies, whether foreign or local, should be aware of all relevant taxation that must be reported and may apply in their home country and in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Nevis can offer favorable treatment across several other areas of taxation:
Capital Gains: No separate tax applies to capital gains.
Withholding Tax: A withholding tax of 10% is applied to payments made by residents to non-residents. In most circumstances, however, an exempt structure will be approved for qualifying entities.
Value Added Tax (VAT)—Nevis is part of St. Kitts and Nevis. All international businesses established in Nevis are therefore subject to the St. Kitts and Nevis Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation.
Generally, a rate of 17% applies to the supply of goods and services within St. Kitts and Nevis. However, as with income tax, items of supply are classified into different categories, including reduced-rate items, zero-rated items, and items exempt from taxation in certain circumstances. Exemptions are granted on an individual basis.These exemptions are normally granted on an individual basis for specific entities and transactions.
Stamp duty is a one-off payment, normally a percentage of the transfer value, that must be paid and registered with the relevant authority to complete a transfer of shares (e.g., 2% duty on the transfer of shares in a company). As mentioned above, the stamp duty payable on property transactions depends on the specific transaction and the property’s location.
Additional fees and charges payable to the Government of Nevis, such as registration fees and approval fees, may also need to be taken into account when comparing the costs of different offshore company structures, such as companies incorporated in Nevis.
| TAX TYPE | RATE ON FOREIGN INCOME | RATE ON LOCAL INCOME | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Corporate Income Tax |
25%* |
25% |
Resident companies are generally taxed on worldwide income; exemptions and concessions may apply. |
|
Capital Gains |
0% |
0% |
No separate capital gains tax. |
|
Withholding Tax |
10%* |
— |
Applies to certain payments by residents to non-residents; exemptions may apply. |
|
VAT |
Generally not applicable to foreign-source income |
17%* |
Applies to taxable local supplies and imports; reduced, zero-rated and exempt categories exist. |
|
Stamp Duty |
Transaction-dependent |
Transaction-dependent |
Applies to certain transactions, including share and property transfers. |
Resident companies are generally taxed on worldwide income; exemptions and concessions may apply.
No separate capital gains tax.
Applies to certain payments by residents to non-residents; exemptions may apply.
Generally not applicable to foreign-source income; applies to taxable local supplies and imports.
Applies to certain transactions, including share and property transfers.
Nevis’ international financial center offers a wide variety of companies, trusts, foundations, and other entities. All structures are governed by various laws, all supervised by the Regulator, and all benefit from strong asset protection legislation.
Nevis is an independent financial center within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dedicated legislation for companies, LLCs, trusts, and foundations
International financial and corporate services sector
Licensed trust and corporate service providers
FSRC regulatory oversight
AML/CFT and beneficial ownership requirements
Strong Asset Protection Legislation
Nevis offers strong asset protection legislation for international Corporate and wealth formation.Nevis’s strong asset protection legislation applies to a wide variety of structures for international corporate and wealth formations.
Charging-order protection for Nevis LLCs
Statutory provisions for international trusts
Flexible foundation structures
Confidentiality provisions for eligible structuresNote that these are conditional and, even if satisfied, do not prevent a legitimate claim to collect a liability.
The Nevis Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), which is a local financial service provider based in Nevis, oversees the financial and corporate services sector in Nevis and enables the provision of trust management, corporate management, and fund management services within an appropriate risk-sensitive Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. This framework includes identifying the beneficial owners of any entity and conducting customer due diligence in accordance with relevant international standards.
Key legislation includes:
The Business Corporation Ordinance, 2017: This sets out the fundamental principles of the Nevis Business Corporation. Shareholders can issue shares with special rights. A Board of Directors or Shareholders can manage a Nevis Business Corporation.
Nevis Limited Liability Company Ordinance, 2017: The Ordinance sets out the basic principles for the organization and management of LLCs and the rights of and liabilities of members in cases of the company’s insolvency.
International Exempt Trust Ordinance, 1994 (as amended)—regulates international exempt trusts in Nevis.
Multiform Foundations Ordinance, 2004—this law was created to serve the needs of the Multiform Foundations for International Clients, and it outlines the Nevis requirements to establish and manage a Multiform Foundation in Nevis.
Confidential Relationships Act: Sets out when confidentiality can be protected or overridden.All corporate entities, including those set up as wealth management structures, are covered by the laws listed above and can take advantage of Nevis’s unique financial environment.
In the initial stages of forming a company, defining the company or structure’s goals is essential. Together, we can identify your needs and choose the most suitable entity to establish in Nevis. You can choose from several options, such as Nevis LLCs and Nevis Corporations, each suited to different types of companies. For example, a company used for investment purposes would likely be set up as a Nevis LLC, while a company used as a holding company would likely be set up as a Nevis Corporation.
Additional information, such as the source of funds to establish the company, the activities that the company will conduct, and other relevant information to complete the AML/KYC due diligence procedures for your new Nevis company, will also be reviewed by the registered agent of your company.
These incorporation documents, required to form a Nevis corporation, include the Articles of Organisation for an LLC and the Articles of Incorporation for a business corporation. Additional corporate documents are also required for the incorporation of your new Nevis Company.
We prepare all necessary incorporation documents (i.e., Articles of Organization for an LLC and Articles of Incorporation for a business corporation, etc.) that will be filed with the appropriate Registrar of Companies. The relevant authorities will then approve the incorporation documents and, upon approval, will issue a Certificate of Formation for the newly incorporated company.
The newly incorporated Nevis company will receive copies of the Articles of Organisation (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (and other relevant corporate documents for a business corporation) that were submitted to the Registrar of Companies. The new corporation will be required to maintain a registered agent and office, file an annual report, and pay the relevant annual taxes at the federal, state, local, and foreign levels, as well as comply with AML regulations and other applicable laws.
Below is a list of documents that are usually requested when people or businesses start incorporating a company (so-called KYC documents). Depending on the proposed structure, you may need different or additional documents.
Commonly required documents include:
Valid passport or other accepted identification documents
Proof of residential address
Professional or financial reference when applicable
Information regarding the source of funds or wealth
Completed KYC forms
Additional details about the intended business activityThe relevant documents may need to be notarised, certified (with a stamped copy of the certification), or even apostilled. If a document is not written in English, this document can need to be translated (preferably by a sworn translator).
Additional corporate documents required for incorporation by a company (such as a holding company and its subsidiaries) are detailed below.
Certificate of incorporation
Constitutional documents
Register of directors
Register of shareholders or members
Ownership structure and UBO chart
Board resolution approving the proposed structure
Identification documents and proof of address of beneficial owners and controllers of the companyPlease note that, in addition to the above documents required for incorporation, banks and other financial institutions may require more detailed information and additional documents to open accounts, etc., for the company.
Documents required for Nevis company formation and other international transactions may need to be notarized, certified, or apostilled. Each document is different and requires different action.
In practice: The formation provider completes the required certification(s) and, where necessary, completes the apostille for you.
|
General Information |
Type: LLC / IBC / NBCO · Governing law: NBCO 1984, LLC Ordinance 1995 · Language: English · Currency: USD / XCD |
|
Business Activity Restrictions |
No banking, insurance, gambling or trust services without special FSRC licence |
|
Requirements to Directors |
Min. 1 · Any nationality · Corporate directors allowed · No residency requirement |
|
Requirements to Secretary |
Not mandatory but recommended for governance |
|
Requirements to Shareholders |
Min. 1 · Any nationality · Corporate shareholders allowed · Non-public register |
|
Share Capital |
No minimum · Any currency · Multiple share classes permitted |
|
Reporting Requirements |
No audit · No public financials · Annual renewal only |
|
Other Features |
Redomiciliation IN & OUT · Bearer shares abolished · Economic Substance rules apply |
Type: LLC / IBC / NBCO · Governing law: NBCO 1984, LLC Ordinance 1995 · Language: English · Currency: USD / XCD
No banking, insurance, gambling or trust services without special FSRC licence
Min. 1 · Any nationality · Corporate directors allowed · No residency requirement
Not mandatory but recommended for governance
Min. 1 · Any nationality · Corporate shareholders allowed · Non-public register
No minimum · Any currency · Multiple share classes permitted
No audit · No public financials · Annual renewal only
Redomiciliation IN & OUT · Bearer shares abolished · Economic Substance rules apply
After incorporating a Nevis structure, ongoing compliance must be maintained. The scope of these obligations depends on the type of legal entity created and the activities the entity conducts. In general, you must pay annual fees, meet the registered agent’s obligations, and comply with reporting requirements and obligations concerning beneficial ownership.
The fees that a Nevis company must pay to keep a company of that nature in good standing and to continue to exist as a registered Nevis company are the annual government fees and the registered agent’s annual fees.
As mentioned previously, a Nevis company must have a registered agent and a registered office within Nevis. Companies that conduct business in the financial services sector are subject to special reporting requirements. If the company falls within the scope of the FSRC (Financial Services Regulatory Commission), it must comply with the FSRC’s reporting requirements.
In summary, depending on the nature of the activities conducted by a Nevis company, it will be required to demonstrate economic substance. Such a company must ensure it maintains an adequate amount of substance in Nevis and that all activities are properly managed and conducted from within Nevis.
Nevis is a tax information exchange jurisdiction for the same tax frameworks applied to Nevis companies, i.e., CRS / FATCA / AEOI, which would be reported depending on the tax classification of the entity in question and the accounts maintained by the entity in question and by the account holders of said entity (i.e., the owners of said entity).
Beneficial ownership of a Nevis entity is disclosed by the corporation as required by the law of the jurisdiction and in accordance with requirements of such disclosure. Although there is no public register of the beneficial owners of companies incorporated in Nevis, information about the beneficial owners of such a corporation would be available to competent authorities, other relevant regulators, and relevant FSRC officials as required by law.
Facilitating the opening of accounts for your newly incorporated Nevis company through international banking and also through the growing number of fintech companies all over the world. Although incorporating a company alone is not sufficient to open an account, each case will be evaluated based on the proposed business activities and the owners, etc., while also taking into account all other jurisdictions where the company is supposed to operate and the corresponding records.
Most international banks will accept a Nevis company when the proposed business activities and the owners’ financial resources are clearly outlined. Banks generally assess the proposed business and the owners when deciding whether to open accounts for a Nevis company.
This list of fintech alternatives also contains information about services offered by electronic money institutions (EMIs) for businesses. In particular, companies may be interested in signing up for Wise Business or Revolut Business for international transactions and other business activities.
Banks and EMIs typically request the following documentation:
Certificate of incorporation and corporate documents; Details of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners; Proof of business activities and anticipated transactions; Source of funds and source of wealth information; Identification and proof of address for relevant individuals.The time frame for opening a business account can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the processes in place at the financial institution. Factors a financial institution considers when opening or refusing to open business accounts for a Nevis company include business models, ownership, jurisdictions where the company will do business, the company’s source of funds, and supporting documentation provided by the account holder(s).
Redomicile to or from Nevis and remain an established company, redomiciling as a legal entity whilst domiciled in another jurisdiction. The company’s redomiciliation would be a matter governed by the laws of Nevis as well as the laws of the other jurisdiction(s) to and from which the company is redomiciling.
As with a change of name or transfer of a registered agent, redomiciliation is approved by the corporation and requires documents to be submitted to the Nevis Registrar to approve the corporation’s redomiciliation to Nevis.
The typical documents required for a redomiciliation of a company are:
A certificate of good standing of the company; Copy of the Incorporation Documents of the Company; Copy of the Corporate Resolutions adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and/or shareholders; and List of all current creditors of the Company and their respective contact information.The Registrar of the Nevis Registry Department will review and approve the said documents upon receipt. Upon approval of the said documents, the Registrar shall issue a Certificate of Transfer of Domicile in respect of the company. The time frame required to process a redomiciliation of a company’s documents varies depending on the complexity of the corporate documents of the company in question and the efficiency of the local registry.
A Nevis company can redomicile out to another country (where redomiciliation is allowed by that country as well as by Nevis) and become a company in that foreign country.
When a corporation is to be transferred to another jurisdiction, it will first be necessary for the corporation to approve its transfer and for the foreign jurisdiction to which the corporation is to be re-domiciled to approve the corporation’s transfer to that jurisdiction. A Certificate of Departure from the Nevis Registrar will then be required. Outstanding fees must also be settled, and the Registrar must record the corporation’s departure from Nevis. The information required by law and the list of the corporation’s creditors must also be provided to the Registrar.
Choosing the right formation provider means having support beyond the initial incorporation. Offshore Pro combines international business expertise with banking assistance, secure document management, and ongoing regulatory support.
Practical support with Nevis company formation and international corporate structures.
Assistance with international banking solutions for your Nevis company.
Secure handling of company documents and client information in one place.
Support with registered-agent services and ongoing regulatory requirements.
Not sure which Nevis structure is right for your business? Our team can help you choose the appropriate structure, understand the requirements, and guide you through the formation process.
Get in TouchUliana Syva
Consultant for company registration, bank account opening, residency, and citizenship.
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Incorporating a Nevis company typically takes around 10 working days to complete. As with most countries, we need to complete several documents to form the Nevis company and meet the company’s Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations. However, opening a bank account for the newly formed Nevis company can take much longer than the incorporation itself. We include this in our services.
How to Form a Nevis Company for Foreign Investors in Nevis. Nevis incorporation services. The formation of a Nevis company or corporation. A Nevis company can be created as an LLC, a Nevis business corporation, or a Nevis offshore IBC (Incorporated Business Company). To incorporate on the island of Nevis, you first create a Nevis company. You then decide on the structure for your company (such as an LLC). You then provide the required information for the company’s directors and shareholders (such as, for an LLC, its members). Then you check the availability of the name for your proposed Nevis company. Then you can prepare and file documents with the Nevis Registrar of Companies through a Nevis-registered agent (such as ourselves), who is a licensed corporate service provider.
LLC’s and IBC’s do not require a local presence. Directors can reside anywhere in the world, as long as the company has a registered agent and a registered office in Nevis. The only real requirements for a Nevis company are a registered agent and a registered office.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed for Nevis companies. Foreign nationals, whether resident outside of Nevis or elsewhere, may form a Nevis company (either an IBC or LLC), provided that the minimum number of shareholders and directors are appointed. The company can also have foreign and local members.
Our formation price for a Nevis LLC or Nevis IBC starts at EUR 3,300/year. In addition to company formation, we offer a full range of services and can provide complete support. Thus,, for example, we can form a Nevis company for you and then also open a bank account for that company as part of our services in the first year of incorporation, which are provided by a registered agent and office, as well as other government fees, depending on the specific type of entity that you wish to form. In the year after the first year of incorporation of your company, the services of a registered agent and office, as well as the government fees for the ongoing maintenance and updating of your company, will be charged separately.
The key feature of a Nevis LLC is that the members can manage the LLC themselves or appoint someone to do so. On the other hand, a Nevis IBC is a share-based entity managed by the directors and controlled by the shareholders. As such, these two entity types suit different owners with different objectives, ownership structures, and ways of managing a business.
A Nevis Multiform Foundation can be established as a completely independent entity to manage wealth, set up a company for succession planning, or support philanthropic work.
The minimum share capital for the incorporation of a business corporation in Nevis is any minimum as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation for the authorized but unissued shares of the corporation. For example, the minimum share capital for a Nevis LLC is none. The shares of a Nevis IBC can be set up in various classes or series.
Additionally, you must also consider how your new company will be taxed in your home country. In general, the taxation of your Nevis company will depend on the tax residence of your company, the activities of your company, and the existence of permanent establishments worldwide. The mere fact that your company is based in Nevis does not automatically mean that there will be no taxation at all. We would like to refer to the tax regulations in your home country in more detail (e.g., for reporting requirements and for the so-called “controlled foreign corporation” rules).
For now, Nevis has not been included in the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, nor is Saint Kitts & Nevis included in the FATF’s list of countries considered to be at increased risk of money laundering (“grey” countries). In other words, all Nevis companies, regardless of formation purpose, are subject to the same anti-money laundering (“AML”) / combating the financing of terrorism (“CFT”) / know your customer (“KYC”) / beneficial ownership disclosure rules and other requirements applicable to all Saint Kitts & Nevis companies.
No, as the Business Corporation Ordinance for Nevis (amended section 13) now prohibits the issue of bearer shares of any kind. All pre-existing bearer shares have to be converted into registered shares, and any new corporation can only be set up to issue registered shares to its members.
Please note that even though a Nevis company maintains proper and adequate accounting records and other corporate documents, the requirement to have financial statements audited can vary greatly depending on the scope of the company’s operations.
You can apply for a bank account for a newly formed Nevis company remotely; however, approval is entirely at the discretion of the bank/financial institution involved. Here is what you would need to provide in an application for a bank account for a Nevis company: full details of all owners and of all managers of the company; a detailed description of the business or other activities that are to be conducted by the company; details of all monies received or to be received by the company and of all anticipated transactions of the company and the anticipated volumes of such transactions.
Yes, potentially yes! Under current legislative frameworks governing BVI, Belize, and Seychelles, redomiciliation to Nevis of either type of entity (corporation or LLC) offered under local law is permitted, provided the relevant criteria are met and the proper documentation filed showing that the redomiciling entity is currently a properly incorporated entity in good standing in its home jurisdiction and that all requisite steps have been taken and all required documents filed with the appropriate authority in Nevis in accordance with the relevant laws of Nevis.
The reference to Section 60 refers to Section 60 of the relevant legislation dealing with Nevis LLCs, i.e., the Nevis LLC Ordinance. Section 60 outlines the limited scope of Creditor remedies against the interests of a member and, in particular, restrictions on foreclosure, etc., and the time period within which a particular remedy will lapse, such as 3 years after the date of the relevant order, etc.