BVI Company Formation

We offer complete solutions for your BVI company formation.

What types of companies are available for incorporation in the BVI?

Investors interested in setting up a company in the British Virgin Islands can choose between one of the following types of companies:

• International Business Company (IBC);
• Company limited by shares or by guarantee;
• Unlimited company;
• Restricted purpose company;
• Segregated portfolio company.

Note: In practice, international investors will often incorporate a BVI International Business Company.

What are the characteristics of the BVI IBC?

The International Business Company is a private corporation with the following features:

• It is not taxed in the BVI;
• It can engage in almost any type of international business activity (subject to conditions, see below);
• It offers a high degree of confidentiality;
• It can be incorporated by at least one shareholder and must have one director.

The confidentiality advantage is offered courtesy of the fact that there are no mandatory public filings to be made containing details on the company’s shareholders and/or directors.

What are the mandatory requirements when opening a BVI IBC company?

We highlight some of the key general requirements below:

• The company’s minimum share capital is USD 1;
• The standard authorised capital is USD 50,000 (not paid in)
• The BVI International Business Company must have a registered office in the Islands.

Although not mandatory, a company secretary can be appointed to facilitate business operations.

The video below highlights the process of BVI company incorporation:

What documents must I prepare for company formation in the BVI?

When you open a BVI company with the help of our team, we will require the following set of documents (applicable in the case of individual shareholders, directors, and beneficial owners):

• A certified passport copy;
• Proof of address (no older than three months);
• Bank reference letter (also no older than three months);
• A signed resume, as proof of relevant qualifications;
• A statement concerning the source of the funds for company formation.

What are the general requirements for company names?

Investors should be aware of several name requirements when they open an International Business Company in the British Virgin Islands. We summarize some of the most important provisions below:

• The name of the IBC must end with a predetermined abbreviation, such as Limited or Corporation;
• International Business Companies cannot use words such as “fund”, “insurance”, “royal”, “trust”, or “bank” as part of their chosen name.

How fast can I open a company in the British Virgin Islands?

The approximate timeframe for company formation in the BVI is 2 weeks, provided that our clients submit all the required documents.

How much does it cost to open a company in the BVI?

Our company formation packages in the British Virgin Islands have a starting price of $2,750.

Are there special requirements for certain BVI companies?

Yes. Companies observe the Economic Substance Requirement if their activities fall under one of the regulated activities. Examples include:

• Banking and insurance;
• Fund management;
• Finance and leasing;
• Holding (pure equity holding entities);
• Shipping and intellectual property businesses, as well as other activities.

Legal entities that carry out these activities in the BVI and receive income from these activities are subject to requirements concerning their management and control, maintaining an adequate number of employees, and ensuring adequate premises for their activities, among other requirements.

You can contact our local company incorporation agents if you want to open an offshore company in the BVI.