11 August 2026
Open a Subsidiary in BVI
Our team can assist those who open a subsidiary in BVI. Find out more about the requirements for BVI company set up in this article.
Investors can open a subsidiary in the BVI as they would a locally registered business. Our team can assist with complete BVI company incorporation solutions, including for subsidiaries of foreign companies.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation | BVI laws |
| Best Used For | Any type of business, particularly if different from that of the parent company |
| Minimum share capital | No mandatory minimum |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Several business days, usually no more than a week. |
| Management (Local/Foreign) | Usually local |
| Legal representative required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Local bank account (YES/NO) | Not mandatory (can be opened in the BVI or abroad) |
| Independence from the parent company | Independent |
| Liability of the parent company | Limited to the amount it invests in its subsidiary |
| Corporate tax rate | No corporate income tax |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | The subsidiary can hire local staff |
| Mandatory subsidiary name requirements | Complies with the conditions for company names when opening a BVI company |
| Subsidiary name restrictions | The use of identical or similar names is prohibited, as is the use of some offensive or restricted words or phrases. |
| Articles of incorporation of the subsidiary | Drawn up separately from those of the parent company. |
| Subsidiary-specific documents | Can include the parent company’s resolution to open a subsidiary in the British Virgin Islands. |
What companies benefit from opening a BVI subsidiary?
Foreign legal entities interested in expanding their activities to the Islands, or those looking to hold majority shares (and thus control) a corporation based in a jurisdiction with favourable conditions for doing business.
What companies may open a subsidiary in the British Virgin Islands?
There are no restrictions on subsidiary creation in this jurisdiction. Local company incorporation rules must be observed in all cases, and foreign founders enjoy a simplified BVI incorporation process, with no mandatory requirements for having resident shareholders or directors.
What steps must I follow to open a subsidiary in the BVI?
To set up a BVI subsidiary, founders will use the services offered by a registered agent. The use of such an agent is obligatory for starting a company in the BVI, and our team can assist throughout the process.
Below, our team lists the main steps required to open a subsidiary in BVI:
- Choose and reserve an available company name;
- Prepare the information on the company founders and the beneficial owners;
- Draft the incorporation documents. These are the Articles of Association and the Memorandum;
- Appoint the company directors and the company secretary;
- Register the business with the BVI Registry of Corporate Affairs.
In addition to the steps above, the post-incorporation procedures will also include bank account opening in the BVI.
How much does it cost to open a subsidiary in the BVI?
When working with our team, our indicative company incorporation packages for a BVI company start from $2,750.
How fast can I open a subsidiary in the BVI?
Provided that you provide all the required documents, the timeframe for company incorporation is approximately 2 weeks from the document submission date.
What are the mandatory requirements for subsidiary creation?
A subsidiary is a locally registered company that complies with the following general aspects:
- -Has at least one director and one shareholder;
- -Can have corporate directors and shareholders;
- -Must have a registered office based in the British Virgin Islands. This can be a virtual office, should this type of service suit the company’s work model;
- -May express its share capital in any currency and with a simple requirement for a minimum share capital of 1 USD.
What documents must I provide for subsidiary creation?
When a foreign company decides to open a subsidiary in the BVI, it will usually do so with it being a corporate shareholder. Our team lists the main documents required for incorporation and due diligence purposes:
- The foreign company’s certificate of incorporation, issued by the company registry in the jurisdiction in which it is registered. Documents issued in foreign languages must be translated accordingly;
- The foreign company’s memorandum and articles of incorporation, with the same requirement for translation;
- A register of directors and shareholders;
- A certificate of good standing, issued by the authorities in the foreign company’s country of origin;
- A list of authorised signatories for the company.
Other documents may be required to perform the mandatory due diligence verification required for incorporation purposes, including to identify the ultimate beneficial owner.
Does the subsidiary require a special license?
All companies, including subsidiaries, operate based on valid special permits and licenses, when required for the industry in which they operate. Such licenses are issued by the Financial Services Commission for activities related to banking, insurance and reinsurance, or other types of financial services.
If you want to open a subsidiary in the BVI, do not hesitate to contact us.