Complete business solutions – from company setup to ongoing support
Who Are We?
LFT Advisors is a team of international business experts offering integrated solutions for effective planning and structuring. Our lawyers, auditors, accountants, and tax consultants guide entrepreneurs at every stage, ensuring professionalism and top-tier service.
What Do We Do?
We bring all essential business services under one roof. Our “one-stop-shop” approach eliminates unnecessary costs and complexities when dealing with multiple contractors. From company registration to licensing and account setup, we handle all legal and financial aspects of your business.
Why Choose Us?
We safeguard your finances, reputation, and strategic goals. Instead of generic solutions, we provide a personalized approach tailored to your business’s specific needs.
How We Work?
- Initial Consultation
We assess your business goals and requirements to determine the best solutions and necessary services. - Strategy Development
A thorough analysis of your business helps us create a customized action plan to achieve your objectives. - Implementation
We manage the entire process—from company registration to bank account setup, licensing, and tax organization. - Ongoing Support
Even after your business is up and running, we provide continuous guidance, updates, and assistance. - Performance Evaluation
We regularly review progress, adjust strategies, and implement improvements for maximum efficiency.
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Seychelles offers favorable tax conditions, flexible regulations, and high confidentiality. With a simple registration process, no currency controls, and a stable economy, it attracts entrepreneurs from around the world. In this guide, we outline the step-by-step company registration process, explain how to avoid potential challenges, and optimize costs.
Why Set Up a Business in Seychelles?
Seychelles is one of the most attractive offshore locations, offering fast company registration, minimal requirements, and a 0% corporate tax rate. This makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to reduce costs and maximize profits.
A company can be incorporated in just 1–3 days with no mandatory physical presence or minimum capital deposit. While the standard nominal capital is $1,000, there is no requirement to actually fund this amount, making entry easy for startups and global investors.
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Seychelles also offers a strong legal framework that protects business owners and investors. Companies benefit from clear, investor-friendly regulations, ensuring long-term stability and security.
Additionally, the country has a well-developed infrastructure for international business, including professional corporate service providers, experienced legal firms, and modern banking options, making it a top choice for global entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits of a Seychelles Company
Zero Taxes – No corporate tax, VAT, dividend tax, or capital gains tax, ensuring minimal financial obligations.
Fast and Simple Registration – Company formation takes only a few days with minimal paperwork.
Remote Management – Full operational control without the need to be in Seychelles.
High Confidentiality – Information on directors and shareholders is private and disclosed only in exceptional cases.
No Local Director Requirement – Business owners maintain full control, except for regulated industries like finance or crypto.
Global Banking Access – Multi-currency accounts can be opened in international banks, enabling seamless transactions.
Stable Business Environment – No currency exchange restrictions, allowing companies to operate globally without limitations.
Registering a business in Seychelles includes
1. Selecting the Right Business Structure
Seychelles offers multiple business structures, each designed for different needs:
IBC (International Business Company): The best choice for international business—zero taxes, no reporting, but no local operations.
CSL (Company Special License): Allows international business with a 3% corporate tax rate.
LP (Limited Partnership): Ideal for investors and asset managers.
Trust: Designed for asset protection and wealth management.
Foundation: Suitable for inheritance planning, philanthropy, and wealth preservation.
Seychelles’ IBC structure is one of the most popular offshore entities worldwide, with over 250,000 companies registered under this model!
2. Document Preparation for Registration
To register an IBC in Seychelles, you must submit a set of required documents. These are handled by a licensed registered agent:
- Memorandum of Association: Defines the company’s name, objectives, and capital structure.
- Articles of Association: Outlines company management, decision-making processes, and shareholder rights.
- First Directors’ Resolution: Official appointment of the first directors and their authorities.
- Register of Directors: Confidential list of all company directors.
- Shareholder Register: Private list of company owners and their share allocations.
- Share Certificates: Legal proof of share ownership.
- Director’s Consent: A signed document confirming each director’s agreement to manage the company.
Seychelles has no public registry for IBC directors and shareholders, ensuring a high level of confidentiality.
3. How Much Capital is Required?
Seychelles IBCs have no minimum capital requirements. However, most companies register with a standard share capital of $1,000, divided into 1,000 shares of $1 each.
Key considerations:
- You don’t need to deposit the capital—it’s just a formal declaration.
- Funds can be deposited later or in installments.
- The capital can be in any currency—USD, EUR, GBP, or even cryptocurrency.
- If the capital exceeds $50,000, an additional fee applies.
Unlike many jurisdictions, Seychelles does not require IBCs to maintain a physical office, reducing operational costs.
4. Submitting Documents for Registration
Company registration in Seychelles is managed by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) through the Registrar of Companies. Direct submission is not allowed—all applications must go through a licensed agent.
Documents:
- Application form (Company Incorporation Request).
- Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Passports of shareholders, directors, and beneficiaries.
- Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, or similar).
- Company structure details (list of shareholders and directors, including their ownership stakes).
- First Directors’ Resolution (document officially appointing the first director).
- Declaration of Compliance (statement confirming compliance with regulations).
The process typically takes 1-2 business days, after which a Certificate of Incorporation is issued, confirming the company’s legal existence. Seychelles allows IBCs to redomicile—meaning you can move your company to another jurisdiction without liquidating it.
5. Is Tax Registration Required?
Seychelles does not impose corporate tax on IBCs. As a result, tax registration is not mandatory.
Key tax benefits of an IBC:
0% corporate tax if the business operates outside Seychelles.
No VAT, dividend tax, or royalty tax.
Prohibited from owning local real estate or conducting business within Seychelles.
However, if a company intends to apply for licenses or conduct regulated business activities (e.g., financial services), it must register with the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC). While IBCs are tax-exempt, they are still required to pay an annual government renewal fee, which varies based on the company structure.
Potential risks and how to avoid them when starting a business in Seychelles
Starting a business in Seychelles offers numerous advantages, such as favorable tax conditions and confidentiality. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Risk: A lack of understanding of Seychelles’ legal requirements can lead to penalties or business failure.
Mitigation: Familiarize yourself with local laws, including the Companies Act 1972 and the International Business Companies Act 2016. Consulting with a legal expert can ensure compliance and help navigate the regulatory landscape.
Financial Planning
Risk: Inadequate financial planning may result in insufficient funds to sustain operations.
Mitigation: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining initial capital requirements, projected expenses, and revenue streams. This plan will guide your financial decisions and help secure necessary funding.
Market Research
Risk: Limited understanding of the local market can hinder business growth.
Mitigation: Conduct thorough market research to understand client needs and develop effective marketing strategies. This insight will help tailor your products or services to meet local demand.
Taxation Awareness
Risk: Being unaware of Seychelles’ taxation policies can lead to unexpected liabilities.
Mitigation: Understand the local tax laws and incentives. A business consultant can provide information on tax policies and help optimize your tax strategy.
Business Name Selection
Risk: Choosing an inappropriate or non-compliant business name can result in application rejection.
Mitigation: Ensure your business name is unique and adheres to Seychelles’ naming conventions. Avoid offensive terms or repetitive words.
Investment in Branding and Marketing
Risk: Neglecting branding and marketing efforts may hinder growth and competitiveness.
Mitigation: Allocate resources to develop a strong brand identity and implement effective marketing strategies to attract customers and generate sales.
Document Submission
Risk: Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents can delay the registration process.
Mitigation: Prepare and submit all required documents accurately. This includes notarized passport copies, proof of address, and relevant corporate documents.
Economic Factors
Risk: Seychelles’ small market size and high cost of living may limit business growth and profitability.
Mitigation: Assess the economic environment carefully. Consider whether your business model is sustainable within the local context or if targeting international markets would be more viable.
By proactively addressing these potential risks, you can establish a strong foundation for your business in Seychelles and enhance its chances of long-term success.
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Tax system in Seychelles
The Seychelles tax system has historically operated on a territorial basis, meaning that only income sourced within Seychelles is subject to taxation. This implies that income generated from activities conducted, goods situated, or rights used within the country’s physical territory is taxable. Conversely, income earned outside Seychelles is generally not taxed domestically.
Corporate Taxation
For businesses operating within Seychelles, corporate tax rates are progressive:
- 0% on the first SCR 1 million of taxable income.
- 15% on taxable income between SCR 1 million and SCR 1 million.
- 33% on taxable income exceeding SCR 1 million.
It’s noteworthy that offshore companies, such as International Business Companies (IBCs), that do not conduct business within Seychelles are exempt from corporate taxes.
Personal Income Tax
Seychelles imposes a flat personal income tax rate of 15% on individual earnings. This rate has remained consistent over the years.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
A standard VAT rate of 15% is applied to most goods and services in Seychelles. Certain items may be subject to reduced rates or exemptions, depending on specific regulations.
Other Taxes:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Tax: Companies with an annual turnover of at least SCR 1 million are subject to a 0.5% tax on their monthly revenue.
- Tourism Marketing Tax: Introduced in January 2013, this tax applies at varying rates to entities within the tourism sector.
- Social Security Contributions: Employers are required to contribute 6% of an employee’s monthly gross earnings to the Seychelles Pension Fund. This amount is deducted from the employee’s salary.
In summary, Seychelles offers a tax-friendly environment, especially for offshore entities, due to its territorial tax system and the absence of taxes on foreign-sourced income. However, businesses operating within the country are subject to standard corporate and indirect taxes.
Company reporting in Seychelles
In Seychelles, the requirements for company reporting have evolved to align with international standards. All companies, including International Business Companies (IBCs), are mandated to maintain accurate accounting records that reflect their financial activities.
These records must be kept at the company’s registered office in Seychelles and should be updated bi-annually:
For transactions from January to June:
Records must be submitted by July of the same year.
For transactions from July to December:
Records should be submitted by January of the following year.
The accounting records encompass various documents such as bank statements, invoices, receipts, contracts, and other pertinent financial documents. It’s essential to retain these records for a minimum of seven years from the date of the respective transactions.
While there is no statutory requirement for IBCs to file financial information publicly or undergo audits, large companies—defined as those with an annual turnover exceeding SCR 50 million (approximately USD 3.75 million)—and non-large non-holding companies are required to prepare an annual financial summary. This summary must be kept at the registered office within six months following the end of the financial year.
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in penalties ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000. Therefore, it’s crucial for companies operating in Seychelles to adhere to these reporting obligations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines.
Engaging professional assistance at every stage will significantly reduce risks and ensure a quick start for your business.
