Company Setup · Seychelles

Seychelles International Business Company

The Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is one of the world's most widely used offshore holding vehicles — cost-efficient, fast to form, and suitable for asset holding, trading, and IP ownership structures.

SeychellesIBCOffshoreFSAHolding CompanyAsset Protection
Overview

Why a Seychelles IBC?

The Seychelles IBC is governed by the International Business Companies Act 2016 and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). It offers a zero-tax regime for non-Seychelles-sourced income, complete foreign ownership, and a straightforward formation process — making it a preferred offshore vehicle for international holding structures, joint ventures, and investment platforms.

Marensa Advisory advises on Seychelles IBC formation as part of broader offshore holding architectures — often alongside Mauritius GBC or UAE free zone entities — providing end-to-end incorporation, registered agent services, and compliance support.

Form a Seychelles IBC
What We Cover
  • IBC formation under International Business Companies Act 2016
  • Name reservation and incorporation at Seychelles Registrar
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Registered agent and registered office (mandatory)
  • Beneficial owner register and UBO disclosure
  • Share structure and director / shareholder documentation
  • Bank account opening advisory
  • Annual renewal and compliance
Key Considerations

Seychelles IBC — Key Features

The Seychelles IBC is widely used but requires careful post-formation compliance to remain in good standing with the FSA.

Zero Tax
Seychelles IBCs pay no income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends, and no stamp duty on share transfers — for income and transactions outside Seychelles.
Complete Foreign Ownership
IBCs can be 100% foreign-owned with no requirement for local directors or shareholders. There are no foreign exchange restrictions on Seychelles IBCs.
Fast Formation
A Seychelles IBC can typically be formed in 24–48 hours once all documentation is in order. The FSA maintains a straightforward online registration system.
UBO Disclosure
Seychelles has introduced mandatory beneficial owner register requirements aligned with FATF standards. UBO information is disclosed to the FSA but not publicly available.
Registered Agent
All Seychelles IBCs must maintain a licensed registered agent in Seychelles. The registered agent maintains the statutory records and handles FSA compliance filings.
VASP Registration
Seychelles has introduced a VASP registration regime for virtual asset service providers. IBCs operating as VASPs must separately register with the FSA under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2022.
Our Process

How We Work

01
Name Reservation
We check availability and reserve the proposed IBC name with the Seychelles Registrar.
02
Documentation
We prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association, director/shareholder documentation, and UBO register.
03
Incorporation
We coordinate with a licensed Seychelles registered agent to complete the FSA registration and issue the Certificate of Incorporation.
04
Bank Account
We assist with corporate bank account opening — identifying banking partners with good track records for Seychelles IBC clients.
05
Annual Compliance
We manage annual licence renewal, FSA filings, and UBO register maintenance.
Why Marensa

Efficient Offshore Structure. FSA Registered.

Seychelles IBCs are widely used but often poorly maintained — leading to compliance gaps, banking difficulties, and FSA deregistration risk. Annual compliance management is essential.

Marensa Advisory forms Seychelles IBCs as part of a complete compliance package — ensuring registered agent engagement, UBO disclosure, and annual renewal are all properly managed.

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Income Tax
FSA
Regulator
24hr
Formation Speed
IBC
Offshore Vehicle
FAQ

Common Questions

Does a Seychelles IBC need local directors? +

No. There is no requirement for Seychelles-resident directors. All directors can be non-resident foreign nationals. However, some banking partners may require at least one director from a FATF-compliant jurisdiction.

Can a Seychelles IBC hold shares in other companies? +

Yes. A Seychelles IBC is commonly used as a holding vehicle for shares in companies in other jurisdictions — UAE free zones, Mauritius GBCs, UK Ltds, or other international entities.

Is a Seychelles IBC suitable for fintech or VASP activities? +

For virtual asset activities, a separate VASP registration with the FSA is required in addition to IBC formation. The VASP registration is the licence — the IBC is the corporate vehicle.

How much does Seychelles IBC annual maintenance cost? +

Annual IBC renewal fees typically range from USD 200–400 depending on the registered agent. Total annual compliance costs including registered agent fees typically total USD 800–1,500 per year.

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You May Also Need

Seychelles Company Special Licence (CSL)
Regulated Seychelles entity for specific financial activities.
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Seychelles VASP Registration
FSA VASP registration for virtual asset businesses.
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BVI Business Company
BVI IBC as an alternative offshore holding vehicle.
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