The British Virgin Islands (‘BVI”) has been the premier Offshore Company Formation location of the past 15 or more years. This tiny self governed British dependent Caribbean territory, with a population of just 20,000, has seen some 400,000 IBCs registered within its shores during that time. BVI companies carry essentially the same features and benefits of Seychelles and Belize IBCs except that Bearer Shares are no longer freely available. Nonetheless BVI IBCs are more readily recognised by the worldwide financial community than most IBCs and are still a popular choice.

Key features and benefits include:

1. Zero Tax: IBCs registered in the BVI are not liable to pay tax on business profits locally and dividends can be remitted into and out of BVI tax free.

2. Privacy: There is no public register of Directors, shareholders or beneficial owners in the BVI.

3. Nominees Permissible: Nominee Shareholders and Professional Directors are permissible in the BVI and the nominee can also be another (Offshore) Company.

4. Bearer Shares available: Bearer Shares are permissible although they must be held by an approved custodian and an additional annual fee applies.

5. Prestige: The BVI is a highly regarded brand name within the International Financial Services community


Other features include:

	Minimal Paperwork – There is no requirement to file annual returns or to have accounts audited for BVI IBCs and no financial or business records need be kept at the Company’s registered office
	Account choices – With the reputation of the BVI as a responsible well regulated Financial Centre offshore accounts can be opened easily in most major centres
	Migratable - The BVI recognizes that modern market expects an IBC to be able to shift location quickly and easily and have enshrined this right in legislation
	Language Choices – A BVI IBC can be registered in any language
	Flexibility - Only one Director and Shareholder is required and board meetings can be held anywhere in the world

Every effort has been made to ensure that the details contained herein are correct and up-to-date, but this does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We do not accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any error or omission.