BVI Company
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are often recogniSed as one of the most appealing offshore business incorporation locations in the world.
The British Virgin Islands (abbreviated to “the BVI”) are situated in the Caribbean Sea, about 80 kilometres (or 30 minutes’ flying time) east of Puerto Rico. The BVI are one of the top offshore company financial centres in the world, a British overseas territory, where English is used as the official language.
Business transactions or activities carried out outside of the BVI deriving from the registration of a BVI company are not subject to taxation for BVI Business Companies. The BVI is favoured by financiers and bankers around the world for the incorporation of a BVI company due to its reliable commercial infrastructure and communication systems, as well as the extensive use of English and English Common Law. The developed and skilled professional service providers on the islands provide assistance in the incorporation of BVI companies, offshore companies, trusts, insurance companies and mutual funds. The BVI Business Corporations Act 2004 is the main corporate law which is applicable when setting up a BVI company.
Common uses for registering a BVI company are as group holding companies in the BVI, asset-holding SPVs (often real-estate or luxury goods) and investment funds and other regulated businesses.
Important Things You Should Know
FAQ
- The minimum number of directors and shareholders of a company in the BVI is one. They can be of any nationality and there is no need for them to reside in the BVI.
- Information concerning the director and shareholder is not accessible to the public when setting up a BVI company.
- Chinese company names (or other names in foreign languages) may also be used to incorporate a BVI company.
- A BVI corporation is not subject to any taxes in the BVI, including stamp duty
- Not required to file annual return and audited accounts
- It takes only 1-2 working days for BVI company formation.
- BVI shelf companies are available for purchase.
Its open economy, combined with favourable tax legislation and a solid regulatory environment, has attracted a considerable number of non-resident investors.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a popular Caribbean destination to register a BVI company due to their tax advantages, which include no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, death duties, wealth tax, non-withholding income tax, exemption from capital transfer tax, no sales tax or VAT.
BVI IBCs do not pay income taxes or stamp duties. Non-residents of BVI are exempt from paying income tax on interest, dividends, rents and royalties, compensations and other amounts.
A British Virgin Islands (BVI) company is a very convenient vehicle for holding investments or real estate, as well as running a consulting or e-commerce firm.
Type of Company
A BVI corporation is referred to as a business company.
Time to Incorporate
It takes 1-2 working days to set up a company in the BVI.
Disclosure of Director / Shareholder Information / Beneficial Owner
Following the formation of a BVI company, once the BVI company setup process has been completed, information on the director, shareholder and ultimate beneficial owner is not accessible publicly. However, a copy of the Register of Directors and information concerning the ultimate beneficial owners must be filed with the Registrar of Companies.
Taxation
BVI companies pay zero tax.
Minimum Director
When you register a BVI company, it has to have at least 1 director, who may either be a natural person or a corporate body.
Minimum Shareholder
When you form a BVI company, it must have at least 1 shareholder, who may either be a natural person or a corporate body.
Audit Requirement
Following a BVI company incorporation, there is no audit requirement for accounts.
Filing of Accounts
A company that is registered in the BVI is required to prepare accounts, However, the accounts of a BVI company are not accessible to the public.
Filing of Annual Return
A company registered in the BVI is not required to file a tax return.
Disclaimer
The above does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Connor Corporate Services Ltd does not accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any errors or omissions.
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