Seychelles
0% (IBC on foreign income)
Corporate Tax
3–5 business days
Setup Time
USD 1 (IBC)
Min. Capital
100%
Foreign Ownership
The Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is one of the world's most widely used offshore structures — low cost, 0% tax on non-Seychelles income, minimal reporting requirements, and fast setup (3–5 days). The Seychelles IBC is best understood as a vehicle for asset holding, international trading structures, or IP holding where the beneficial owner maintains genuine tax residency elsewhere. It is not a structure for operating businesses that need banking credibility, local contracts, or EU/US regulatory acceptance. Compliance requirements have increased since the Seychelles joined the OECD Global Forum — beneficial ownership registers are now maintained and accessible to tax authorities in partner jurisdictions. For companies needing treaty access, the CSL (Company Special Licence) offers a 1.5% tax rate with access to Seychelles' treaty network, but requires genuine local substance.
- Asset holding and international structure building — as one layer among several in a multi-jurisdictional arrangement
- Experienced investors who understand the limitations of an IBC and use it appropriately within a larger structure
- IP holding companies where the IBC sits between operating entities and the ultimate parent
- International trading arrangements where the IBC is not the banking or client-facing entity
- Cost-conscious founders who need a simple, low-maintenance offshore vehicle
Seychelles IBCs are no longer truly private in the OECD sense — beneficial ownership information is maintained and exchanged under CRS/AEOI. Banking for a standalone Seychelles IBC is very difficult without a legitimate operational nexus. Use this structure for its actual purpose (holding, structuring) not as a banking vehicle. The days of anonymous offshore companies are over.
At a Glance
Available Business Structures
International Business Company (IBC)
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Company Special Licence (CSL)
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Cost Snapshot
Tax Overview
Banking Reality Check
Timeline: 4–8 weeks (often longer)
Banking is the single biggest challenge for Seychelles IBCs. Most international banks will not open an account for a standalone Seychelles IBC without a clear operational nexus, a legitimate business purpose supported by documentation, and often a personal introduction. Local Seychelles banks (Nouvobanq, Seychelles Commercial Bank, BMI) will consider applications but conduct thorough due diligence. EMIs and fintech platforms (Mercury, Wise Business, Payoneer) may offer limited payment processing but are not full banking solutions. The practical approach: use the Seychelles IBC as a holding layer in a structure where a more banking-friendly entity (Singapore, UK, UAE) handles the actual banking.
Visa & Immigration
Seychelles does not offer a formal entrepreneur or golden visa programme. The Workcation Retreat programme (digital nomad visa) allows remote workers to live in Seychelles for up to one year. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately USD 4,500. Standard visitor visas allow stays of up to 90 days and are issued on arrival for most nationalities. Longer-term residency through investment is considered on a case-by-case basis through the Seychelles Investment Board.
Common Mistakes
Trying to open a bank account with a Seychelles IBC as the sole entity
Fix: Banks view standalone IBCs as high-risk shell companies. Layer your Seychelles IBC with an operating entity in a banking-friendly jurisdiction (Singapore, UK, UAE, Hong Kong). The IBC holds assets or equity; the operating entity banks and trades.
Assuming a Seychelles IBC provides complete privacy from tax authorities
Fix: Seychelles participates in automatic exchange of information under CRS and has signed numerous Tax Information Exchange Agreements. Beneficial ownership information is maintained by the registered agent and accessible to the FSA. Plan on the basis that your home tax authority will know about the IBC.
Using a Seychelles IBC for activities that require institutional credibility
Fix: If you need to raise investment, work with regulated counterparties, or sign contracts with large corporates, a Seychelles IBC will create friction. Use a more credible jurisdiction (BVI, Singapore, UK) for client-facing or investor-facing entities.
Forgetting to pay the annual licence fee and losing the company
Fix: The Seychelles FSA strikes off IBCs that fail to pay their annual fee. Set a calendar reminder well in advance. Restoration is possible but costs more and creates a gap in the company's good standing that counterparties may notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.