Setting up a Company in Seychelles: A Detailed Guide (2025)

Seychelles is a country that receives much attention from foreign investors who want to own an offshore company to expand with low investment costs but still bring benefits close to other developed countries.

In the article below, businesses will understand the requirements to comply with and the complete, effective and professional offshore company registration process in Seychelles with GLA.

1. Overview of legal and corporate structure in Seychelles

Seychelles has a modern legal system based on English Common Law. The Seychelles legal system is considered open and friendly to foreign investors and companies.

In addition, Seychelles also has the International Business Companies Act (International Business Companies Act) regulates the establishment of offshore companies in Seychelles. 

Therefore, offshore companies established in Seychelles are also known as Seychelles international business companies (IBC Seychelles). The International Business Companies Act regulates the formation, registration and operation of offshore companies in Seychelles.

2. 4 benefits not to be missed when establishing an offshore company in Seychelles

In order to facilitate international companies and foreign investors to invest and establish companies here, the Seychelles government is committed to providing attractive incentives for Individuals/Businesses opening offshore companies in Seychelles in many aspects such as:

2.1. Offshore companies in Seychelles are exempt from 100% Corporate Income Tax

IBC Seychelles will be 100% corporate income tax exemption. The tax exemption when forming an offshore company in Seychelles also applies to dividends, value added tax (VAT), personal income tax, etc. In short, an IBC / offshore company in Seychelles will be exempted from all taxes on income generated.

2.2. Establishing an offshore company in Seychelles provides high information security

All information recorded when registering to establish an offshore company in Seychelles about shareholders and directors will be kept confidential and not made public. 

2.3. Requirements for establishing an offshore company in Seychelles are simple and convenient

Enterprises only need to meet very simple requirements when wishing to establish an offshore company in Seychelles. Specifically, opening an IBC Seychelles company requires Enterprises to meet the following conditions:

• Minimum 1 shareholder, 1 director. Shareholders can hold the position of director. Shareholders and directors can be of any nationality.
• There is no minimum capital requirement, minimum capital can be from 1 USD.
• The company name (Trade name) can be in any language. Usually, the English company name will be the most popular.
• Registered address in Seychelles. Global Links Asia will support this service Business.

2.4. Easy management of Seychelles offshore company after establishment

Setting up an offshore company in Seychelles allows businesses to manage the company easily and quickly without having to be present in Seychelles to manage: Businesses can manage the company remotely with electronic signatures, and annual general meetings (AGM) can take place via video call.

In addition, Seychelles companies are not required to undergo annual audits. 

However, offshore companies in Seychelles are still required to prepare financial statements, annually. GLA can support businesses with annual financial reporting, tax, and accounting services.

3. Notes when doing business in Seychelles

Companies doing business in Seychelles are restricted in their activities under the IBC Act. Restrictions include:

1. Do not conduct business with people residing in Seychelles.
2. Not to own interests in real estate located in Seychelles, except property leased for office purposes.
3. Not allowed to do banking, insurance or reinsurance business.
4. Not allowed to do business providing office space for companies.
5. No business authorization.

4. Requirements to know when establishing a company in Seychelles

4.1. Company name 

The company name must be unique, not infringing on copyright or containing inappropriate content. The name must be in English and end with the word indicating the legal status of the company.

4.2. Shareholders

At least one shareholder is required, which can be an individual or a corporate entity. Shareholders do not have to reside in Seychelles and can own 100% of the company.

4.3. Director

A minimum of one director is required, which can be an individual or a corporate entity, and there is no limit to the number. Directors do not have to reside in Seychelles, but must be over 18 years of age, have no criminal record and have never been bankrupt.

4.4. Registered address and minimum capital

A registered address in Seychelles is required to ensure legality and professionalism. Minimum capital from only 1 USD, can be increased as the company grows.

4.5. Reputable unit supporting company registration

Establishing an offshore company in Seychelles requires businesses to have a reputable unit to support them and act as a representative to connect with the government. Global Links Asia is proud to be a reputable unit to support businesses in establishing an offshore company in Seychelles in accordance with the law, operating sustainably, and optimizing costs effectively.

5. Detailed procedures and processes for establishing an offshore company in Seychelles

With GLA's expertise, the company will receive comprehensive support in opening an offshore company in Seychelles, ensuring legal compliance, optimizing costs and completing the process quickly and effectively.

6. Requirements to know when operating an offshore company in Seychelles

In order to comply with the International Business Company Act and its latest version 2021 (International Business Company Act of Seychelles), companies operating in the following sectors will need to register a business license to operate:

• Banking sector.
• Insurance business field.
• Agency/Registration Office Services.
• Trust business.
• Investment fund management field.
• Collective investment sector.

In addition, Seychelles companies are also required to comply with the requirement to declare the nature of their business activities in Seychelles (Econominc Subtance Report). Companies will be required to register with the Seychelles Tax Department for a tax identification number to avoid penalties and enjoy tax privileges. 

In addition, companies in Seychelles must ensure that documents and records are kept for a minimum of five years to meet government requirements. Documents can be kept electronically or physically at the Seychelles office address.

7. How does GLA support companies opening companies in Seychelles?

As a unit with many years of experience in consulting and supporting businesses to register to establish companies in Seychelles, BVI, Belize success, GLA support

• Consulting and support for establishing Seychelles companies.
• Recommend the right company type based on your business model.
• Prepare necessary documents for Seychelles Business.
• Tax advice tailored to your business type in Seychelles.
• Support for registration of all types of business licenses in Seychelles.
• Support for opening physical bank accounts, online banking in Seychelles, etc.
• Prepare financial statements and tax returns in accordance with Seychelles accounting standards.

8. Frequently asked questions about the process and procedures for opening a company in Seychlles.

Highlights

• The IBC is the most popular type of company for foreign companies because of its tax optimization policy and reasonable annual maintenance requirements.
• Under the IBC Act, the company is not allowed to transact with domestic companies and participate in financial fields such as banking, insurance and loans.
• An offshore company in Seychelles can apply to open a domestic or international bank account in Singapore if eligible.
• Offshore companies in Seychelles need to ensure compliance with annual requirements such as keeping documents for a minimum of 5 years and meeting the Substance Requirements.