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Incorporate in The Bahamas
$3,800.00
Establishing an international business company in the Bahamas
The Bahamas has maintained a strong reputation as a leading offshore financial center since the mid-20th century, offering a stable, tax-neutral environment with strong privacy protections. While its dominance waned slightly after gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1973—when other jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands and BVI gained traction—the Bahamas continues to be a favored location for international company formation, trust services, and private banking.
Companies incorporated in the Bahamas are primarily formed under the International Business Companies (IBC) Act. IBCs are limited liability entities, meaning shareholders are only liable up to the amount unpaid on their shares. These companies are designed for international trade, investment, and asset management, benefiting from minimal reporting obligations and a high degree of confidentiality.
IBCs issue shares to represent ownership, which can be structured into different classes offering various rights, including voting, dividends, and claims on residual assets upon dissolution. A board of directors—appointed by shareholders—manages the company’s affairs, with the flexibility to include individuals or legal entities from any jurisdiction. Only one director and one shareholder are required, which makes Bahamian IBCs well-suited for single-person ventures, family offices, or private investment vehicles.
To avoid higher government fees, IBCs typically set an authorized share capital of no more than USD 50,000 and 50,000 shares. Shares may be issued at par value or above, and premiums beyond the nominal value do not attract additional incorporation charges. There are no residency requirements for directors or shareholders.
In compliance with global standards, the Bahamas enforces the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act. This law mandates companies engaged in certain activities—such as finance, insurance, IP management, shipping, and headquarter services—to demonstrate economic substance within the country. Qualifying businesses must show evidence of real operations in the Bahamas, including local management, employees, and office space.
Taxation has also evolved with the introduction of the Business Licence Act, 2023, which replaced the earlier 2010 version. Under this framework, IBCs conducting business in or from within the Bahamas must obtain a business licence and pay a turnover-based tax—unless they are exempt entities like regulated investment funds or passive equity holders. “Conducting business” includes earning local revenue, having a local office, providing services domestically, or operating as a regulated financial institution. Turnover from domestic and international sources must be allocated separately.
For domestic revenue, IBCs with under BS$100,000 in turnover are exempt from tax; those with BS$100,000–500,000 pay 0.5%, and BS$500,000–5 million pay 1.25%. For international revenue, IBCs with less than BS$1 million in turnover pay a flat BS$2,500 fee, while those over BS$1 million are taxed at 0.25% of turnover, capped at BS$100,000. Companies that solely hold assets (excluding real estate in the Bahamas) or engage in exempt activities are not subject to licensing or taxation under the Act.
Importantly, IBCs that neither operate in the Bahamas nor earn domestic revenue—and which do not hold Bahamian real estate—are not required to obtain a business licence or pay related taxes.
Incorporating an IBC in the Bahamas is straightforward, typically taking three to five business days. Once the memorandum and articles of association are submitted, the Registrar General issues the certificate of incorporation. Bahamian IBCs serve diverse purposes, including investment holding, intellectual property ownership, cross-border commerce, and estate planning—making them an attractive option for global investors seeking flexibility, confidentiality, and efficient regulatory processes.
The foundational document package confirming the entity’s establishment and outlining its operational structure, includes:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (stamped)
- Register of Directors
- Register of Members
- Resolution of the Incorporator appointing the first directors
- Resolution of the Board of Directors noting the incorporation of the company and appointment of directors by the incorporator, and resolving the issuance of shares, the issuance of share certificates, the appointment of registered office address, among other corporate matters.
- Subscription Agreement
- Consent Letter (Director)
- Share Certificates
- Certificate of Incumbency
Learn more about incorporating in the Bahamas:
Bahamas International Business Company (IBC) Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 3,800.00 (All Included)
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the necessary services to incorporate a Bahamian International Business Company, and keep it in good standing, as well as government fees and duties, disbursements such as courier fees, and assignments such as the preparation of a certificate of incumbency.
- All applicable Registration and Government Fees (Registrar General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas)
- Preparing Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association and filing such articles with the Registrar General
- Acting as Subscriber and executing the Memorandum of Association
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar General
- Preparing Subscription Agreements
- Preparing Director’s Acceptance Letters
- Preparing and executing Subscriber Resolutions for the appointment of the first Directors
- Preparing and executing the Share Transfer Instrument for the transfer of Shares from the Subscriber to the Shareholder
- Preparing the First Board Resolutions resolving the Issuance and Allotment of Shares, Share Certificates, Appointment of Directors, Registered Office, etc
- Preparing the Register of Directors and Register of Members
- Providing Registered Office Services, including Registered Address, for the calendar year
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Preparing the Certified True Copies of Corporate Documents
- Preparing the Share Certificates
- Delivery of Corporate Documents, inclusive of Courier Fees
Time to form the company
Incorporating a company begins with reserving the company name and drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Once finalized, the incorporation documents are submitted to the Registrar General, who generally processes and approves the application within 3-5 business days. Upon processing the filing, the company is officially registered, and the certificate of incorporation and stamped M&AA are issued by the Registrar General, and we proceed with preparing the internal statutory documents such as the appointment of the first director(s), initial meeting minutes, share certificates, and registers of members and directors.
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Bahamas Resident Director – USD 3,500.00 per annum
- Nominee Director (Natural Person) – USD 1,900.00 per annum
- Nominee Shareholder (Corporation), including a Deed of Trust – USD 1,900.00 per annum
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Bahamas.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Union BankUSD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.CIBC FirstCaribbean International BankUSD 100,000YesMulticurrencyYesOnly companies registered in the Bahamas. Economic substance required.CitibankUSD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.DeltecUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesCredit Card available on a case by case basis.EFG BankUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Equity BankUSD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Bahamas companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsMORABANCUSD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Credit Andorra (Creand)EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDBankUSD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Global Bank of CommerceUSD 25,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesCash Secured Visa Credit CardNorth International BankUSD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsOJSC UnibankUSD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Barbados Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Barbados Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCIBC FirstCaribbean International BankUSD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesEconomic substance required.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBelize Bank InternationalUSD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesCaye BankUSD 1,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Heritage BankUSD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBVI Bank AccountUSD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.VP BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCayman National BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesCIBC FirstCaribbean International BankUSD 25,000YesUSD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUDYesNCB Cayman LimitedUSD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Security BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsExprinter International Bank N.V.USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingUnited International BankN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of CyprusN/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDominica Bank AccountUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CHFYesEqiBankUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesJetonbankN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Dominica Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesThe Kingdom BankN/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsGibraltar Bank AccountUSD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaHKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.DBS BankHKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsIsle of Man Bank AccountN/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsLabuan Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!CitibankUSD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesMayBank International Labuan BranchUSD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBendura BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank OneUSD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesInvestecUSD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBONIUSD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesHamilton Reserve BankUSD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPanama Bank AccountUSD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 1,000NoUSDYesAccounts can be opened remotely on case-by-case basis.
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPuerto Rico Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesCB International Bank LLCN/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Elite International BankUSD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Medici BankUSD 10,000NoMulticurrencyYesStrategic BankUSD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPROVEN BANK (Former BOSLIL)USD 5,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAl SalamUSD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaSGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Credit SuisseUSD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesDBS BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.HSBCSGD/USD 30,000NoSGD, AUD, CAD, RMB, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, GBP, USDYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.RHBSGD/USD 30,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.OCBC BankUSD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.UOB BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAmina BankCHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Credit SuisseCHF 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesMaerki BaumannCHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesmBaer BankCHF 5,000YesMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have an expected turnover of at least CHF 3,000,000.SygnumCHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsUSA Bank AccountUSD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MUSA Bank Accountfrom 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.USA Bank AccountUSD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).USA Bank AccountN/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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Vanuatu Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Vanuatu Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPacific Private Bank1,500 EURNoEUR, GBP, USDYesOutgoing USD transactions cannot be facilitated.
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00
EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteDNBC (CA) (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesSepagaN/AYesMulticurrencyYesAirwallexN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCurrenxieN/AYesMulticurrencyYesStatrysN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCollect & PayDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesBankeraN/AYesEURYesConnect PayN/AYesMulticurrencyYesDNBC (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesGurupayN/ANoEURYesIBSettleN/ANoEURYesMistertangoN/AYesEURYesNEXPAYN/ANoMulticurrencyYesPayswixN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSettleDeskN/ANoEURYesValyuzN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesVerifoN/ANoEURYesVialetN/AYesEURYes3SMoneyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesAspireN/AYesSGD, USDYesWorldfirstN/ANoMulticurrencyYesBilderlingsN/AYesEUR, GBPYesBVNKN/ANoMulticurrencyYesEQUALS MoneyN/AYesMulticurrencyYesIFXN/ANoMulticurrencyYesInterpolitan MoneyDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesMontifyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesMultiPassN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesPaysetN/ANoMulticurrencyYesTRANSFERRAN/AYesMulticurrencyYesXaceN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Note that we can also assist the client with opening Electronic Money Institutions Accounts in the EEA at no additional cost.
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Bahamas Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 2,600.00 (payable every January)
- All Applicable Annual Government Fees
- Submitting Economic Substance Declaration
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Providing Registered Office Services, including Registered Address, for the calendar year
- Providing Registered Agent Services for the calendar year
Other Services (Optional)
- Formation and Maintenance of Limited Partnerships and Foundations
- Establishment of Trusts, and provision of Trustee Services
- Continuation of Foreign Companies
- SCB Registration of Investment Funds and Securities Businesses, and related services
- Economic Substance Services (Physical Office, Outsourcing of CIGA, etc.)
- Secretarial Services
- Accounting Services
Please, contact us for further information.