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Incorporate in Barbados
$8,500.00
Establishing a company in Barbados
Barbados has evolved into a reputable jurisdiction for international business, particularly favored by Canadian investors due to the advantages of the Canada–Barbados Double Taxation Agreement. In recent years, however, the island nation has implemented extensive legislative reforms to meet global standards set by the OECD and European Union. These reforms aimed to eliminate preferential tax regimes once deemed harmful, reshaping the business environment and increasing compliance with international tax transparency and fairness.
A pivotal shift was the repeal of the International Business Companies (IBC) Act and the amendment of the Societies with Restricted Liability Act. As a result, since October 17, 2017, new IBCs and ISRLs are incorporated under the standard Companies Act and are taxed as regular domestic entities. Pre-existing companies were given a transition period, ending June 30, 2021, to align with the updated framework.
In support of international business, Barbados introduced the Foreign Currency Permits Act in 2018. Companies earning all their income in foreign currency can apply for a Foreign Currency Permit (FCP), exempting them from local exchange controls and facilitating smoother cross-border operations.
Today, company formation in Barbados is governed by the Companies Act, with limited companies being the most common structure. These entities operate on a share-based model, where ownership, profit rights, and voting power are determined by the number and class of shares held. Management is overseen by a Board of Directors, appointed by shareholders, and directors can be individuals or corporate entities of any nationality, with no residency or physical presence required.
Barbados offers a simple and efficient incorporation process. A company can be formed with just one shareholder and one director, and there is no minimum capital requirement. Shares can be issued with or without par value, and capital does not need to be deposited during formation, offering flexibility to investors. Full foreign ownership and control are permitted, making the jurisdiction especially appealing for global entrepreneurs.
Corporate taxation has also undergone a major overhaul. Since January 1, 2019, all companies—excluding those grandfathered under the old regime—are subject to a unified tax system. This progressive structure ranges from 5.5% on income under BBD 1 million to as low as 1% for income exceeding BBD 30 million, replacing the previous dual system where IBCs enjoyed preferential rates.
To further align with international standards, Barbados has enacted economic substance rules through the Business Companies (Economic Substance) Act. Companies engaged in certain activities must demonstrate real economic activity within Barbados, including having staff, physical offices, local expenditures, and strategic control within the jurisdiction.
Despite these reforms, Barbados remains a strategic hub for international operations, supported by a robust legal framework, tax treaty network, and efficient incorporation timeline of approximately 2 to 3 weeks. This includes name approval, preparation of corporate documents, and issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation. For companies operating in foreign currency, the Foreign Currency Permit can be obtained alongside bank account setup, ensuring a streamlined and business-friendly start.
The full corporate document package provided upon incorporation includes:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Articles of Incorporation
- Notice of Address
- Notice of Directors
- Bylaws
- Resolutions of the Shareholders
- Resolutions of the Directors
- Register of Beneficial Owners
- Register of Directors
- Share Ledger
- Foreign Currency Permit
Learn more about companies in Barbados:
Barbados Limited Company Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 5,800.00 (All included)
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services and disbursements to incorporate a Limited Company in Barbados, and keep it in good standing with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office.
- All applicable Registration and Government Fees
- Acting as the Incorporator of the Limited Company
- Preparing the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws
- Filing the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs
- Providing Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar
- Preparing the Directors’ Resolution resolving the appointment of directors, allotment of shares, adoption of company bylaws and other related corporate matters
- Preparing the Register of Shareholders and Register of Directors
- Preparing the Share Certificates
- Preparing and Executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Applying for and obtaining a Foreign Currency Permit
- Providing Corporate Secretary Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including business address, for one year
- Providing Notarized and Apostilled copies of the Corporate Documents
- Delivering Original, and Notarized and Apostilled copies of the Corporate Documents via Courier, inclusive of Courier fees
Time to form
A company in Barbados can typically be incorporated within approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The process begins with securing approval for the proposed company name, which generally takes 2-3 business days. Once the name is approved, the Articles of Incorporation are prepared and filed—usually within 1 to 2 business days. At the same time, we prepare all necessary post-incorporation documents, including corporate resolutions, bylaws, registers, and related records. The Registrar then processes the application and typically issues the Certificate of Incorporation within 4 to 5 business days.
It’s important to note that a Foreign Currency Permit must also be obtained. This process usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks but can be initiated concurrently with the bank account application to avoid delays.
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Barbados.
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Barbados Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Barbados Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesEconomic substance required.Bank 2USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesEconomic substance required.Bank 3USD 25,000YesMulticurrencyYesEconomic substance required.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Barbados companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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.Bank 2EUR 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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.Bank 2USD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.Bank 3USD 100,000YesMulticurrencyYesOnly companies registered in the Bahamas. Economic substance required.Bank 4USD 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.Bank 5USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Bank 6USD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesBank 2USD 2,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Bank 3USD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesBank 2USD 25,000YesUSD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUDYesBank 3USD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 4N/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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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 1HKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.Bank 2HKD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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!Bank 2USD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 3USD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2USD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesBank 3USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 4USD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2N/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Bank 3USD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Bank 4USD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 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 1SGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 2USD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesBank 3SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 4USD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 5SGD 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1CHF 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.Bank 2CHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 3CHF 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 DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MBank 2from 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.Bank 3USD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Bank 4N/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00
EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteEMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesKazakhstan EMI AccountDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLuxembourg EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesSGD, USDYesSingapore EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoUSD, EUR, GBP, CADYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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.
Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 3,900.00 (payable one year after incorporation, and annually thereafter)
- Preparing and filing Company Renewal and Annual Return
- Renewing the Foreign Currency Permit
- All applicable Government Annual Fees and Duties
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Preparing and Filing the Annual Return
- Providing Corporate Secretary Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including business address, for one year
Additional Services
- Accounting and Tax Services
- Audit Services
- Local Director Services
- Economic Substance Services (Local Directorship, Physical Office, Outsourcing of CIGA, etc.)
Please, contact us for further information.