Incorporate in British Virgin Islands
Establishing a company in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has established itself as a premier offshore financial center, widely used for international structuring, investment holding, and cross-border transactions. Its appeal lies in a combination of tax neutrality, flexible corporate laws, and a stable legal environment rooted in English common law. The BVI Business Companies Act, 2004, governs company formation and allows for a range of entity types, with the company limited by shares being the most common.
These companies require minimal capital, and shares can be issued with or without par value, in any currency, and with customizable rights relating to dividends, voting, and liquidation. Corporate governance is handled by a board of directors—who can be individuals or corporate entities of any nationality—and internal rules are governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
There is no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on dividends or interest for BVI Business Companies, making them tax-efficient vehicles, though companies must still meet tax obligations in other jurisdictions where they are active.
BVI companies are extensively used in Asia, especially for structuring outbound Chinese investments and supporting listings on exchanges like the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Many internationally listed firms, including those on the NYSE and NASDAQ, also use BVI structures.
Despite the absence of public financial reporting requirements, BVI companies must file an annual return with their registered office (not with a public body), maintain statutory registers of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners, and comply with the Economic Substance Act, 2018. This law applies to entities engaged in specific activities—such as banking, insurance, fund management, IP business, and pure equity holding—requiring them to demonstrate local control, staffing, and operational presence in the BVI.
Because of its efficiency, credibility, and global acceptance, the BVI remains a top choice for holding companies, joint ventures, international trading and consultancy, estate planning, and as vehicles for international trade and public listings.
The foundational document package confirming the entity’s establishment and outlining its operational structure, includes:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (stamped by the Registrar)
- Register of Directors (both original, and stamped copy by the Registrar)
- Register of Members (both original, and stamped copy by the Registrar)
- Register of Beneficial Owners (both original, and stamped copy by the Registrar)
- Resolution of the Incorporator appointing the first directors
- Subscription Agreement
- 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.
- Share Certificates
- Certificate of Incumbency
Learn more about incorporating in the British Virgin Islands:
BVI Business Company Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 2,475.00 (All Included)
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the necessary services to incorporate a BVI 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 (BVI Registry of Corporate Affairs)
- Preparing the Memorandum & Articles of Association, and providing Registrar’s stamped copy
- Acting as Incorporator of the BVI Business Company
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation issued by BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs
- Appointment of First Director(s) by the Registered Agent
- Preparing the Director(s) Acceptance Letter
- Preparing the First Board Resolution resolving the Issuance of Shares and Shares Certificates, Appointment of Directors, Registered Office, etc.
- Preparing the Register of Beneficial Owners, the Register of Members and the Register of Directors
- Filing the Register of Directors, Register of Members and Register of Beneficial Owners with the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs
- Preparing the Share Certificates
- Preparing and Executing the Certificate of Incumbency
- Providing the Corporate Seal of the Company
- Registered Office Services, including Business Address, for one year
- Registered Agent Services for one year
- Delivery of Original Corporate Documents and Corporate Seal, inclusive of Courier Fees
Time to form the company
The BVI company incorporation process begins with applying for approval of the company name and preparing the necessary corporate documents, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&AA), typically completed within one business day.
Once the M&AA is filed with the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs, the company is usually incorporated within 1 to 3 business days, at which point the certificate of incorporation is issued and the M&AA is officially stamped. Concurrently, supporting internal documents such as the appointment of initial directors, meeting minutes, share certificates, and statutory registers are prepared. Following incorporation, the registers of directors, members, and beneficial owners are filed with the Registrar accordingly.
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Nominee Director (Natural Person/Corporation) – USD 800.00 per annum
- Nominee Shareholder (Natural Person/Corporation), including a Deed of Trust – USD 800.00 per annum
*If an Apostilled and Notarized General Power Of Attorney to be designated as attorney-in-fact is required, there is an additional one-time fee of USD 350.00 (Optional)
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in BVI.
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 50,000YesUSD, GBP, CAD, EURYesBank 3USD 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.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for BVI companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra 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 $ 300.00Antigua 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 $ 1,200.00Armenia 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 $ 500.00Bahamas 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 $ 300.00Belize 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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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Cayman 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 $ 600.00Cook 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 $ 500.00Curaçao 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 $ 1,200.00Cyprus 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 $ 300.00Dominica 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 $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 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 $ 1,400.00Hong 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 $ 1,200.00Isle 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 $ 500.00Labuan 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 $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis 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 $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto 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 $ 300.00Saint 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 $ 500.00Seychelles 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 $ 900.00Singapore 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 $ 1,200.00Switzerland 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 $ 1,400.00USA 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 $ 300.00EMI 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.
BVI Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 1,575.00 (payable one year after incorporation, and annually thereafter)
- All Applicable Annual Government Fees
- Advising on completion of and filing the Economic Substance Report, including the preparation of the resolutions
- Annual Beneficial Ownership Compliance
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Providing Registered Agent Service for one year
- Providing Registered Office Service, including business address, for one year
BVI Company Annual Return Services – USD 250.00 (payable within 9 months from financial year end)
BVI Companies are required to file a financial annual return with a simple statement of financial position and statement of income with the registered office no later than 9 months from financial year end.
- Preparation of Directors’ Resolutions
- Guidance on the preparation of the Annual Return
- Recordkeeping at the Registered Office
Other Services (Optional)
- Formation and Maintenance of Limited Partnerships and Segregated Portfolio Companies
- Establishment of Trusts, VISTA Trusts, and Private Trust Companies, and provision of Trustee Services
- Continuation of Foreign Companies
- FSC Registration of Investment Funds and Securities Investment Businesses, and related services
- Economic Substance Services (Local Directorship, Physical Office, Outsourcing, etc.)
- Secretarial Services
- Local Director Services
- Accounting Services
Please, contact us for further information.