BVI is one of the longest existing tax havens and, for years, the most popular destination for establishing offshore companies. Thanks to the long tradition of providing services for the financial sector, the country has developed a variety of solutions that attract investors from all over the world who want to minimise taxation and protect their assets, and enjoy safety and privacy, which is often not possible in the countries the investors come from.
One of the main reasons why investors run their businesses through BVI Business Companies so often is the fact that this type of companies is completely exempt from taxes, in place of which there is a fixes licence fee which, upon certain conditions, is only 350 USD. The conditions are: authorised capital does not exceed 50 000 USD, all company shares have par value, pursuant to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the company does not issue bearer shares. If one or two of the conditions are not met, the fee is 1100 USD a year. If the Memorandum and Articles of Association on the day of the payment state that issuing bearer shares is forbidden, the authorised capital does not exceed 50 000 USD and some or all shares do not have par value or the company does not have authorised capital and all shares have no par value, the fee is 350 USD.
Company law in the territory of BVI gives foreign investors great possibilities, as the structure of Business Companies (BVIBCs) is extremely flexible, the companies formed here may have the following structures:
The most popular structure is company limited by shares.
Regardless of the chosen structure, company name has to include the words: Corporation, Incorporated, Sociedad Anónima, Societé Anonyme, Limited, or an abbreviation of any of them. Interestingly, the names may be formed in any language, including Chinese.
BVI is also a country where minimum formalities are required when establishing a company and in the later stages of activity. We need only 2-3 days to set up a company ready to carry out business operations (2-3 days more to apostille documents).
To set up a company you need only one shareholder and one director, this may be the same person and, what is more, both a physical and a legal person (including foreign companies from around the world). If the company has only one director, it is possible to appoint a reserve director who will manage company affairs in the case of their death, provided they consent to that in writing.
In the territory of BVI there is statutory obligation for companies to be registered by licenced agents.
Information on who is company owner and director is not presented in official registers, but a shareholder register needs to be in custody of a licensed agent who registered the company. The information that needs to be included in the register are as follows:
– names and addresses of the shareholders (registered shares),
– number of each class and series of registered shares held by a shareholder,
– number of each class and series of bearer shares held by a shareholder,
– information with respect to bearer share certificates, including the name and address of custodian,
– date when name of each member was entered in the register,
– date when any person ceases to be a member.
Register agents are under legal obligation to keep the information confidential and may release it only upon receiving a court order. Owners are obliged to update agents on any changes under pain of a 10 000 USD penalty.
BC guarantee high level of confidentiality which may be additionally increased by using the services of nominee shareholders and nominee directors, whose names will appear everywhere in place of the actual owners. Such solutions are commonly used in the territory of BVI and nominee service is included in our offer.
Advantages of having a Business Company (BC) – BVIBCs
Nominee
Just like in other countries based on common law rules, in the territory of BVI it is common to adopt trust law. Thanks to this, companies may be formed through nominal directors and nominee shareholders, the aim of which is to protect assets and privacy as well as tax optimisation.
Our BVIBC corporate kits include the following documents:
We only need 2-3 days to set up a BVIBC ready to operate and 3 more days to prepare an apostille or legalise documents. Throughout the process, client presence is not required.
ShelfCompanies24.com is a company providing comprehensive services within the scope of company formation and company services as well as banking relations. Due to this, you may sort out all matters connected with opening a BVIBC in one place, saving time and money.
As we value clients’ time, we take care of all matters immediately after receiving the required documents. To establish a BVIBC we only need 2-3 business days and 3 more days to prepare an apostille.
To become an owner of a BVIBC you do not have to travel to British Virgin Islands. Companies may only be registered here through licenced agents, so there is no need whatsoever to come to the country. If you are interested in a bank account in one of BVI banks, we may also open it remotely.
Shelfcompanie24 will take care of all issues connected with establishing and servicing BVIBCs. You do not have to worry about paperwork and use this time for strategic matters related to running a business. We also encourage you to contact us on the issue of tax optimisation and getting information on other jurisdictions, as we operate in numerous countries around the world.
Just drop us an email or give us a call and we will send you short list of information that we need. After you provide it to us you can come anytime to proceed with the formalities.
Company registration in British Virgin Islands typically takes 1-2 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire process on your behalf.
You will need valid passport copies, proof of address, description of business activities, and proof of source of funds. Our team guides you through all documentation requirements.
Yes, foreign nationals can establish companies in British Virgin Islands. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership of BVI companies.
The minimum capital requirement in British Virgin Islands is No minimum (authorized: 50,000 shares). Our consultants can advise on the optimal capital structure for your business.
ShelfCompanies24 acts as your dedicated company formation agent in BVI. Our experienced team handles the entire registration process on your behalf — from preparing incorporation documents and liaising with local authorities to obtaining your company registration number, tax identification, and all required certificates. As a company formation agent with over 30 years of experience across 50+ jurisdictions, we ensure a smooth, compliant, and fast incorporation process. Whether you need a brand-new company or prefer a ready-made shelf company in BVI, our agents guide you through every step — including corporate bank account opening, registered address setup, and ongoing compliance support.
Contact our company formation agents today for a free consultation and competitive quote for company formation in BVI.
