Incorporate · Offshore

Company Formation in British Virgin Islands

Long-established offshore holding jurisdiction with strong privacy. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 0% on business company profits
VAT / GST: None
Formation: 3-5 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 2+
Setup cost: USD 2,500 - 4,000

At a glance

Common entity: BVI Business Company (BC)
Formation time: 3-5 days
Setup cost: USD 2,500 - 4,000
Annual cost: USD 1,500 - 2,500
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 2+

Holding companyIP and licensingFunds and investment

Best for

Holding company
Asset holding
Joint-venture vehicles

Less ideal for

Trading needing treaty relief
Businesses needing easy local banking

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	BVI Business Company (BC)
Formation timeline	3-5 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered agent and registered office required
Public registry	Directors and shareholders not on a public register
Audit	No statutory audit for most companies

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	0% on business company profits
VAT / GST	None
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Not taxed
Territorial system	Yes
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Not applicable (no corporate income tax)

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in BVI

1
Engage a licensed BVI registered agent
2
Complete KYC and confirm the Business Company name
3
File the memorandum and articles of association
4
Receive the certificate of incorporation and issue shares
5
Maintain a registered office and file beneficial ownership data with the agent

Banking reality

The BVI company itself has almost no local retail banking, so accounts are typically opened offshore or with EMIs, and banks apply heavy KYC and substance questions to offshore holding vehicles.