Incorporate · Offshore

Company Formation in Guernsey

Channel Island known for funds, insurance and holding structures. 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% standard rate
VAT / GST: None
Formation: 1-3 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 15+
Setup cost: USD 4,000 - 10,000

At a glance

Common entity: Company Limited by Shares
Formation time: 1-3 days
Setup cost: USD 4,000 - 10,000
Annual cost: USD 4,000 - 9,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 15+

Holding companyFunds and investmentIP and licensingTradingConsulting and services

Best for

Investment funds and insurance structures
Holding and wealth vehicles
Protected cell companies for ring-fenced assets

Less ideal for

Low-budget setups
Founders needing a broad treaty network

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law (with customary law elements)
Common entity types	Company Limited by Shares, Protected Cell Company
Formation timeline	1-3 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered office and a licensed corporate services provider in Guernsey required
Public registry	Directors and shareholders not on a public register; beneficial owners on a non-public register
Audit	No general statutory audit for most private companies

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	0% standard rate (10% for banking and certain regulated income; 20% for utilities and local property income)
VAT / GST	None
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Not taxed
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Not applicable at the 0% standard rate

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 Guernsey

1
Engage a licensed Guernsey corporate services provider
2
Reserve the company name and prepare the memorandum and articles
3
Complete KYC on directors, shareholders and beneficial owners
4
File incorporation with the Guernsey Registry
5
Appoint directors and open a corporate bank account

Banking reality

Guernsey banking is stable and geared to funds and private clients, with detailed KYC and source-of-wealth review; accounts are usually arranged through the licensed provider rather than opened remotely at speed.