Incorporate · Offshore

Company Formation in Nevis (St Kitts & Nevis)

Asset-protection focused offshore company and LLC jurisdiction. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

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50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 0% on foreign-source income for qualifying entities
VAT / GST: VAT of 10% to 17% on domestic activity
Formation: 1-3 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 3,500

At a glance

Common entity: Nevis Business Corporation (NBC)
Formation time: 1-3 days
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 3,500
Annual cost: USD 1,000 - 2,500
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+

Holding companyIP and licensingTradingConsulting and services

Best for

Asset-protection structures and LLCs
Holding and asset-holding vehicles
Privacy-focused offshore structuring

Less ideal for

Businesses needing treaty relief or easy banking
Founders wanting a strong onshore reputation

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	Nevis Business Corporation (NBC), Nevis LLC
Formation timeline	1-3 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered agent and registered office in Nevis 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 companies

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	0% on foreign-source income for qualifying entities (locally sourced income can be taxed; substance rules apply)
VAT / GST	VAT of 10% to 17% on domestic activity
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Not taxed
Territorial system	Yes
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Not applicable (foreign-source income generally untaxed)

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 Nevis

1
Appoint a licensed Nevis registered agent
2
Reserve the company name and select the entity type (NBC or LLC)
3
Prepare the articles or operating agreement and complete KYC
4
File formation documents with the Nevis registry
5
Assess economic-substance obligations and open a bank or EMI account

Banking reality

As with other small Caribbean centres, traditional banking for Nevis entities is limited and de-risked, so international EMIs and payment providers usually carry operating accounts while local banking is reserved for genuine onshore activity.