About the BVI
The British Virgin Islands are one of the longest-established offshore financial centres in the world, acting as a benchmark for other offshore jurisdictions. Over 40% of the world’s offshore corporations are registered in the BVI. Its ties to Britain, along with its extremely modern legal stances on corporate and banking law, make it a stable, attractive choice for a large number of companies. The BVI have never been blacklisted by the OECD or FATF, meaning that it has a clean reputation globally.
With the beneficial legal system comes very low taxation requirements and a high level of anonymity, while still benefiting from international recognition as a leading banking centre. It is easy to incorporate a business in the BVI too, as the official language is English.
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Capital City
Road Town
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Population
31,700
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Land Area
153 km²
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Currency
United States dollars
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Economic Activities
Tax haven with an opaque banking system
Benefits of the BVI
British Virgin Islands have several obvious benefits that make it the jurisdiction of choice for many businessmen across the world.
If you establish a company in the British Virgin Islands, you will be exempt from income, dividend, interest, rental, royalty and compensation taxes, as well as 0% Capital Gains Tax and no estate, succession or inheritance taxes. Other than land ownership transactions, there is also no stamp duty, making the BVI one of the best offshore jurisdictions in terms of its tax neutrality. Incorporation only requires one shareholder and directors can be non-residential as long as the company has a registered agent in the BVI.
The BVI offers significant legal protection to its incorporated businesses, with the court protecting share ownership against confiscation and no corporate or shareholder listings, meaning that there is a high level of anonymity. In addition, a BVI BC (Business Company) has its own legal persona, with the same rights as an individual citizen.
BVI BCs do not have to prepare annual accounts, but there are bookkeeping requirements, and this documentation can be requested by the government, although the records can be kept anywhere in the world. While bearer shares are still legal, the Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System Act of 2017 means that companies must supply a list of beneficial owners.
- LOW TAX RATES
- 0% Capital Gains and Income taxes.
- EASY TO INCORPORATE
- One shareholder required with no restrictions on location.
- LEGAL PROTECTION
- Share ownership is protected and there is a high level of anonymity.
- LEGAL RIGHTS
- Companies have exceptional legal rights.
- LOW ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
- Bookkeeping only; no annual submissions necessary .
- BEARER SHARES
- Although a list of beneficial owners must be provided.
FREE E-BOOK: INCORPORATE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BVI
Learn more about company formation in the BVI.
Our services in the BVI
We are exceptionally experienced in the uses of BVI-based companies domestically and internationally, and in the local environment itself.
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OFFSHORE COMPANIES
BVI BCs are exempt from all taxes provided they do not operate in the BVI territory, do not need to register for VAT and shareholders are not taxable. There is no need to submit a tax return, and the Company Register is not publicly accessible. For more anonymity, a nominee service can be used.
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NOMINEE DIRECTOR
We can provide full director and management services in the BVI for Business Companies (BVI BCs), so that your offshore company maintains its tax-exempt status.
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NOMINEE SHAREHOLDER
We provide nominee shareholder services under a declaration of trust in favour of the beneficial owner.
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TRUSTS
We assist with the establishment of BVI VISTA trusts, which are designed for inheritance and succession planning. Shares can be held in trust indefinitely.
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FOUNDATIONS
We provide you with assistance in establishing and transferring assets to a foundation as a means to protect assets, increase anonymity and plan for succession.
