A Complete Guide to Company Registration and Compliance in Seychelles: Benefits, Processes and Core Requirements
Published: 2026-01-20

I. Core advantages of Seychelles company registration

As one of the world's leading offshore financial centers, Seychelles attracts international investors and businesses with its flexible legal framework, high level of privacy protection and tax neutrality. Its key advantages include:

1. Tax incentives
  • Income from offshore business is completely tax free, with no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, stamp duty, etc.
  • The tax burden is minimal as only a fixed annual license fee is payable.
2. Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Shareholder, director and beneficiary information is not publicly disclosed and is not available for public inspection.
  • Allow nominee (nominal shareholding) services to further enhance de facto controller privacy protection.
3. Flexible and efficient registration and operation
  • Company registration usually 1-3 working days Done.
  • No foreign exchange control, funds can be freely transferred in and out, and bank accounts can be opened worldwide.
  • Chinese company names are permitted and registered capital is standardized at $50,000 without capital verification.
  • Directors and shareholders may be natural or legal persons, there is no restriction on nationality, and local resident directors are not required.
4. Legal system and international recognition
  • The law is based on English common law, and in conjunction with the International Business Companies Act (IBC), the system is mature and stable.
  • Company documents can be in Chinese, suitable for Chinese investors and internationally recognized.

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Second, the Seychelles company registration process (as an example of international business company IBC)

Overview of registration steps:

Step 1: Company Name Search
Provide 1-3 English names (Chinese name optional) ending with "Limited", "Corp.", "Inc.", etc., to ensure that there is no overlap with existing companies. Ensure that you do not rename your company with an existing company.

Step 2: Define the corporate structure

  • Determine the number of shareholders and directors and the proportion of equity (at least 1 shareholder and 1 director, may be the same person).
  • Decide whether to use the services of a nominee director/shareholder.

Step 3: Prepare and submit materials
Submit the following documents to the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) through a licensed registered agent:

  • Registration Application Form
  • Proof of identity of shareholders and directors (passport copy)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement for the last three months)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MAA)

Step 4: Government Approval and Receipt of Documents
The registry is usually located at 1-3 working days Certificates are awarded upon completion:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • memorandum and articles of association
  • Register of Directors, Shareholders and Secretaries
  • Company seal (steel seal, signature seal)
  • Stock certificates, etc.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

III. List of documents required for registration

Material typespecification
Basic Company InformationEnglish/Chinese name, business scope (unlimited), registered capital (usually $50,000, no paid-in)
Shareholder/Director InformationCopy of passport, proof of address, contact information (certificate of incorporation in case of corporate shareholders)
Compliance DocumentsDue Diligence Questionnaire (KYC), Beneficial Ownership Statement (UBO)
registered addressA local registered address in Seychelles is required (usually provided by the registered agent)

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

IV. Follow-up maintenance and compliance requirements

1. Annual renewal (annual review)
  • An annual license fee is payable to the Government of Seychelles each year (graded on the basis of registered capital).
  • Update the company's registered address and registered agent information.
  • Annual returns are filed on time (no financial statements or audit reports are required).
2. Economic Substantive Declaration (ES)

Since 2019, Seychelles has implemented the Economic Substance Act, which requires companies engaged in "relevant activities" to meet the conditions of substantial operation:

  • Scope of application: banking, insurance, fund management, financial leasing, head office business, intellectual property business, distribution services, shipping, etc.
  • Core requirements::
    • Core income-generating activities are carried out locally;
    • Appropriate staffing, office space and expenditures are available;
    • Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held and minutes kept in Seychelles.
  • Reporting time: After the end of the fiscal year Within 6 months Submission of economic substance reports through a registered agent.
  • Simplified circumstances: Simplified reporting may apply to pure holding companies, tax residents in other jurisdictions (proof required), etc.
3. International compliance obligations
  • Comply with CRS (Common Reporting Standard) and FATCA (US Foreign Account Tax Compliance) information exchange requirements.
  • Maintain complete accounting records (at least 7 years) for verification by the authorities.
  • Cooperate with anti-money laundering (AML) reviews to ensure that funds are from legitimate sources.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

V. Common Misconceptions and Precautions

  • Myth 1:: "Registration of a Seychelles company can be completely anonymous."
    → Although the information is not publicly available, registered agents are required to perform KYC reviews and file beneficiary information with the regulator.
  • Myth 2:: "No consideration of economic substance is required, and mere use for holding is sufficient."
    → Pure holding companies, although subject to lower substantive requirements, are still required to hold local board meetings, keep records, and file on time.
  • Myth 3:: "A Seychelles company may operate a local tax-free business."
    → IBC companies are prohibited from carrying on business in Seychelles (unless the appropriate license is obtained) and their tax exemption is only for offshore operations.
  • important reminder::
    • Choose a licensed registered agent to ensure compliance and reliability.
    • Businesses that involve highly regulated industries such as cryptocurrencies and finance need to confirm licensing requirements in advance.
    • The structure should be designed to incorporate the tax residency status of the ultimate beneficiary to avoid double taxation or information exchange risks.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, and also covers cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Feel free to contact me at any time with your needs, Tel:16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

VI. Summary

Seychelles companies have become an effective tool for international holding, trading, investment and asset management due to their quick registration, strong privacy protection and obvious tax optimization. However, with the strengthening of global tax transparency and substantive regulation, enterprises must pay attention to the convenience of offshore at the same time. Economic substance compliance, annual maintenance and international reporting obligations. It is recommended to adequately plan the business structure and work with professional advisors before registration to ensure the company's long-term legal and stable operation.

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  • Seychelles Company Registration