Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands- An Overview

Hey business enthusiast! Are you planning to launch your dream business in British Virgin Islands? If yes, you are at the right place. Our experts at Enterslice will ease the process of company registration in the British Virgin Islands.

Enterslice’s services for company registration in the British Virgin Islands include name approval, business formation, legal documentation, bank account opening assistance, annual return filing, and ESR reporting. We’ll also assist you in drafting your company’s memorandum and articles of association.

Our network of CAs helps clients like you in formulating financial statements, including balance sheets, profit & loss accounts, and cash-flow statements.

Zero Corporate Rate

No Taxes on Capital Gains

Registered Agent Mandate

Requires a Virtual Business Address

Business-Friendly Environment

Easy Set up- One Shareholder & Director

More than 3,85,000 Active Companies in BVI

Facilitates $1.4 Trillion in Cross-border Trade

Strong AML Compliance Management Mechanism

BVI Company Formation with Enterslice at 40% Less Cost

Establish a business in a tax-neutral country through the BVI company formation with Enterslice’s consultants.

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What are the Structures for British Virgin Islands Company Formation?

Given below are the prominent business structures for British Virgin Islands company formation-

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BVI Business Company (BVI BC)

It is the No.1 structure chosen by 90% global entrepreneurs for company registration in the British Virgin Islands. It is best for startups, holding companies, e-commerce, global trading, consulting, and offshore investment.

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BVI International Business Company (BVI IBC)

This form of business structure for British Virgin Islands company formation is designed for international business operations and offers a good level of flexibility. International entrepreneurs opt for this type.

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BVI Holding Company

This business structure for British Virgin Islands company formation is a right fit to hold global assets, equity stakes, IP, and investments. It is best for VC-backed startups, multi-country businesses, and family offices.

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Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

It is a ring-fenced entity used for investment deals, fund raising, and risk separation. This business structure is perfect for venture capital funds, private equity, crowdfunding platforms, and acquisition deals.

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BVI Limited Partnership (LP)

This form of business structure for company registration in the British Virgin Islands is preferred by international VCs, fund managers, and PEs due to flexible profit distribution. Best for investment funds, hedge funds, etc.

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Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC)

This form of business structure for BVI Company formation allows multiple portfolios under a single legal entity with asset segregation. Best for fintech platforms, multi-strategy investment funds, and wealth managers.

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BVI Trust

It is a legal arrangement to protect wealth and manage assets across jurisdictions. It is best for HNIs, global entrepreneurs, estate planning, and asset protection.

How to Register a BVI Company With Enterslice?

Before starting a business in the British Virgin Islands, it is imperative to get familiar with the process of incorporation. Join hands with Enterslice and understand how to register a BVI company:

Company Name Reservation

Our consultants will assist you in searching for the name of the company against the Financial Services Commission (FSC). After searching the name, we’ll reserve it with the FSC.

Appointment of Registered Agent

Even though there’s no such requirement for appointing a resident director, it is mandatory to have a registered agent who would complete administrative formalities on your behalf.

Documentation

Incorporation documents like the MOA and AOA will be prepared by our legal associates. They will also be responsible for notarizing all mandatory supporting paperwork, such as IDs and a power of attorney.

Application filing

After gathering the documents, we’ll submit them to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to ensure timely company registration in the British Virgin Islands.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

Depending on your business activity and company type, we’ll suggest a bank for opening an account. Our banking services also include both local (BVI) and offshore bank account opening in Singapore and Switzerland.

How Much Time Does It Take to Register a Company in the BVI?

The timeline to register a company in the BVI takes around 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the approval of the FSC. The detailed timeframe is as follows:

Drafting of MOA and AOA & Notarization: 1-2 Days

Draft incorporation documents, translate them, and notarization of them before applying for company registration in the British Virgin Islands.

Name Reservation: 1 Day

Research and reserve the company's trade name with the BVI Companies’ Authority. Name search costs up to USD 30 to 75.

Application Submission: 1 Day

Filing of the application and payment of the prescribed fees of USD 550 if shares are less than 50,000 and USD 1350 if shares are more than 50,000.

Review and Approval: 2 to 3 Days

The authority will evaluate your documents and proposed name validity. They’ll also verify if your business is a legitimate activity or not. If satisfied, they will issue the certificate of incorporation.

Corporate Bank Account Opening: 2 to 4 weeks

Open a bank account to start your business operations and deposit funds. The process includes application filing, document submission, and an interview with the banking authorities after company registration in the British Virgin Islands.

Smart entrepreneurs don’t wait. Launch your dream business in BVI today!

What are the Documents Needed for Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands?

The documents required for company registration in the British Virgin Islands include the following:

Passport copies of shareholders and directors

Address proof, like utility bills or bank statements, of all top-level management

A copy of the company registration certificate if the shareholder is a corporation

Name reservation certificate copy

Identification of the local registered agent

An official business address proof, like a lease agreement

Board resolution

Ultimate beneficial owner declaration

Document translation in English

Receipt of fees payment

The World’s most trusted offshore jurisdiction- Make BVI your business base.

Compliance After Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands

Compliance after company registration in the British Virgin Islands includes beneficial ownership reporting, annual financial statements, ESR, and annual return submission. Find out how Enterslice will assist you in fulfilling the following key requirements:

  • Filing of the director’s register within 15 days of the appointment of the said personnel.
  • Submission of the shareholder information within 30 days of the British Virgin Islands company formation.
  • Annual fees payment to the Financial Services Commission.
  • Registration of beneficial owners within 30 days from company registration in the BOSS system.
  • Annual charges for a local registered agent, as prescribed by the FSC.
  • Reporting of annual financial returns and books of accounts.
  • Economic substance report submission if your business is related to insurance, finance, or banking.
  • Record maintenance of the director, shareholder, and incorporation documents.
  • Registration of IPR such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
  • Annual general meeting after nine months from the BVI company formation.

What are the Benefits of Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands?

The benefits of company registration in the British Virgin Islands include tax exemptions, cost-effective setup, remote formation, privacy, and liability protection. Some key advantages are as follows:

No Minimum Share Capital Requirement

There’s no minimum capital requirement for BVI company formation. You can easily start a company with an amount depending on your funding availability.

Zero Tax Policy

The companies in the British Virgin Islands aren’t required to pay taxes on their corporate, individual, payroll, goods/services, or capital gains. The country is called tax-neutral and is subsequently famous for offshore company registration.

Full Confidentiality

Through the use of nominee directors and shareholders, you can maintain 100% confidentiality, providing utmost privacy to the beneficial owners of the members of the company. It is one of the key benefits of company registration in the British Virgin Islands.

Limited Liability

With a structure like a company limited by shares, all shareholders and directors can protect their personal assets against the debts of the company. They’re only liable against the amount invested by them in the business.

Wide Range of Company Structures

The British Virgin Islands offers a vast range of business structures, such as limited liability, limited by guarantee with and without authorized shares, restricted purpose, and segregated portfolio company. As per your business activity, you can choose the most suitable company set up.

International Recognition

By registering a company in the British Virgin Islands, you’re establishing a distinct recognition in the global market due to the country’s financial market.

What are the Requirements for Online Company Registration in the BVI?

The requirements of online company registration in the BVI include a local agent mandate, company name reservation, minimum members, incorporation documents, and a registered address. Basic criteria are as follows:

  • A registered agent with residence in the British Virgin Islands who can represent you before the Financial Services Commission.
  • A pre-approved company name should be reserved by the authority before applying for company registration in the British Virgin Islands.
  • At least one director and shareholder must be present at the time of company formation.
  • Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association as incorporation documents.
  • Notarized copies of passports of directors, promoters, and shareholders.
  • Proof of address for all members must be submitted for British Virgin Islands company formation.
  • A registered office address proof — virtual or physical.
  • Beneficial ownership declaration with a complete owner list after online company registration in the BVI.
  • All documents must be translated into English and notarized by the registered agent before submission to the Financial Services Commission.

What are the Business Opportunities for British Virgin Islands Company Formation?

Starting a business in BVI? Take a look at the below-mentioned business opportunities for British Virgin Islands company formation:

Which are the Top Industries for Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands?

  • Financial Services
  • Foreign Trade
  • Tech
  • E-Commerce
  • Holding
  • Asset Management

Which are the Top Businesses to Register a Company in the BVI?

  • Fintech startups
  • Currency Exchange
  • Money Service Business
  • AI Companies
  • Cloud Services
  • SaaS Platforms
  • Online Marketplaces
  • IPR holding corporations
  • Asset Fund Management Firms

Why Trust Enterslice for Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands?

Enterslice is the best platform for offshore company formation for entrepreneurs like you! Find out the key reasons mentioned below to choose us for company registration in the British Virgin Islands:

  • 15+ Years of Global Incorporation Expertise
  • Helped 987+ Founders with Company Registration in the British Virgin Islands
  • End-to-end BVI Company Formation Support
  • Strong Network in BVI Jurisdictions
  • Compliance with the BVI Business Companies Act, FATCA, OECD, etc.
  • Trusted by HNIs, Startups, and Fortune Companies
  • 99% Success Rate, Best in the Industry
  • Dedicated Startup & Investor Desk

Frequently Asked Questions on BVI Company Formation

As a global entrepreneur, you can fully control your organization from India without having to travel there in person. All you need to do is find a reputable service provider who would guide you through the process, like:

  1. Hiring a registered local agent
  2. Appointing a director or shareholder
  3. Registering a virtual business address
  4. Hiring a company secretary
  5. Submit your incorporation documents

The government fees for registering a company in BVI in USD are as follows:

  • Name approval: 30–75 USD
  • Registration: 550 USD
  • Submission of register of directors: 100 USD
  • Filing of shareholders: 50 USD
  • Beneficial owner declaration: 125 USD

There are several business structures for company registration in the British Virgin Islands, which you can register as a foreigner from India. Some of the popular business structures for global entrepreneurs for BVI company formation are mentioned below-

  • Name approval: 30–75 USD
  • Registration: 550 USD
  • Submission of register of directors: 100 USD
  • Filing of shareholders: 50 USD
  • Beneficial owner declaration: 125 USD

The BVI is a 100% tax-exempt jurisdiction because it does not have corporate, capital gains, personal, sales, withholding, or inheritance taxes.

No, companies registered in the BVI don’t have to file annual returns; instead, they are required to submit an annual economic substance report if they’ve a business in the insurance, banking, or shipping industry by July 31 each year.

Yes, all companies are required to maintain financial accounts and report the same to the Financial Services Commission within 9 months from the end of the fiscal year (September each year).
The records will also help you keep track of your finances and cash flow in check.

Generally, not all companies are required to be audited by the BVI legislations. The audit is only restricted to companies that are licensed under the financial services laws, like the Securities and Investment Business Act and the Insurance Act.

The most profitable economic ventures in BVI include travel agencies, offshore financial services, asset management firms, fintech, digital lending, and holding IP companies.

Realistically, you don’t have to set up a company bank account in the British Virgin Islands because of the flexible laws. You can easily open an account in any other jurisdiction because most of them accept BVI companies. Some popular choices include HSBC, Standard Chartered, OCBC, and DBS Bank.
Common documentation that you may require includes a copy of your incorporation documents, a business plan, passport copies of members, and proof of capital deposit. Famous jurisdictions include Singapore and Switzerland.

You can obtain nominee director and shareholder services, which will allow you to keep the main members out of the public eye. Alternatively, the laws of BVI allow entrepreneurs like you to keep strict confidentiality to protect your identity as the director of the company.
After company registration, you must submit the ultimate beneficial ownership declaration with the Financial Services Commission, which will be kept private with them, meaning not available to the public.
Only your documents and ID proofs are submitted to the authority- no public disclosure. A properly registered agent will enable you to comply with information-sharing requirements.

Depending on your company size and business activity, the fees may range between USD 1000 to USD 2000.

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