Company Formation in Jersey

Yes, as a non-resident, you’ll have to maintain a registered office in Jersey that will receive official communications on your behalf during business hours, and filings are generally made through a locally regulated provider. The registered office should be a physical address in Jersey. A PO box is strictly prohibited as an address.

Jersey allows complete ownership for foreign startup founders, so you don’t need to appoint a Jersey-resident director or shareholder.
However, you still need a Jersey registered office to represent you with the concerned authorities and receive official notices or letters for your company during business hours. Where your company carries on a relevant activity, the economic substance rules may also require directed and managed decision-making on the island.

Yes, you can open a company bank account and obtain online banking solutions. If you’re looking for remote options as a foreigner, then you should approach the Jersey branches of international banks and licensed payment providers that support non-resident onboarding.
Even though not mandated by the JFSC, a clear operating footprint and a demonstrable link to the island will improve your chances of a seamless bank account application.
Common documents include: 1) passports of key company members; 2) proof of the registered office in Jersey; 3) a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation with the memorandum and articles; and 4) tax registration details and source of funds evidence.

A TIN is a unique reference that is assigned by Revenue Jersey to companies, partnerships, branches, or any other profit/non-profit entity in Jersey for tax reporting and filing purposes.

The initial incorporation can be completed on the same day under the priority service or within another 24 to 48 hours on the standard service. The tax registration will take anywhere between 7 and 15 days, and business bank account opening may take 14 to 42 days, depending on your business activity and the company’s setup complexities.
If your papers are in order and your due diligence pack is complete, then these approvals will be automatically expedited by the concerned authorities.

Most Jersey companies are taxed at the 0% standard rate, making it one of the most tax-neutral jurisdictions in Europe. However, a 10% rate applies to regulated financial services companies, and a 20% rate applies to utilities, large corporate retailers, and income from Jersey land, property, and quarrying.

Companies are treated as separate taxable entities in Jersey, while limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships are generally tax transparent, with the partners assessed on their share of the profits. The treatment of a Jersey LLC depends on its structure and on the rules of the members’ home jurisdictions, so specialist advice is recommended before you choose.

There’s no franchise tax in Jersey, unlike Delaware and Texas. You also don’t have any capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax. All you need to pay is the annual confirmation statement fee prescribed by the JFSC.

The Jersey Financial Services Commission, through its Companies Registry, is the main authority that incorporates your company and oversees registry filings. Apart from the JFSC, it is also the authority that holds the beneficial ownership information of your company.
The tax identification number and GST registration are obtained through Revenue Jersey.

Restricted terms and words for Jersey company formation include: 1) any misleading reference to geographical locations; 2) any product/service’s brand name; 3) names of dissolved companies; 4) terms that suggest an alliance with the Government of Jersey or the Crown; and 5) similar names to registered companies and IPR.

Jersey applies a Goods and Services Tax of 5%, with registration mandatory once taxable turnover crosses GBP 300,000 in a 12-month period. Qualifying financial services and international businesses can instead pay an annual International Services Entity fee. For more information, contact Enterslice and get more insights on GST treatment based on your business activity.

The articles of association are a legal document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and internal organizational structure of a Jersey company. The binding document also provides clauses on share transfers, new member admission, company dissolution, and the powers of the directors.
The articles are filed with the memorandum at incorporation and are essential for obtaining contracts, getting business-specific licences, opening a bank account, and tax registration.

You must maintain a registered office in Jersey, which is usually provided by your local service provider, while your operational or correspondence address can remain in your home country. However, a genuine business address on the island will increase your approval rate for remote bank account opening and tax registration.
Best locations for foreign-owned entities include St Helier, St Brelade, St Saviour, and St Peter. These parishes provide access to the island’s finance, legal, and administration ecosystem.

An entity structure depends on your capital and business management size.

• Sole entrepreneur or single investor, then you should go for a private company limited by shares.
• One or more partners sharing management must opt for a limited liability partnership.
• Businesses interested in raising capital from the public should go for a public company limited by shares.
• If you already have a company in another jurisdiction and only need a local presence, then apply to register a branch of the overseas company.
• Entrepreneurs with multiple business activities or fund classes can set up a protected or incorporated cell company.
• For families and philanthropic founders holding assets across generations, they can choose a Jersey foundation.