• Standard share capital is US$50,000 divided into 50,000 shares of US$1 each.
  • Shares may be issued with or without par value.
  • At least one share must be issued.
  • Bearer shares are permitted, but they must be held by an authorized custodian approved by the BVI Financial Services Commission.
  • Only one director required – can be an individual or corporate.
  • Only one shareholder required – can be an individual or corporate.
  • A director can be a shareholder and vice versa.
  • Appointment of a secretary is optional – can be an individual or corporate.
  • No requirement for British Virgin Islands residency for shareholder(s) and director(s).
  • The names of the Shareholder(s) or beneficial owner(s) of the Company are not filed with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands, the names of the Director(s) are filed but this is not publicly accessible.
  • Nominee services are permitted, if required.
  • Annual Meetings of shareholder(s) and/or director(s) are not required.
  • If a meeting is held, it needs not be in the BVI and participants can attend by telephone.
  • In the BVI there is no requirement to file organizational or accounting information with the Registrar of Corporate Affairs.
  • A BVI BC can carry out any legal business and/or investment activity worldwide.
  • As per the BVI Business Companies Act of 2004, Business Companies not carrying on business within the BVI are exempt from all taxes.
  • Generally BVI BC´s cannot do business with BVI residents or corporations without losing their tax exempt status.
  • Adoption of a corporate seal is mandatory.

BVI Business Companies are allowed to:

  • Open and maintain bank accounts in BVI;
  • Hold meetings of directors and shareholders in or outside BVI;
  • Hold company registers and records;
  • Lease real estate or rent property to use it as local office;
  • Hold shares of another company.

BVI Business Companies are not allowed to:

  • Carry on any business activities with the residents of the BVI;
  • Own real property located in BVI;
  • Initiate company management business, without being licensed under the Company Management Act, 1990;
  • Initiate any business connected with banks or trusts, without being licensed under the Banks and Trust Act, 1990;
  • Provide service of Registered Agent or Registered Address to other companies incorporated in BVI.
  • Act as insurance or reinsurance company, insurance agent or insurance broker without the proper license.