Globally Recognised Offshore Hub
Global Acceptance
BVI companies are widely recognised and used globally for holding structures, joint ventures, investment vehicles, and international trade.
Asset Protection
BVI law provides robust corporate veil protections and is frequently used for asset holding, risk isolation, and ownership structuring.
Tax Neutrality
The British Virgin Islands impose no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no inheritance or estate tax on BVI companies conducting business outside the jurisdiction.
Separate Legal Personality
A BVI company is a distinct legal entity, separate from its shareholders and directors, offering limited liability protection.
SPV & Holding Structure Friendly
The BVI is one of the most popular jurisdictions globally for special purpose vehicles and holding companies.
Efficient Corporate Administration
Minimal ongoing reporting requirements compared to onshore jurisdictions, while remaining compliant with international standards.
No Minimum Capital Requirement
There is no statutory minimum authorised or paid-up capital requirement for BVI companies.
English Language
English is the official language of the British Virgin Islands, and all corporate and legal documentation is conducted in English.
Flexible Ownership
There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. Shareholders may be individuals or corporate entities of any nationality.
BVI Business Companies (BCs)
The most common entity type, used for offshore business activities, holding companies, SPVs, and investment structures.
Segregated Portfolio Companies (SPCs)
Used primarily for insurance and fund structures, allowing segregation of assets and liabilities.
Companies Limited by Guarantee
Typically used for non-profit or special-purpose arrangements.
Restricted Purpose Companies
Entities formed for specific financing or structured transactions with limited permitted activities.
Companies Limited by Shares
Standard structure for most commercial and investment purposes.
Office Address & Registered Age
All BVI companies are required to maintain a registered office address within the British Virgin Islands, provided by a licensed registered agent.
A registered agent is mandatory under BVI law and is responsible for maintaining statutory records, filings, and liaison with the BVI Registry.
Physical operational presence in the BVI is not required for most holding companies or SPVs, subject to Economic Substance rules based on the company's activities.
Time Required for Registration
BVI company incorporation is typically completed within 1–3 business days, subject to completion of due diligence and submission of required documents.
Formation generally requires the company name, constitutional documents, shareholder and director details, and completion of KYC checks through a licensed registered agent.
Capital Requirements
BVI companies do not have a statutory minimum authorised or paid-up capital requirement.
Share capital may be denominated in any currency, and companies commonly authorise a standard number of shares for administrative convenience.
This flexibility makes the BVI particularly suitable for holding and investment structures.
Annual Compliance
BVI companies must comply with ongoing statutory obligations, including:
Annual government renewal fees payable to the BVI Registry.
Maintenance of a registered agent and registered office.
Compliance with Economic Substance requirements where applicable, depending on the company's activities.
AML/KYC obligations administered through licensed registered agents.
Regulated entities are subject to additional oversight by the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC).
Shareholders & Management
BVI companies offer highly flexible governance structures:
Shareholders may be individuals or corporate entities with no nationality or residency restrictions.
A BVI company may have one or more directors, who may be individuals or corporate directors (subject to applicable regulations).
Companies are typically managed by a board of directors, though internal governance can be customised through constitutional documents.
Directors owe fiduciary duties to the company under BVI law, consistent with English Common Law principles.
There are no residency requirements for shareholders or directors.
Accounting & Audit
BVI companies are required to maintain financial records sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and financial position.
Most BVI holding companies and SPVs are not required to file audited financial statements.
Certain regulated entities, such as funds or financial services businesses, may be subject to audit and reporting requirements.
Accounting records must be retained for statutory periods and be available upon lawful request.
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