Setting up your Business in BVI
BVI Business Companies (BC)
Setting up your offshore company in BVI
British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a member of the British Commonwealth and self-governing in 1967.
The BVI Business Companies Act (BC Act) was introduced in 2004 and came into force on January 1, 2005. It replaced the earlier International Business Companies Act (IBC Act), establishing a modernized and single regulatory framework for all types of businesses in the British Virgin Islands, including those of domestic and international scope.
BVI has established a solid international presence and enjoys a reputation for its flexible and modern corporate regime, tax neutrality, respected legal system, political stability and effective regulatory framework.
Set up offshore in BVI – Company structure flexibility
Only one director or shareholder is required for the company formation.
Shareholder(s) and director(s) may be the same person.
The shareholder(s) and director(s) can be a natural person or a corporate body.
There is no requirement of appointing local shareholder(s) and director(s) for British Virgin Island companies.
There is no requirement for a resident secretary.
Strong asset protection
Most BC’s are used as asset protection vehicles, very often in combination with trust as a holding company. Setting up an offshore company in BVI is ideal for international trade, holding intellectual property rights, e-commerce, inheritance, consultants, IT company, amongst others but, most importantly as an asset protection vehicle; the directors of a BVI business company may protect the assets by transferring its assets to another company, trust, foundation, association, partnership or any other strong asset protection vehicle.
Privacy for identity of principals
BVI incorporation documents do not carry the name or identity of any shareholder of director.
The names or identities of these persons do not appear in any public record.
Confidentiality
Nominee services are allowed to ensure confidentiality of Shareholder(s) and director(s), beneficiaries of an offshore company in BVI.
Provisions against confiscation
If a foreign Government or authority seizes company shares, or any other interest in the company in connection with nationalization, expropriation, confiscatory tax, other governmental charge or with a similar cause the company or a shareholder may apply to the BVI court for an order that the company disregard the seizure and continue to treat the person from whom the shares were seized as continuing to hold the shares.
BVI Business Company (BC)
Terms and Advantages
Low start-up cost and low annual maintenance.
Excellent reputation and credibility.
Tremendous flexibility as it relates to the constitutional documents.
Complete tax exemption in the country of incorporation.
No currency restriction or residency requirements.
Ease with which profits can be released to make a distribution to shareholders.
Minimal reporting requirements.
Political stability.
No capitalisation requirements for companies.
Under normal circumstances, BVI corporations can be incorporated within 2-3 working days.
The oldest and most respected offshore jurisdiction in the world.
The most elaborate offshore legislation in the world.
The highest level of security. Information about the owners, shareholders and directors of the company is safely hidden from inquisitive eyes.
BVI Act does not limit the size of the share capital of companies and does not specify the exact timing for its payment.
BVI Business Companies generally benefit from exemption from local corporate income tax and are not ordinarily required to file BVI corporate tax returns.
BVI BCs must submit a simplified, unaudited Annual Financial Return to their licensed Registered Agent within nine months of their financial year-end. This information remains confidential and is not publicly filed.
Free use of directors and shareholders as legal entities.
Setting up an offshore company in BVI is a very fast and quick process, taking no longer than 24/48 hours.
Establishing an Offshore Company in BVI is one of the best options for your international business.
Incorporation of BVI companies is directly managed by the local Registered Agent Atrium BVI works with.
Atrium & Associates BVI Ltd offices are located at Wickhams Cay, Road Town, capital city of BVI,
same address as our local Registered Agent.
Our highly qualified staffs are at your disposal to assist you
in any question or matter you may need to clarify or help for.
If you require a confidential and fast company formation BVI,
You will be comfortable dealing with us to set up your Business Company in BVI!
BVI General Corporate Information
Here’s a comprehensive summary of General Corporate Information for BVI companies,
covering the key aspects including general overview, corporate requirements, local requirements, and annual obligations:
General Overview
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a leading offshore financial jurisdiction, well known for its modern and flexible corporate laws, political stability, and strong privacy protections.
Companies are typically incorporated under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004, which supports a wide range of business activities and corporate structures.
Key Advantages
Most relevant Advantages:
Zero corporate tax, capital gains tax, and withholding tax
Full foreign ownership allowed
No exchange controls
Fast incorporation (1–2 business days)
Privacy: Shareholder and director details are not publicly disclosed
Corporate Requirements
| Company Name | Must be unique and not misleading or restricted |
| Company Type | Commonly a Company Limited by Shares |
| Minimum Shareholder(s) | 1 (individual or corporate, no nationality restriction) |
| Minimum Director(s) | 1 (individual or corporate, no residency required) |
| Company Secretary | Optional |
| Share Capital | No minimum requirement (commonly USD 50,000 authorized) |
| Bearer Shares | Not permitted (abolished for regulatory compliance) |
| Regulated Agent | Mandatory – must be licensed and located in the BVI |
| Company Office | Required – must be maintained in the BVI |
Local Requirements
| Regulated Agent | Every BVI company must appoint a local licensed incorporated agent, to manage all legal compliance. |
| Company Office | A local office must be maintained at the premises of the regulated agent. |
| Public Records | While incorporation details are filed with the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC), shareholder and director information is kept confidential (except Record of Directors, which is filed but not public). |
| Language | All documents must be in English or have a attested English translation. |
Annual Requirements
| Annual Renewal Fees | Payable to maintain company in good standing (due on incorporation anniversary) |
| Annual Return | Required from 2023; must be filed with the regulated agent (not public) |
| Financial Statements | No filing requirement, but records must be maintained for 5 years |
| Economic Substance Reporting | Required if the company conducts certain relevant activities |
| Tax Filing | None for non-resident companies; no corporate taxes |
| Meetings | Not required to be held in BVI |
| Audit | Not mandatory unless specifically required under another regime |
Economic Substance Requirements
If the company engages in any of the following “relevant activities”, it must comply with economic substance laws:
- Banking
- Insurance
- Fund Management
- Finance and Leasing
- Headquarters Business
- Shipping
- Holding Business (pure equity holding companies)
- Intellectual Property Business
- Distribution and Service Centre Business
This may require demonstrating adequate physical presence, staffing, and expenditure in the BVI.
Our Services & Responsibilities
Atrium BVI it's an independent Corporate Consultancy company that provides BVI companies guidance, consultancy, international business structuring and ongoing corporate administration coordination, offering tailored solutions to clients worldwide looking to incorporate in BVI.
Official company incorporations, registrations, statutory filings and annual corporate maintenance procedures are exclusively carried out by independent Registered Agents and authorized professionals in the relevant jurisdiction.
Atrium BVI coordinates these services, providing clients with professional guidance, administrative assistance and ongoing support, while promoting transparency and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Legal Disclaimer
The information and materials provided on this website should not be construed as an invitation, solicitation, advice, or recommendation to engage in the purchase of products and services offered by Atrium BVI. We strongly recommend that individuals initiate preliminary consultations before considering any such transactions.
Atrium BVI refrains from providing legal or tax advice without prior consultation with attested professionals who possess the necessary skills and expertise.
The information presented on this website is intended exclusively for general guidance and informational purposes. It should not be considered a source of advice for financial or tax-related decisions and should not be used as a substitute for personalized professional consultation.
It is crucial to note that Atrium BVI is not a financial institution and does not provide any sort or financial services. Our specialization lies in corporate consulting and management services.
This website primarily serves as a promotional and marketing platform for Atrium BVI. We strongly encourage potential clients to seek guidance from qualified tax professionals in their respective countries to evaluate their unique tax implications before pursuing any strategies discussed on this site.
Given the diversity of laws across different countries, frequent legal amendments, and varying court interpretations, it is essential to verify any information related to tax optimization with competent legal counsel. While we strive to maintain the accuracy of the content on this website, Atrium BVI cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect losses or damages resulting from actions taken or not taken based on the information provided here. We do not make warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of this information, and we cannot guarantee that it is always up to date. Atrium BVI disclaims all liability for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, arising from the application of the information presented on this website. This includes, but is not limited to, losses, damages, or expenses arising from defects, errors, mistakes, inaccuracies, or the reliability of this website, its content, or related services. It also encompasses instances of unavailability of the site or its contents and related services.
Notice About Restricted Customers (Citizens)
In adherence to our internal policies aimed at preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring compliance with our internal Anti-Money Laundering policies, we regret to inform you that we do not offer consultations, email support, onboarding activities, or customer care services to individuals/entities from countries blacklisted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.