Foreign businessowners, as well as locals, must obtain a business license in Seychelles, in accordance with the stipulations of the law. The issuance of the license can be part of the process of company formation in Seychelles for a variety of businesses, including for sole traders, given that the license provides the right to develop a certain trade or economic activity.
A business license in Seychelles is necessary for many economic activities. Our consultants in company incorporation in Seychelles can offer information on the main industries that require a trade license and can also advise investors during the process of obtaining it.
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What types of activities require a business license in Labuan?
According to the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA), the main institution that has the right to issue licenses here, the certification is required for a variety of activities. In the list below, we invite you to discover some of the industries that will require a trade license in Seychelles:
- the accommodation industry (which also includes catering units and pubs);
- building contractor businesses;
- gaming sector;
- health services providers;
- outdoor entertainment and liquor sellers;
- publishing businesses, etc.
How can foreigners obtain a business license in Seychelles?
Foreign investors who want to open a company in Seychelles should follow the standard registration formalities applicable to local businessmen. The same requirement applies for the issuance of a trade license in Seychelles.
They should also address to the Seychelles Investment Board, the sole institution that approves foreign investments here. Overall, the steps concluded in connection to the two institutions cover 9 procedures.
What are the fees for a business license in Seychelles?
Businessmen who will set up a company in Seychelles that has to comply with licensing obligations must pay the fees established by the law. These are applied for each sector of interest and, within the respective sector, based on the sub-category of operations, the fees will also vary. Below, we have presented some of the current fees:
- SCR 50,000 – license valid for 1 year, for betting businesses;
- SCR 2,000 (for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly newspapers) – charged for the issuance of licenses to newspaper printer businesses (the license is valid for 5 years);
- SCR 5,000 for building contractors license (the license is also valid for 5 years);
- a company registered as a hotel will pay a fee for the business license in Seychelles per room (SCR 100 per room), and the document will be valid for 5 years also.
For each industry or sub-industry, specific regulations apply, which provide the legal framework for the issuance of a license. For instance, for hotel units, the applicable law is the Licenses (Accommodation, Catering and Entertainment Establishments) Regulations 2011.
Investors should be aware that if they want to incorporate a Seychelles IBC (international business company) they also need to comply with licensing requirements. Our consultants can present other obligations that appear in the case of businessmen interested in Seychelles offshore.
One of the core characteristics of a Seychelles offshore company is that it is incorporated here, but its operations must be conducted with clients located overseas. We invite you to contact us for further information on licensing obligations. We also advise you to address us if you are interested long-term immigration to Seychelles.