A bank account in Seychelles can be set up by any kind of investor from abroad. Complete details about how to open a bank account in Seychelles can be requested from our company incorporation agents in Seychelles who can also help entrepreneurs set up their business in the insular state.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of bank accounts | – savings accounts, – current accounts, – offshore bank accounts, – accounts in foreign currencies |
Who can open a bank account in Seychelles? | Residents and foreigners who are individuals/corporate structures |
Bank accounts for businesses | Onshore and offshore bank accounts |
| Corporate documents required for setting up a bank account | – a completed application form, – identity documents of the shareholders, – identity documents of the company’s directors, – passport size photos of the shareholders and the directors, – the company’s statutory documents (certificate of incorporation, articles of association), – notarzied copies of the documents, if they are not in English |
| Possibility to open a bank account online (yes/no) | Yes |
| Local tax number required for foreigners (yes/no) | Yes, in certain situations |
| Basic requirements imposed to non-resident clients | Non-resident individuals who want to open a bank account in Seychelles must present: – their identity documents, – information on their residential address, – the completed application form, – other papers, as per the internal rules of the bank of choice, – immigration papers, such as visas, residence permits, etc. |
| Situations in which a foreigner may need a local bank account | When living in Seychelles or when developing a business activity related to this location |
| Local currency | Seychelles rupees |
| The institution that regulates the banking system | Central Bank of Seychelles |
| Law regulating card transactions | National Payment System Act |
| Documents required for individuals opening a bank account | Residents and citizens of Seychelles can open a bank account in this island only by presenting their identity documents and local address. |
| Opening a bank account in foreign currency (yes/no) | Yes |
| Institution issuing a local tax number | Seychelles Revenue Commission |
| Opening a bank account by appointing a representative | Foreigners do not have to travel to Seychelles in order to set up the account; they can appoint one of our representatives, who can handle the entire procedure. |
Table of Contents
What is the process for opening a corporate bank account in Seychelles in 2026?
The first step in opening a bank account in Seychelles is preparing the documents requested by the chosen bank. The list of documents may vary from one bank to another.
NOTE: Before starting the procedure, investors can also consult the official list of commercial banks published by the Central Bank of Seychelles, in order to choose the financial institution that best suits their business needs.
After the documents are prepared, the application is submitted to the bank for review. The bank will verify the company, its beneficial owners, the source of funds and the purpose of the account. This due diligence stage is mandatory. Seychelles banks must know their clients and may request additional information before approving the application.
These checks are also relevant after company registration in Seychelles, because the bank needs to confirm that the business is legally incorporated and properly documented.
In many cases, the company owner does not need to travel to Seychelles, as the procedure can be handled through our representative or based on a power of attorney. However, some banks may request an online meeting or additional verification before the account is opened.
Once the application is approved, the company must make the initial deposit and comply with the minimum balance required by the bank. The minimum deposit can vary depending on the bank, the account type and the currency of the account.
After this stage, the corporate account becomes active and the company can use online banking, international transfers, card services and foreign currency operations, depending on the bank’s services.
You can also watch our video on how to open a Seychelles bank account:
What documents are required to open a bank account in Seychelles?
A bank account for a company in Seychelles can be opened if the following documents are provided:
- copies of the company’s documents (Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation);
- proof with details about the status and the activities of the company;
- copies of the identification documents of the owners and information about the managers;
- a letter of recommendation signed by your accountant or issued by another bank;
- a board resolution for opening the bank account in Seychelles.
The exact list can also depend on the types of companies in Seychelles, as banks may request different supporting documents for offshore, local or special-purpose structures. When opening a bank account as a natural or legal person, it is good to know that the information in this matter is private, as all banks offer complete confidentiality.
As for a natural person who wants to open a bank account in Seychelles, he/she must provide a copy of the passport, documents revealing the address and also a recommendation letter from another financial institution.
Please keep in mind that drafting the documents for opening a bank account can be supervised by our specialists, who can also assist with company formation in Seychelles.
What are the requirements for opening a corporate bank account in Seychelles in 2026?
Opening a corporate bank account in Seychelles requires complete attention on the company documents solicited by the financial institutions in Seychelles. For such an account, documents like the certified copies of the passports of company members (owners, directors, and signatory) are needed. Also, the residential address found on an utility bill or bank statements are also requested by the bank.
These requirements can also apply when foreign companies decide to set up a subsidiary in Seychelles and need a local bank account for their operations.
All documents must be translated in English and the best part when opening a corporate bank account in 2026 is that the owner is not obliged to travel to Seychelles.
Below, we invite you to read our infographic, where you can discover the main requirements for opening a bank account in Seychelles in 2026:
FAQ on bank accounts in Seychelles
No matter the type of bank account you intend to open, the procedure takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Yes, most Seychelles banks allow the opening of bank accounts in other currencies, such as US dollars and Euro.
No, the legislation in Seychelles does not allow the opening of anonymous bank accounts for locals or foreigners. Banks in Seychelles need to know their customers in details without exception. It is permitted opening the bank account without traveling to Seychelles.
Yes, there are cases in which a bank can reject a specific company or client. Such a situation usually occurs if the financial institution does not accept a certain type of business or a client from a specific country. The business background is normally verified by the banks. Even though these are rare cases, it is good to know that banks can reject clients on solid grounds.
Yes, most of the banks are imposing monthly or periodical fees, plus charges related to bank transfers and money transactions. There are also financial institutions that offer free of charge services like internet banking. All clients are normally informed by each fee before a bank agrees on the documents and opens an account, whether for personal or for corporate matters.
Opening a bank account in Seychelles is not time-consuming and involves no special formalities, but it is recommended to ask for support from our team of company formation representatives in Seychelles, in order to avoid any possible misunderstandings and to properly align with the requirements of the chosen bank.
If you are an individual willing to open a bank account in Seychelles for personal matters or for corporate reasons, we invite you to contact our team of agents in company incorporation in Seychelles.