Open a Holding in Seychelles

Are you interested in setting up a holding company in Seychelles? Our local agents can manage the incorporation process for you.

What are the steps to open a holding company in Seychelles?

Foreign investors who want to open a holding company in Seychelles must follow the incorporation requirements applicable to the legal structure they choose:

• drafting the incorporation papers (Memorandum and Articles of Association);
• reserving a company name;
• securing a registered address for the company;
• filing the papers with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority through a licensed corporate service provider;
• registering for taxation with the Seychelles Revenue Commission, where required by the company’s activities and source of income.

What documents are needed for setting up a holding company in Seychelles?

When it comes to the documents to be filed with the Trade Register, the following need to be carefully prepared:

• identification documents of shareholders and directors;
• proof of address;
• information about the beneficial owners;
• details about the proposed holding activities;
• additional KYC or due diligence documents, where required;
• business plan, where required.

After incorporation, investors may choose to open a corporate bank account in Seychelles or another suitable jurisdiction, depending on the company’s need.

The procedure of creating such an enterprise can be entirely overseen by our company registration consultants in Seychelles.

What are the forms under which a Seychelles holding company can operate?

Holding activities can be carried out through an existing company structure:

• International Business Company (IBC);
• domestic company;
• Company with a Special License (CSL).

The appropriate structure depends on factors such as: the location of the subsidiaries, the assets to be held, the source of income and the activities planned by the company.

Our local company formation specialists can recommend the most suitable Seychelles structure for your holding activities.

What are the main characteristics of a holding company?

The main features that should be considered when deciding to open a holding in Seychelles are:

• it can own, acquire and dispose of shares or ownership interests in its subsidiary/subsidiaries;
• it can have one or more subsidiaries in Seychelles and outside it;
• it controls its subsidiaries, however, it cannot take management decisions.

The holding company can be the main shareholder in its subsidiaries. However, it can also be a participant alongside other holding enterprises. It is also possible for the holding itself to be a subsidiary of another business.

What assets can a holding company in Seychelles own?

This type of company can be used to hold and manage different types of assets, such as:

• shares or ownership interests in subsidiaries located in Seychelles or other jurisdictions;
• intellectual property rights;
• financial investments and securities;
• cash and other financial assets;
• movable assets and certain tangible assets.

Certain activities or assets may require additional approvals or licenses in Seychelles. Our local team can check what rules apply to your holding company and guide you through any necessary registrations or approvals.

What are the advantages of opening a holding company in Seychelles?

There are multiple reasons why investors should set up a holding company in Seychelles, thanks to the jurisdiction’s favorable tax and legal regimes.

Investors can receive dividends from subsidiaries and reinvest the profits or distribute them to shareholders, subject to the applicable tax rules. Therefore, the holding company in Seychelles is a useful structure for managing investments and group finances.

Another key advantage of establishing a holding company in Seychelles is that the debts and obligations of individual subsidiaries do not automatically extend to the holding company or its other subsidiaries. This allows investors to manage their risks and organize their corporate structure more efficiently.

Lastly, opening a company in Seychelles is also a straightforward procedure, accessible for international entrepreneurs and investors. A standard Seychelles IBC is not subject to a general minimum capital requirement, and this type of company can also be used for holding purposes.

Can a Seychelles holding company be set up remotely?

Yes, the incorporation procedure can be handled through a licensed registered agent in Seychelles. Our local team can handle the incorporation process on your behalf. We can prepare the necessary documents and guide you through the steps required to set up your Seychelles holding company remotely.

How long does it take to open a holding company in Seychelles?

The registration can be completed within a few business days, if the necessary compliance checks have been completed.

If you take into account to open a corporate bank account, this process should be considered separately. The bank may carry out its own due diligence and request additional documents.

Therefore, the overall setup process may take longer than the company incorporation itself. Don’t worry, our local agents are here to help you complete the process as smoothly as possible.

How much does it cost to open a holding company in Seychelles?

Depends on the legal structure chosen and the services required. The main costs for the incorporation are related to:

• company registration and government fees;
• the registered agent;
• the virtual office in Seychelles;
• preparation and filing of the incorporation documents;
• KYC and compliance procedure.

As local company formation agents in Seychelles, we can assess your plans and explain all the expected costs from the beginning.

If you want to set up a holding company in Seychelles and need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our local agents.