In 2025 more than 65% of new international holdings and e-commerce structures targeting Europe, Asia and the CIS choose a Seychelles Company as a launchpad for scaling and optimizing tax burden. This fact may surprise those accustomed to viewing
offshore jurisdictions as an outdated tool, but the reality is this: against the backdrop of tightening global regulation and growing transparency requirements, the Seychelles have not only maintained competitiveness, but have become one of the most flexible and adaptive platforms for international business.
Why does company registration in the Seychelles remain so in demand? The reason is the unique combination of tax advantages, rapid incorporation, confidentiality and flexibility of corporate structures. However, behind these opportunities lie new challenges: tightening of compliance, changes in legislation (in particular, Seychelles IBC Amendment Act 2025), economic substance requirements and the disclosure of beneficial owners.
If you are looking not just for an overview but for a practical guide to choosing, registering and effectively managing a Seychelles Company taking into account all the 2025 changes – this article is for you. I will share the experience of
COREDO, real case studies and strategies that will help not only to avoid mistakes but also to fully leverage the potential of Seychelles structures for your business.
Legal forms of companies in the Seychelles
Choosing the right structure is the foundation for successful company registration in the Seychelles. Over the years the COREDO team has completed dozens of projects to create Seychelles IBCs, LLCs, ITZs, SLCs and branches for clients from Europe, Asia and the CIS. Each type has its own nuances in taxation, licensing and applicability.
| Form |
Corporate tax |
Withholding tax |
Min. capital |
Key features |
| IBC |
0% |
No |
1 USD |
For international business, no local sales |
| ITZ |
0% |
15% |
1 USD |
For IT and innovative projects |
| SLC |
1.5% |
15% |
1 USD |
For special licenses |
| LLC |
up to 33% |
15% |
1 USD |
For local and international business |
| Branch |
up to 33% |
15% |
– |
Branch of a foreign company |
Seychelles IBC (
International Business Company), the most popular form for international investors. It provides full tax exemption on income earned outside the Seychelles, does not require a physical office and allows 100% foreign ownership. In COREDO’s practice an IBC is often used for e-commerce, holding structures, IP management and international trade.
Seychelles ITZ (International Trade Zone Company) – optimal for IT, fintech and innovative projects that require zero corporate taxation on profits provided activities are carried out within the international trade zone.
SLC (Special License Company) – intended for specific licensed activities (for example,
financial services), requires separate licensing and payment of a minimum tax.
LLC (Limited Liability Company) is suitable for companies operating both in the Seychelles and abroad. It features a more complex tax and reporting structure.
Branch – a branch of a foreign company that may conduct activities in the Seychelles but does not have separate legal independence.
COREDO’s experience shows: the right choice of structure not only reduces tax burden but also simplifies compliance, increases management flexibility and business scalability.
Registration of a Seychelles Company in 2025
Registration of a Seychelles Company in 2025 opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurs thanks to a fast and simple incorporation procedure. At the initial stage it is especially important to choose the company structure correctly, as this determines all subsequent steps and compliance with local requirements.
Choosing the structure
The first step is determining the optimal legal form based on business objectives, the geography of operations and licensing requirements. For example, for e-commerce and IT a Seychelles IBC or ITZ is most often chosen, while for financial services — an SLC or LLC.
The company name must be unique, comply with corporate standards and end with Limited, Ltd, Corporation, Corp, Incorporated or Inc. At COREDO we recommend checking name availability with the official registers immediately and reserving it – this speeds up the registration process.
The next stage is preparing the Memorandum and Articles of Association (charter and founding agreement), where the objectives, governance structure, and the rights and obligations of the participants are recorded.
Document preparation: what you need to collect
To file the application you will need:
- Passport and proof of address for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners.
- A bank reference confirming good standing (on request of the bank or regulator).
- All documents in English or with a notarized translation.
- Details of the registered agent and office (registered agent and registered office): a mandatory requirement for all company forms.
COREDO always recommends agreeing the list of documents with the chosen agent in advance to avoid delays.
Filing the application and paying fees
The application is submitted to the Registrar of Companies together with the full set of documents and payment of government and service fees. In practice, with a correctly prepared package, registration takes 1–2 working days. The solution developed by COREDO enables tracking the application status online and minimizing the risk of document returns.
Receiving documents and starting activities
After registration a Certificate of Incorporation and a corporate document package is issued. At this stage you can open a bank account (recommended for international transactions) and begin activities under the chosen license.
New requirements of the Seychelles IBC Act 2025 on transparency and compliance
The year 2025 proved to be a turning point for everyone using a Seychelles Company as an international business vehicle. Amendments introduced by the Seychelles IBC Amendment Act 2025 have significantly expanded requirements for transparency, disclosure and economic substance.
Mandatory declaration of nominee shareholders
Now all companies are required, within 21 days from the appointment of a nominee shareholder, to submit a nominee shareholder declaration containing detailed information about the nominee shareholder and the beneficial owner (nominator). In COREDO’s practice such cases require special attention to detail, since incomplete disclosure of information risks fines and even administrative liability.
Register of shareholders: what it is and how to obtain it?
The Register of Members must now reflect not only shareholders’ data but also nominee holders and their nominators – full names, identifiers, addresses. This strengthens control over the beneficial ownership structure and reduces the risk of abuse.
Economic Substance Report
Companies carrying out relevant activities (financial services, IP management, holdings) are required to annually demonstrate actual presence and management in the Seychelles under the Economic Substance requirements 2025. COREDO’s practice confirms: for a number of clients we have arranged office rentals, hired local staff and prepared an economic substance justification of activities to meet the new standards.
Compliance deadlines and penalties
The deadline to bring documents into compliance is June 30, 2025. Violations carry administrative and financial sanctions, including freezing of corporate accounts and revocation of licenses. At COREDO we assist clients at all stages of compliance, minimizing risks and ensuring the transparency of the structure.
Taxation of a Seychelles Company – What You Need to Know?
Taxation of a Seychelles Company — what you need to know? This jurisdiction operates on a territorial principle: taxes are levied only on income earned within the territory of the Seychelles, and most of companies’ foreign receipts are exempt from taxation. Below we will examine which tax incentives are available to companies, and what restrictions may apply when operating in the Seychelles.
Tax incentives
Seychelles IBCs and ITZs are exempt from tax on profits earned outside the Seychelles, as well as from withholding tax. This makes them attractive for international holdings and e-commerce. However, it is important to consider that tax liabilities may arise if activities are conducted within the Seychelles or if economic substance is present.
Annual renewal and financial reporting
To maintain the company’s status, an annual renewal fee must be paid and reports submitted. If annual turnover exceeds $3,750,000, a Seychelles company annual financial summary must be prepared within 6 months after the end of the reporting period. COREDO’s solutions allow automating data collection and report preparation, which is especially important for companies with an international structure.
Bank account and multi-currency operations
Opening a Seychelles company bank account is possible both in local and international banks, including multi-currency accounts. This requires an extended package of KYC documents and proof of the source of funds. In recent years the COREDO team has successfully implemented account opening projects for clients from the EU and Asia, enabling them to promptly carry out international settlements and manage currency risks.
Banking: licensing, risks, scaling
Banking is impossible without strict licensing procedures, continuous monitoring of key risks and the ability to quickly scale solutions in line with market and regulator requirements. Each of these aspects shapes the modern banking system and directly affects how simple and reliable it is to complete basic steps such as opening a bank account.
How to open a bank account
The choice of bank depends on the jurisdiction, business type and multi-currency requirements. For non-residents the procedure has become more complex: banks require detailed justification of sources of funds, the business model and confirmation of economic substance. COREDO’s experience shows: pre-prepared documentation and a transparent ownership structure significantly speed up the process.
Licensing of activities: what it is and how to obtain it?
Separate licensing is required for IT, consulting, e-commerce, Forex and work with virtual assets. In particular, since 2024 the VASP Act 2024 has been in force, regulating the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers. The COREDO team assisted in obtaining VASP licenses for fintech companies, helping to build AML/KYC processes and prepare internal policies.
Risk management and compliance
The main risks are related to non-compliance with new requirements on nominee shareholders, economic substance and AML. COREDO’s practice confirms: regular audits, implementation of internal control systems and staff training help minimize regulatory and reputational risks.
Scaling and entering the international market
Seychelles Company is ideally suited for holding structures, intellectual property management, international trade and e-commerce. Solutions developed by COREDO allow integrating Seychelles companies into global supply chains, protecting IP and optimizing the tax burden.
Case studies and best practices for businesses from Europe, Asia and the CIS
Cases and practices for businesses from Europe, Asia and the CIS clearly show how companies from different regions adapt to the rapidly changing world of international trade and the new demands of the global market. By studying successful solutions and common mistakes of e-commerce brands, it becomes easier to find effective approaches to developing online business and scaling sales in foreign markets.
International trade for e-commerce
One of COREDO’s clients, a large e-commerce holding with markets in the EU and Southeast Asia – used a Seychelles IBC to optimize taxes, manage payments and scale operations. Thanks to a multi-currency account and a flexible structure, the company significantly reduced conversion costs and accelerated settlements with suppliers.
Thanks to this approach, the company was able to focus on the strategic aspects of the business, including effective intellectual property management.
Intellectual property management
COREDO’s case studies included tasks related to registering and managing IP through a Seychelles Company. This allowed clients to centralize rights to trademarks and patents, enhance asset protection and simplify licensing in different countries.
IT consulting
For international IT companies and consultants, Seychelles ITZ and IBC provide maximum flexibility, minimal reporting requirements and the ability to work with clients worldwide without excessive bureaucracy.
Forex and financial services – overview and differences
Obtaining an SLC and VASP license in the Seychelles allows legally providing financial and crypto services to clients from the EU and Asia. The COREDO team supported projects for licensing Forex brokers, building a transparent structure and AML compliance/Compliance.
Key findings and recommendations on the topic
The key findings and recommendations on the topic will help you quickly understand the main steps and requirements when registering a company in the Seychelles. Below is a practical checklist of required documents that will allow you to prepare for the registration process as efficiently as possible and avoid common mistakes.
Checklist of documents for registering a Seychelles Company
- Passport and proof of address for all participants.
- Bank reference (if required).
- Articles of association and memorandum (Memorandum and Articles of Association).
- Beneficiary information and nominee shareholders.
- Information about the registered agent and office.
Registration procedure
- Determine the optimal legal form and business model.
- Check and reserve the name.
- Prepare and collect all necessary documents.
- Submit the application and pay the fees.
- Obtain the certificate of incorporation and corporate documents.
- Open a bank account and commence operations.
Compliance 2025
- Declare nominee shareholders in a timely manner.
- Update the shareholder register in accordance with new requirements.
- Confirm economic substance where applicable.
- Monitor compliance deadlines and document updates.
In addition, it is important to carefully select partners and proactively manage potential risks.
Selecting partners and risk management
Effective support for the registration and subsequent maintenance of a Seychelles Company is possible only with the involvement of licensed agents and lawyers with international expertise. Regular compliance audits, monitoring changes in legislation and transparency of the corporate structure are the key to long-term security and success.
Conclusion
Seychelles Company is not just an offshore structure, but a modern tool for international business that, with a competent approach, ensures flexibility, tax efficiency and scalability. The new 2025 requirements place emphasis on transparency and compliance, which requires a professional approach to the registration, management and support of companies. COREDO’s experience proves: a strategic choice of structure, timely compliance with regulatory obligations and cooperation with reliable partners allow you to leverage all the advantages of Seychelles structures for the growth and protection of your business in Europe, Asia and the CIS.
