BVI Company Formation
The British Virgin Islands are among the best-known jurisdictions in the world for international companies, with English-based law and a long track record in investment structures.
What a BVI company is used for
The BVI Business Company is the vehicle of choice for many international groups that need to hold shares in other companies, set up joint ventures between partners from different countries or channel investment. Investors, funds and lawyers everywhere know the framework well, which makes shareholder agreements, funding rounds and an eventual sale of the business far easier to negotiate.
As a British Overseas Territory, the BVI follow the common law tradition, and its commercial court is experienced in shareholder disputes. That predictability is exactly what investors look for when several parties are involved or when the company will sit at the top of a group.
Typically a good fit for
- 01Holding companies for groups with subsidiaries in several countries.
- 02Joint ventures between partners of different nationalities.
- 03Investment vehicles and fund-related structures.
- 04Businesses expecting new investors to come on board.
How we set up your company
For BVI companies we pay close attention to the articles and the shareholders' agreement, as these tend to be the backbone of any structure with several owners or investors.
- 01
Initial consultation
We talk through your business, your partners and what you want the new company to achieve.
- 02
Review and due diligence
We review the documents of the shareholders and beneficial owners and confirm the project is a good fit for the jurisdiction.
- 03
Incorporation
We prepare the formation documents and coordinate the filing with the local registered agent.
- 04
Handover and launch
You receive your corporate documents, and we guide you through the first steps to put it into operation.
What's included
We work with a licensed BVI registered agent, who files the incorporation with the companies registry.
Incorporation
Name clearance, drafting of the constitutional documents and filing with the registry.
Corporate documents
Certificate of incorporation, first resolutions, share register and appointment of directors.
Registered agent
Registered agent and registered office through our correspondents in the jurisdiction.
Annual maintenance
Renewals, periodic filings and corporate updates handled on your behalf.
Ongoing counsel
Support with the company's corporate decisions: changes of directors, share issuances and shareholder arrangements.
Compliance and transparency
Every company we form goes through know-your-customer (KYC) due diligence: we identify the shareholders, directors and beneficial owners, and review the source of funds and the purpose of the structure. We only work on legitimate business and investment projects, and we follow the rules of each jurisdiction and international transparency standards, including beneficial ownership registers and economic substance requirements where they apply.
The BVI keep a beneficial ownership register available to the authorities and apply economic substance rules to certain activities; we tell you upfront whether any of them apply to your company.
Frequently asked questions
Why do so many international groups choose the BVI?
+
A flexible, English-based company law, a long track record and broad recognition among investors, funds and counterparties worldwide.
Can a BVI company have just one shareholder and one director?
+
Yes. The law allows simple structures with a single shareholder and a single director, who can be individuals or companies of any nationality.
Can a BVI company do business in other countries?
+
It can hold assets and carry on activities abroad, but if it trades regularly in another country it will usually need to register there. We'll walk you through what each country requires.
What does economic substance mean in the BVI?
+
It's a requirement for certain activities, such as finance or headquarters functions, so that the company has a real presence in line with what it does. We review your activity to see whether it applies.
Is the BVI a good option for a small business?
+
It depends. For a simple local operation, a Panama company or another jurisdiction may be more practical. The BVI really shine for investment structures and groups with several owners.
Further reading
Let's talk about your structure
Tell us what you want to achieve and we will recommend the right jurisdiction and type of company. Book a consultation or reach us through the form below.
Contact Us
Tell us about your case. Our team will get back to you shortly.