Setting up a company in the British Virgin Islands
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The default lightweight offshore holding vehicle — fast, flexible and tax-neutral. We handle the BVI Business Company, the registered agent, substance and annual filings.
Flat fee, answers in 24 hours. We specialise in non-US / EU jurisdictions.
Why founders incorporate in the BVI
The BVI is a British Overseas Territory under English common law and one of the most-used offshore jurisdictions in the world. Here are the durable facts.
The BVI Business Company
The BVI Business Company (BC) limited by shares is the standard vehicle, under the BVI Business Companies Act 2004. Corporate law is flexible and incorporation typically takes 1–5 days.
Zero tax outside the BVI
Companies that operate outside the BVI and earn foreign-source income pay no corporate income tax, no withholding tax on dividends, interest or royalties, and no capital gains tax — only an annual government fee. No exchange controls and no CFC rules.
Confidential ownership
Directors and shareholders are not on the public file unless the company chooses to file them; beneficial-ownership data sits with the registered agent and is shared with authorities through the BOSS system rather than published.
Annual return & substance report
BCs must file an annual financial return and, where their activity is in scope, an economic substance report. Bearer shares have been effectively eliminated, and registered agents run AML/KYC due diligence.
Strong fund & trust regimes
The BVI has a well-used regime for investment funds (public, private and professional) and for asset protection through VISTA trusts and private trust companies.
Holding companies & SPVs
Best for lightweight holding companies, asset-holding vehicles, special-purpose vehicles and joint ventures — the default offshore holding company within international structures.
How Point Legal helps with BVI structures
A BVI company is simple to set up but still has substance and reporting duties. Your dedicated counsel and CFO-led tax team handle them on a flat monthly fee.
Business Company formation
Name approval, Memorandum and Articles via the registered agent, first-director and share-issuance resolutions, and the full set of corporate documents.
Registered-agent coordination
We act as your corporate governance secretary, coordinate with the BVI registered agent, track deadlines and manage the AML/KYC due-diligence pack.
Substance & annual return filing
Economic-substance classification and reporting, the annual financial return, and ongoing renewals so the company stays in good standing.
Holding & SPV structuring
Holding companies, SPVs and joint-venture vehicles built into your wider international structure, with cap-table and governance housekeeping.
Fund & trust setup
BVI investment funds, segregated portfolio companies, and VISTA trusts or private trust companies for asset protection and succession.
Ongoing legal & finance partner
Always-on legal and CFO-led support across your entities, with quick questions and document reviews included in the subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Does a BVI company pay tax?
A BVI Business Company that operates outside the BVI and earns foreign-source income pays no corporate income tax, no withholding tax and no capital gains tax — only an annual government fee. There are no exchange controls and no controlled-foreign-company rules in the BVI itself, though your home country's rules may still apply.
Is a BVI company confidential?
Directors and shareholders do not appear on the public file unless the company opts to file them, and beneficial-ownership data is held by the registered agent and shared with authorities through the BOSS system. Note that full confidentiality of beneficial ownership is no longer absolute — the BVI now requires annual returns and substance reporting.
What annual filings does a BVI company need?
BCs must file an annual financial return and, where the company carries on an in-scope relevant activity, an economic substance report. Companies must also pay the annual government fee on time to stay in good standing and avoid being struck off.
What is a BVI company typically used for?
Most commonly as a holding company to own shares in other entities, to hold assets and intellectual property, for SPVs and joint ventures, and for investment activity. It is the default lightweight holding vehicle within international corporate structures.
Can I move an existing company to or from the BVI?
Yes. The BVI permits redomiciliation (continuation) both into and out of the jurisdiction. We handle the Articles of Continuation, Certificate of Good Standing and the steps to complete the move on both sides.
Book a discovery call about your structure bottlenecks
Tell us your current setup and where it's getting stuck — incorporation, tax, substance, or banking. You'll get a real lawyer's read within 24 hours, no billing and no commitment.
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