Nevis Company Formation & Taxation FAQ: Your Guide to Offshore Incorporation in Nevis
Nevis, part of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean, is a leading offshore jurisdiction known for its robust asset protection laws, business privacy, and efficient company formation process. With a modern legal framework and investor-friendly policies, Nevis has become a preferred destination for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, wealth managers, and international investors seeking to establish secure and tax-efficient business structures.
The Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance (NBCO) allows for the formation of International Business Companies (IBCs), offering features such as limited liability, fast incorporation, and strong protection from foreign judgments. Companies formed in Nevis enjoy minimal reporting requirements, no local taxation on foreign-sourced income, and confidentiality of ownership—making the jurisdiction especially attractive for holding companies, consulting firms, e-commerce ventures, and asset protection vehicles.
This FAQ is designed to answer the most commonly searched questions about forming a company in Nevis. It provides insights into incorporation procedures, required documentation, local regulations, nominee services, and ongoing compliance obligations. Whether you’re looking for a remote-friendly jurisdiction with privacy benefits or an efficient offshore structure for international business, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Nevis also offers advantages for business continuity and legal protection. For example, shares can be issued in bearer or registered form (subject to regulations), and ownership details are not part of any public registry. However, like other responsible offshore jurisdictions, Nevis complies with international anti-money laundering (AML) and due diligence standards.
If you’re considering Nevis for offshore incorporation, this FAQ offers a solid starting point. For more complex needs or tailored advice, consulting a licensed Nevis-based service provider or legal advisor is strongly recommended.
Explore the FAQs below to learn more about the benefits and requirements of setting up a Nevis company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevis Company Setup
This FAQ provides essential information for anyone considering forming an offshore company in Nevis, a respected Caribbean jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws and asset protection benefits. It covers key topics such as incorporation steps, required documents, tax advantages, nominee services, and compliance obligations. Nevis companies are commonly used for international trade, wealth structuring, and holding assets. With no local taxes on foreign income and minimal reporting, Nevis is ideal for global entrepreneurs seeking a secure and efficient offshore solution. For personalized advice, it’s recommended to consult a licensed Nevis service provider or legal expert.
🇳🇪 Nevis Company Formation FAQs
1. What is a Nevis company?
A Nevis company is a legal entity incorporated under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance, widely used for offshore investment, asset protection, and international trade. Learn more on our Nevis company formation page.
2. What types of companies can be formed in Nevis?
Common structures include:
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International Business Company (IBC) – most popular for offshore operations
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Limited Liability Company (LLC) – flexible for investment or joint ventures
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Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – used for holding assets or structured finance
3. Who can incorporate a company in Nevis?
Both residents and non-residents can form a Nevis company. There are no nationality restrictions for directors or shareholders, making it ideal for international investors.
4. How long does Nevis company registration take?
Registration typically takes 1–3 business days, depending on document submission and approval by the Nevis Registrar of Corporations.
5. What documents are required for incorporation?
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Passport copies of shareholders and directors
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Proof of residential address
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Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
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Application forms submitted via a licensed registered agent
6. What is the minimum share capital?
Nevis IBCs have no minimum capital requirement, allowing flexible structuring for investment, holding, or trading purposes.
7. Do I need a local director or shareholder?
No. Non-resident directors and shareholders are fully allowed. Only a registered agent and registered office in Nevisare required.
8. Can a Nevis company hold international assets?
Yes. Nevis companies are widely used for global holdings, real estate, intellectual property, and investment portfolios, providing strong legal protection.
9. Is physical presence required?
No. Companies can be incorporated remotely via a licensed registered agent, making Nevis ideal for non-resident investors.
10. How private is ownership in Nevis?
The jurisdiction provides high confidentiality. Shareholder and director information is maintained privately by the registered agent and is not publicly disclosed.
11. Can I open a corporate bank account for a Nevis company?
Yes. Companies can open accounts with international banks, supporting offshore banking, multi-currency operations, and global business transactions.
12. What are the annual compliance requirements?
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Filing of annual statements with the registered agent
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Payment of annual government fees
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Maintaining corporate records at the registered office
13. Can a company be owned by another company?
Yes. Nevis law allows corporate shareholders, enabling holding structures, investment vehicles, and subsidiaries.
14. How can a Nevis company be dissolved?
Voluntary dissolution requires:
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Shareholder resolution
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Settlement of all debts
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Filing dissolution forms via the registered agent
15. Why choose Nevis for company formation?
Nevis offers zero local taxation, strong privacy, asset protection, and minimal compliance requirements, making it a top choice for offshore company formation. More details are on our Nevis company formation page.
💰 Nevis Company Taxation FAQs
1. Do Nevis companies pay local taxes?
No. Nevis IBCs are exempt from all local taxes on income generated outside the jurisdiction, making it highly attractive for offshore investment and global trading.
2. Are dividends taxed in Nevis?
Dividends paid by Nevis companies are not subject to withholding tax, supporting efficient profit repatriation to international shareholders.
3. How are capital gains treated?
There is no capital gains tax, providing flexibility for investment holding and asset management companies.
4. Does Nevis have VAT or sales tax?
No. The jurisdiction does not levy VAT, GST, or sales tax, simplifying operations for international companies.
5. Are there double taxation agreements (DTAs)?
Nevis has limited DTAs, but it complies with international tax standards and information exchange protocols, ensuring global credibility.
6. Are retained earnings taxed?
No. Retained profits are not subject to local taxation, allowing long-term business growth and investment planning.
7. Can a Nevis company employ staff locally?
Yes, but if staff are employed outside Nevis, local payroll and social security laws apply in the relevant jurisdiction. For non-resident companies without local employees, there are no payroll obligations in Nevis.
8. Are holding companies treated differently?
Yes. Nevis IBCs are ideal for holding structures, offering asset protection, confidentiality, and zero taxation on dividends, interest, and capital gains.
9. How are transfer pricing rules applied?
The jurisdiction does not impose transfer pricing rules on IBCs, allowing flexible pricing for related-party transactions.
10. Are there stamp duties or capital taxes?
No. Nevis does not levy stamp duties or capital taxes, making corporate transactions cost-effective.
11. Can losses be carried forward?
No local corporate tax is levied, so loss carryforward is generally unnecessary for Nevis IBCs.
12. Are trusts and foundations taxed differently?
Offshore trusts and foundations in Nevis are generally exempt from taxation, supporting wealth protection, estate planning, and succession strategies.
13. Can a Nevis company be redomiciled from another jurisdiction?
Yes. Companies may redomicile to Nevis, subject to compliance with foreign law requirements, providing flexibility for corporate restructuring and offshore planning.
14. Are annual reporting requirements burdensome?
No. Nevis IBCs have minimal reporting obligations, typically limited to annual statements and government fee payments via the registered agent.
15. Why is Nevis ideal for international tax planning?
Nevis offers zero corporate tax, strong privacy, flexible corporate structures, and minimal compliance, making it one of the most effective jurisdictions for offshore holding companies and global business operations. More details are on our Nevis company formation page.
Interested in setting up an offshore company in Nevis?
Visit our Nevis Company Formation page for detailed guidance, packages, and expert support tailored to your needs.
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