Nevis has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s leading international financial centres, recognized for its strong reputation and high regulatory standards. The jurisdiction offers a versatile legal framework that accommodates International Business Corporations (IBCs), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and Private Trust Companies (PTCs).
As a former British colony, Nevis operates under a Common Law legal system, providing familiarity and legal certainty to investors and professionals worldwide. The island enjoys legislative and fiscal autonomy, enabling it to respond efficiently to the evolving needs of international commerce.
Nevis is recognized by both the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), reflecting its commitment to international best practices in transparency and financial regulation.
Nevis is widely recognized as a premier international financial centre in the Caribbean, offering a respected jurisdiction with robust regulatory standards.
Income generated outside Nevis is not subject to income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
There is no minimum capitalization requirement, nor is there any obligation to assign a par value or specify a currency for shares.
The Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance (2017, as amended through 2025) combines elements of both U.S. and UK corporate law, providing a modern and robust legal framework.
Since 2023, bearer shares have been prohibited. All shares must be issued in registered form, reinforcing transparency and compliance with international standards.
As an independent jurisdiction with legislative and fiscal autonomy, Nevis can respond swiftly to business needs and international market developments.
Nevis is recognized by the FATF and OECD and benefits from a stable political and economic environment, supported by a legal tradition rooted in British Common Law.
Beneficial ownership information is not publicly accessible. However, such information must be maintained in the internal records of the corporation and by the Registered Agent in accordance with applicable regulations. The Nevis Registrar of Companies applies stringent confidentiality standards.
Professionals, institutions, and intermediaries around the world utilize Nevis entities for a variety of purposes, including:
Establishing bank or investment accounts outside the country of residence.
Transferring the domicile of an existing company from another jurisdiction to Nevis.
Conducting international trade in goods and services.
Forming part of a broader corporate structure.
Supporting international tax, business, and personal planning strategies.
Holding shares, ownership interests, or other assets.
Incorporation
The standard incorporation package includes up to 100,000 authorized shares.
Included Documentation
Annual Maintenance
Annual fees are required to maintain the company in good standing.
Late filing fee for the Simplified Tax Return (after April): US$75.00
Note: Government penalties for late payment of annual fees are US$200.00 during the first six months and US$400.00 thereafter.
Company Name
It is advisable to provide at least three name options. If the preferred name is unavailable, the company may be incorporated using the next available alternative.
Shares
The company is governed by the number of shares it is authorized to issue. There is no requirement to assign a par value or specify a currency. If a par value is assigned, shares may be denominated in any currency.
Directors and Officers
The company must have at least one director. Directors are not required to be shareholders and may be of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world.
The company may appoint officers (President, Secretary, and Treasurer) if provided for in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. The appointment of at least a Secretary is generally recommended, and the same individual may serve as both Director and Secretary.
One person may hold two or more officer positions. Officers may be either natural persons or legal entities.
Due Diligence
A copy of the passport and proof of address for all shareholders and directors is required. Additional documentation may be requested by our Compliance Department.
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Any name may be used provided it is not already registered in Nevis and does not contain restricted or prohibited terms established by the Registrar of Companies. We recommend submitting several alternatives to ensure availability at the time of incorporation.
Shareholders, directors, and officers may be of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world. Directors are not required to be shareholders, and corporate officers (including the Secretary) may be either individuals or legal entities.
No taxes are imposed on income generated outside Nevis. International Business Corporations (IBCs) are not subject to VAT or other indirect taxes, nor to income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
There is no minimum capitalization requirement. There is also no requirement to assign a par value or specify a currency for shares. If a par value is assigned, shares may be denominated in any currency.
There is no requirement to file annual returns with the Nevis Public Registry, and beneficial ownership information remains confidential. Changes involving shareholders, directors, or officers are not filed directly with the Registrar of Companies but must be reported to the Registered Agent within fifteen (15) days of any change.
Since August 2020, the Nevis Inland Revenue Department (IRD) requires entities to file an annual Simplified Tax Return. The filing includes the company’s business address, contact person, and business activity, and indicates whether the entity has local connections or should be treated as non-resident and therefore not subject to taxation in Nevis.
Yes. The law requires companies to maintain clear accounting books and records for a minimum period of five years, reflecting all amounts received and spent, sales, purchases, other transactions, and the company’s assets and liabilities.
Records may be maintained at the registered office or at any location designated by the directors. Additionally, records maintained at the Registered Agent’s office must be retained for at least six years following the dissolution of the corporation.
Yes. A company incorporated in another jurisdiction may be redomiciled to Nevis, provided that the laws of its original jurisdiction do not expressly prohibit such transfer.
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