Caribbean · BVI Business Company (BC)
British Virgin Islands Company Formation 2026
Filing $450 · Annual $450 · Corp tax 0% · Banking 5/10
The numbers
| Entity type | BVI Business Company (BC) |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $450 |
| Annual government fee | $450 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | ~$800/yr |
| Headline corporate tax | 0% |
| Effective tax notes | 0% corporate income tax for BVI BCs. Annual fee scales with authorised shares. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 0% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | $0 |
| Processing time | 3 business days |
| Remote formation | Yes |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 5/10 |
| Privacy score | 8/10 |
| Stripe | ❌ Not supported |
| PayPal Business | ❌ |
| Wise Business | ❌ |
Why people choose British Virgin Islands
- 0% tax
- Fast formation
- Long-established framework
Trade-offs to know
- Reputational scrutiny
- Economic substance for finance/IP companies
- Limited banking
Who British Virgin Islands is best for
- Asset holding
- IP licensing
Annual fee $450 (up to 50k authorised shares) or $1,200 (>50k).
Other commonly compared Caribbean jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in British Virgin Islands?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $450. A registered agent or local representative typically costs around $800/year. Annual maintenance is approximately $450.
What is the corporate tax rate in British Virgin Islands?
British Virgin Islands's headline corporate income tax rate is 0%. 0% corporate income tax for BVI BCs. Annual fee scales with authorised shares.
Can a non-resident form a company in British Virgin Islands?
Yes, remote formation is generally possible in British Virgin Islands.
Is Stripe available for British Virgin Islands companies?
Stripe is not officially supported for businesses incorporated in British Virgin Islands. You may need to incorporate in a supported country (such as the US, UK, or Singapore) to access Stripe.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Approximately $0.