Which authorities handle business registration and licensing in Seychelles?

The Registration Division handles business and company registration, the Seychelles Licensing Authority issues business licences, and the Seychelles Revenue Commission handles TIN, business tax and VAT matters. The Seychelles Investment Board coordinates investment applications and referrals where a project requires several authorities.

What must a business in Seychelles do before it starts trading?

The business must choose and register its legal form, obtain a TIN and apply for any licence required for the activity. Premises may also need planning, health, fire, environmental, tourism or other specialist approval before the licence is issued.

When must a business in Seychelles register for tax and VAT?

A business activity must generally be registered with the Seychelles Revenue Commission within 14 days after trading begins. VAT registration is generally required when taxable supplies reach SCR 2 million, while voluntary registration may be available from SCR 100,000 below that threshold if the stated premises, records, licensing and compliance conditions are met.

How does a foreign investor start a business in Seychelles?

A foreign investor normally submits the project to the Seychelles Investment Board, obtains the required feedback or approval, and then applies for the relevant licence and inspections. The activity may be open, restricted or reserved for non-Seychellois, and foreign self-employed people generally require a Gainful Occupation Permit.

How does a company close its business in Seychelles?

A company normally uses voluntary winding-up or liquidation procedures under the Companies Ordinance and Insolvency Act, including a Gazette notice and liquidator. Tax, licences, beneficial ownership records, contracts and creditor claims should be addressed; simply letting a business licence expire does not complete the closure.

Business in Seychelles

Starting and running a business in Seychelles involves choosing a legal form, registering the business, obtaining activity-specific licences and meeting tax obligations. The Seychelles Investment Board coordinates investment applications, while the Registration Division, Seychelles Licensing Authority and Seychelles Revenue Commission handle registration, licensing and tax administration. Requirements vary by activity, ownership and premises, especially in tourism, food, fisheries, construction, professional services and ICT.

Tip

Choose the legal form and ownership structure around personal liability, local operating rights, financing access and the activity you actually plan to run. Treat licences, premises approvals, tax registration and ownership restrictions as launch conditions, not follow-up paperwork. Keep enough records and cash reserves to meet recurring tax, reporting and compliance duties even when the business has little or no taxable profit.

bySabrina&Kevin

Ending a business requires more than allowing a licence to expire. A business name normally files a Ceasing of Business Form. A company follows voluntary winding-up or liquidation procedures under the Companies Ordinance and Insolvency Act, including a Gazette notice and appointment of a liquidator. The Registrar can strike off a non-compliant company. After dissolution, remaining assets generally become bona vacantia in favour of the Republic, and liabilities of directors, officers or members may continue. A court can restore a company within 12 years after the Gazette notice. An IBC follows FSA strike-off or dissolution procedures. Tax, licensing, beneficial ownership, contractual and creditor obligations should be settled during the closure process, and an ownership change may require SIB review.