Seychelles Offshore Banking

HOW DO YOU OPEN A SEYCHELLES BANK ACCOUNT?

1. Contact Astra Trust

If you want to open a bank account for a Seychelles company or a pre-existing international business company, all you need to do is contact us (link). Astra Trust is ready to provide you with an extensive range of services, including:

• Seychelles offshore company formation – if you’re planning to establish a Seychelles IBCs to do business globally;
• Seychelles offshore company bank account – if you’re looking for banking options to help grow your existing business;
• Seychelles personal bank account – if you have various personal needs to fulfil such as asset protection, savings, diversification of funds, retirement, etc.

2. Collect required documents

To open a bank account in the Seychelles is not a straightforward task. We cooperate closely with the major domestic banks in the Seychelles and have an up-to-date list of documents required to get everything sorted out. Our extensive expertise helps us to mitigate any issues during the opening account process.

It is possible to proceed with opening a Seychelles company bank account for a pre-existing company. However, when it comes to opening a bank account for an international business company in the Seychelles, information about the company should be filed with the Republic of Seychelles company register.

To open bank account in Seychelles, local banks require the following information:

The Astra Trust team will draft and fill in all the documents required for opening a bank account.

3. Account opening process

Once all the required documents have been duly provided, the bank needs to undertake obligatory internal risk and compliance procedures. If you are interested in a Seychelles offshore bank account right now, we can provide you with an already incorporated cheap offshore company with a bank account (i.e. a shelf company).

If a bank account is required for a Seychelles IBCs or a domestic company, then a bank may also conduct a so-called “Seychelles company check”. This check involves further investigation of a company’s activities, whereby the Seychelles registrar of companies and identities of the company’s director and shareholders are verified.

Upon completion of all necessary checks, a bank will authorise the opening of a Seychelles bank account.

4. Access to Seychelles offshore banking

Congratulations! After receipt of the bank’s approval, you will receive all the information regarding your new Seychelles company bank account.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• Seychelles offshore banking – is it expensive?

No, the Seychelles is one of the cheapest offshore jurisdictions, which is why the cost of opening and maintaining a bank account here is comparatively low. Apart from the standard monthly fees and transaction charges, no stamp duty or other government fee applies.

• Can I open a bank account in the Seychelles without Seychelles offshore company incorporation?

Yes, banks in the Seychelles are ready to offer opening accounts for both a Seychelles IBCs or foreign companies and individuals. If you require additional assistance to incorporate your offshore company in the Seychelles, contact the Astra Trust Team now (link).

Registering a company in Seychelles is not a prerequisite for opening a bank account here. At the same time, local banks are more inclined to provide access to the domestic banking system for companies incorporated in the Seychelles.

• What are the requirements for a Seychelles offshore company bank account?

There are a number of requirements that a business needs to fulfil in order to access the Seychelles offshore banking system. Firstly, a company’s director and shareholders should not be included in any sanctions list. Secondly, a company must not be engaged in criminal or illegal activities. Unlike some other offshore jurisdictions, local banks in the Seychelles do not impose a minimum threshold for a company’s share capital. Thirdly, providing all required documents as requested by the banks is key to obtaining a bank account in the Seychelles.

• How long does it take to open a Seychelles personal bank account?

Usually, the whole process of opening account takes a maximum of four weeks (including additional requests from a bank). There is no difference in the time it takes to open an individual or company bank account. If you wish to open a Seychelles bank account as soon as possible, we are ready to provide you with a cheap offshore company with a bank account.

• Is it possible to open a Seychelles personal bank account anonymously?

No, the process of opening account requires full disclosure of an account holder’s identity by filling in various questionnaires and bank forms. In the modern world, where CRS and FATCA are our new reality, anonymous personal bank accounts no longer exist.

• Can I obtain a company with a Seychelles offshore bank account?

Yes, Astra Trust has various shelf companies holding opened bank accounts with reputable financial institutions, including Seychelles offshore banks. Contact us, and we will help you choose the best option for your business needs.

• Can I open a Seychelles offshore merchant account for my business?

Having a merchant account with local banks is only possible for Seychelles companies operating domestically. At the same time, offshore incorporations can benefit from current accounts with Seychelles offshore banks.

• Do you offer Seychelles company formation with a bank account?

Yes, Astra Trust is a professional intermediary that provides an extensive range of services such as company registration in various offshore jurisdictions, offshore banking, trust formation and yacht registration.

We can assist you with registering a company in Seychelles (through the local registered agent), including full assistance with opening an offshore bank account in Seychelles.