Asset Protection
Advantages of Nevis Offshore Company Formation
- Closed registers stored at the RA office
- Fast and easy company formation process
- Tax-neutral for offshore activity
- Asset protection provisions available for LLC
- Legal system based on English law
Privacy Score
This score demonstrates how much privacy can be maintained by the company and the rate of disclosure of the corporate information for open public scrutiny. The higher the rate, the more privacy the company can enjoy. All rates are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
98
0
100
Tax Haven Score
This score demonstrates the tax burden applicable to the company and the jurisdiction as a whole. The higher the score, the lower are tax rates, and the easier is regulation. All scores are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
95
0
100
Reputation
This score demonstrates the reputation of the company and jurisdiction in the financial and business circles. The higher the score, the more favourable is the treatment by financial institutions, authorities, and counterparties. All scores are based on the open sources and subjective view of Astra Trust.
Very Good
Find out more about Nevis
Nevis is widely renowned for being one of the oldest offshore financial centres. Yet, despite its established status, the question often asked is, “Where is Nevis located?”. Nevis Island is situated in the northeastern part of the Caribbean. Together with Saint Christopher Island, it forms an independent nation, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
As the oldest British colony in the Caribbean, Nevis is a stable democracy with long-standing parliamentary traditions. His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom is the head of state, represented by the Governor-General.
Nevis is one of the best choices among the Caribbean tax havens. Since 1984, this island has operated the oldest “citizenship by investment” programme in the world. It is also well known for its asset protection trusts.
Nevis asset protection laws applicable to companies and trusts have made this island the leading jurisdiction for asset protection and estate planning.
Establishing an offshore company or trust in Nevis is the best choice to protect your assets from foreign litigation and preserve them for your future and that of your family.
Nevis Legislation Allows to Establish the Following Types of Offshore Companies in Nevis:
Key Reasons to Form a Company in Nevis
The main reasons for registering a company in Nevis are territorial taxation, privacy, and asset protection. The environment in Nevis is very business-friendly, with many legal, accounting, and financial professionals residing on the island. Find out how to register a Nevis company in our guide.
Territorial Taxation
Firstly, Nevis is a well-known tax haven. Under current Nevis legislation, companies that do not conduct business within Nevis are generally not subject to local corporate income tax, capital gains tax, VAT, or withholding tax in Nevis. Tax treatment may vary depending on the company’s activities and the tax laws applicable in the Ultimate Beneficial Owners’ country of residence. Such favourable taxation is an excellent reason to consider a Nevis company formation.
Strong Privacy Provisions
The second reason to incorporate an offshore company in Nevis is the strong privacy laws. St. Kitts and Nevis offshore companies are not obliged to disclose information about their directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners to the public, but this information is stored by the registered agent of the company. In addition, Nevis law permits the use of nominee directors and shareholders, which are commonly used to enhance privacy, provided that the underlying beneficial ownership is properly recorded and disclosed where legally required.
Robust Asset Protection Laws
Nevis stands out as a leading Caribbean offshore financial centre due to its asset protection laws. A Nevis offshore trust benefits from the enhanced protection from foreign judgments and creditors provided by the Nevis trust legislation. For these reasons, Nevis trusts are commonly used as part of international estate and asset-protection planning. Furthermore, the formation of a Nevis trust is quick and straightforward. A professional trust company and lawyers are always available to assist you in drafting a trust deed that will suit your particular situation.
Offshore Banking
Nevis’s banking sector is well-developed and caters to the needs of the offshore financial industry. Among the leading offshore banks in Nevis, there are Nevis International Bank and Trust, Hamilton Reserve Bank, and The Bank of New Innovation Limited.
Nevis offshore company formation is fast and typically takes only a couple of days. With Astra Trust, it is possible to register a Nevis company online in just 1-2 business days after passing the KYC procedure.
Astra Trust can quickly register a Nevis offshore company for an affordable fee. We also provide a wide range of services for offshore companies under our administration. Our extensive experience and knowledge in this field enable us to provide effective solutions where complex structures are involved.
Nevis Companies Are Commonly Used for the Following Business Activities
Holding company
International trade
Tax planning
Taxation of the Nevis Offshore Company
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Corporate Income Tax | 0% on income sourced outside Nevis* |
| Withholding Tax | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% |
| Inheritance Tax | 0% |
| VAT | 0% |
| Exchange Controls | No |
Taxation in Nevis
In contrast to pure tax havens, Nevis applies a residence-and-source approach under the federal Income Tax Act, Cap 20.22. The standard corporate income tax rate is 33%, but companies that carry on no business within the Federation and derive no local-source income generally have no Nevis corporate income tax charge on their foreign-source profits.
Territorial Tax System
Unlike other territorial tax jurisdictions, the definition of business activity carried out in Nevis is very narrow. For example, a Nevis company that holds its board meetings in Nevis invests in shares of other Nevis companies, or has opened its bank account in Nevis is generally not considered to be conducting business in Nevis. The same is true for a Nevis offshore trust that has been set up in accordance with the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance.
Capital Gains, Withholding Tax, and VAT Exemptions
Nevis offshore companies and trusts generally do not pay capital gains tax or withholding tax on interest or dividends, provided they comply with Nevis law and do not conduct business locally. While this framework can make Nevis companies suitable for certain investment purposes, companies and trusts may still have tax obligations in their country of residence.
Value-added tax (VAT) does not typically apply to Nevis offshore companies and trusts.
The official currency of St. Kitts and Nevis is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), although the US dollar is widely used. There are no currency exchange controls in Nevis.
Corporate Legislation in Nevis
As would be expected for the oldest British colony, Nevis legislation is based on English common law and equity principles.
Independent Financial Centre
However, these days Nevis Island is no longer a British overseas territory. Since 1983, Nevis and St. Kitts have been an independent island nation with their own judicial system. The court of final appeal in Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court located in St. Lucia. One of the judges of this court is permanently based in Nevis.
A Nevis business corporation (NBCO) is comparable to the standard international business company model widely used in offshore jurisdictions. Although, this type of Nevis Island offshore company is based on Delaware corporate legislation rather than the British Companies Act 1948.
Nevis is a Caribbean financial centre known primarily for its asset protection laws. These legal provisions set Nevis Island apart from other jurisdictions, making the Nevis asset protection trust or a company especially popular in highly litigious countries such as the US.
Strong Asset Protection Legislation
The Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance CAP 7.03, remains the main source of Nevis trust law. Another well-known asset protection vehicle is the Nevis Limited Liability Company (LLC), which is regulated by the Nevis Limited Liability Company Ordinance CAP 7.04. This law provides strong privacy and asset protection arrangements applicable to the Nevis LLC. The Nevis Business Corporation (NBCO) offers slightly less asset protection, however, it can be used in conjunction with a Nevis trust to hold trust property.
Regulatory Framework Governing Nevis Financial Services and Companies:
Process of Nevis Company Formation
Stage 1 – Initial Inquiry and Consultation
Contact us to request more information or a quotation. Our team typically responds within a few hours.
Stage 2 – Submission of Documents
Complete a form, provide the required documents and submit the payment. All documents are handled securely in compliance with local regulations.
Stage 3 – Incorporation and Delivery of Documents
Once the application is approved, you will receive scanned copies of the incorporation documents within one - two days. Hard copies are delivered by courier within seven days.
Required Documents To Incorporate In Nevis
To incorporate an offshore company in Nevis, the following KYC documents are required:
- Certified copy of passport for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners
- Certified proof of address for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners issued within the past 3 months
- Professional reference letter issued within the past 3 months
- Financial institution reference letter issued within the past 3 months
- KYC form provided by your personal manager in Astra Trust
For more information click below to receive certification instructions and requirements.
Documents And Services Provided After Nevis Company Formation
Services Included in Nevis Company Formation Fees:
- Company name search in the Nevis Register of Companies for availability
- Revision of KYC (Know Your Customer) documents
- Payment of all required Government Fees
- Necessary filings to the Registrar of Companies
- Drafting of activation corporate documents on incorporation of the company
- Provision of Nevis Registered office services for 1 year
- Provision of Nevis Registered agent services for 1 year
- Compliance Fees
- Full administrative support 24/7 from your personal manager in Astra Trust
The Company Documents Included in the Nevis Company Incorporation Package:
- Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Nevis Registrar of Companies
- Endorsement Certificate issued by the Nevis Registrar of Companies
- Articles of Incorporation stamped by the Nevis Registrar of Companies
- Bylaws signed by the Incorporator in Nevis
- Designation and Acceptance of Registered Agent
- Register of directors
- Register of shareholders
- Minutes of the First Meeting of the Incorporator and Subscriber
- Share Certificate for each shareholder
Need More Help Setting Up Your Offshore Company in Nevis?
Contact us today to get clear answers to your questions and guidance on the incorporation process.
Company Name In Nevis
Under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance, 2017, the name of a Nevis company shall end with the following words or abbreviations:
- The words “Corporation”, “Incorporated”, “Limited”; or
- any other words or an abbreviation that will clearly indicate that it is a corporation, as distinguished from a natural person.
The proposed company name shall not be similar to that of any type or kind as such name appears in the Island of Nevis company register or the reserved names list of corporations maintained by the Island of Nevis registrar of companies.
Board Of Directors And Shareholders Of Nevis Company
The minimum number of directors of a Nevis company is one, of any nationality and residency. Directors can be individuals or legal persons.
The board of directors meetings can take place anywhere in the world.
Shareholders of a Nevis company can be individuals or legal entities of any nationality and residency. The minimum number of shareholders is one.
It is possible to use nominee services in Nevis.
Astra Trust can provide nominee services and assist with all corporate matters for your Nevis company. A foreign trust or a foundation can be a perfect solution to own shares of your Nevis offshore company, along with nominee services.
Share Capital and Types of Nevis Companies
The Nevis Business Corporation (NBCO) offers flexibility of its share capital. It can be of any value and currency as specified in the company’s Memorandum and Articles (or Bylaws) at the time of incorporation.
The companies that can be incorporated in Nevis, depending on the share capital structure, are as follows:
- Company limited by shares
- Company limited by guarantee
- Company limited by shares and guarantee
For the company limited by shares, the standard authorised share capital is usually USD 50,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) with a denomination of USD 1 per share.
The issued share capital to shareholders can be of any amount, starting from 1 share and up to all 50,000 shares.
The authorised share capital can be both par value and no par value.
Classes of Shares
A Nevis Business Corporation (NBCO) may issue different classes of shares to suit various business and investment needs.
Bearer shares are permitted to be issued in Nevis, however, they must be immobilised with a local custodian, which can be arranged for an additional cost, ensuring compliance with Nevis regulation.
Privacy of a Nevis Company
Nevis is recognised as a highly confidential jurisdiction.
Information on registers of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners is not publicly available.
The registers of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners shall be stored at the registered office and are not publicly accessible in Nevis. In practice, this means that the registers are kept at the office of the Nevis Registered Agent of the company. Information from these registers is only accessible to the Nevis authorities upon their request.
The privacy of a Nevis business corporation can be further enhanced by using the services of a director and a nominee shareholder. Additionally, beneficial ownership can be structured through trusts or foundations, providing an additional layer of privacy and asset protection.
For businesses and investors seeking professional guidance, service providers like Astra Trust can assist with Nevis company formation and ensure compliance and confidentiality.
Economic Substance Requirements in Nevis
Nevis does not impose economic substance requirements on its companies. Thanks to the territorial tax system, there is no requirement for the companies to maintain a local presence. At present, there is no indication that economic substance requirements will be introduced.
Reporting Requirements in Nevis
Following the adoption of the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2021, all Nevis companies, including Nevis Business Corporations (NBCOs) and Nevis Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), are required to submit a simplified tax return to the Nevis tax authorities.
A Corporate Income Tax CIT-101 form must be filed each year. The primary purpose of the filing is to demonstrate to the Nevis tax authorities that the company does not conduct business activities in the territory of Nevis.
Key Features of Nevis company
General Information
- Jurisdiction – Independent nation
- Entity Type – Nevis Business Corporation (NBCO)
- Corporate Tax – 0% on foreign-source income
- Currency – XCD, USD
- Currency Exchange Control – No
- Legal Framework – Common law
- Recognition of Trust – Recognised
- Court of Final Appeal – The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Business Activity Restrictions
- Business Activity Restrictions – No. Subject to standard licensed types of activities
- Economic Substance Requirements – Not applicable
- Prohibition of Business Within Nevis – Not applicable
Requirements to Directors
- Register of Directors – Publicly not accessible. Stored in the Registered Office
- Minimum Number of Directors – 1
- Corporate Director – Available
- Local director – Not required
- Nominee Director – Available
Requirements to Secretary
- Secretary – Not required (optional)
- Local Secretary – Not required (optional)
Requirements to Shareholders
- Register of Shareholders – Publicly not accessible. Stored in Registered Office
- Minimum Number of Shareholders – 1
- Corporate Shareholder – Available
- Annual General Meeting – Not required
- Location of Meetings – Anywhere in the World
- Nominee Shareholder – Available
Share capital
- Minimum Authorized Share Capital – USD 1
- Standard Authorized Share Capital – USD 50,000
- Minimum Issued Share Capital – USD 1
- Currency of Share Capital – USD or any other
Reporting Requirements
- Preparation of Accounts—Not required
- Filing of Annual Return – Yes, CIT-101 filed annually
- Publicity of Annual Return—Not public
- Audited Accounts – Not required
Other features
- Redomiciliation to/from Jurisdiction – Permitted
- Shelf companies—not available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for St. Kitts & Nevis company formation?
The process for St. Kitts & Nevis company formation typically involves selecting a unique company name, preparing the necessary incorporation documents, submitting them to the Registrar of Companies, and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation. It is advisable to engage a local agent to facilitate this process.
What types of companies can be formed in St. Kitts & Nevis?
In St. Kitts & Nevis, various types of companies can be formed, including Business Companies (BCs), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and foundations. Each type has its own regulatory requirements and benefits.
What are the main benefits of St. Kitts & Nevis company formation?
The main benefits of St. Kitts & Nevis company formation include tax incentives, confidentiality, a stable political environment, and ease of doing business. Additionally, the jurisdiction offers flexible corporate structures and minimal reporting requirements.
What legal and tax obligations do I have after St. Kitts & Nevis company formation?
After Nevis company formation, you must adhere to local laws, including maintaining proper financial records and filing annual returns. There is no need to prepare or file Financial Statements for the company. The jurisdiction offers favourable tax conditions, with many companies benefiting from zero corporate taxes on income derived outside the country.
How long does it take to complete the St. Kitts & Nevis company formation process?
The St. Kitts & Nevis company formation process can typically be completed within 1 to 3 business days, provided that all documentation is in order and submitted promptly.
What is the minimum capital requirement for St. Kitts & Nevis company formation?
There is no minimum capital requirement for most company formations in St. Kitts & Nevis. However, companies must specify their authorized share capital in the incorporation documents.
Are there any restrictions on foreign ownership in St. Kitts & Nevis companies?
There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership in St. Kitts & Nevis companies. Foreign investors can fully own and control their businesses, making it an attractive option for international entrepreneurs.
