Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines
Company registration

Legal system:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates under a common law legal framework. Corporate regulation is based on specific legislation governing International Business Companies (IBC) and is administered through licensed corporate service providers. This ensures a clear management structure and legal predictability for international business.
Currency:
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is firmly pegged to the US Dollar (USD). This reduces foreign exchange risks and simplifies international settlements, banking, and fintech operations.
Incorporation and administration:
An IBC in SVG is incorporated and maintained through a registered agent and registered office, which are mandatory elements of the corporate structure. Company formation is conducted remotely, without the need for the founders’ physical presence in the jurisdiction.
Reporting and corporate records:
Public filing of financial statements in a state registry is generally not required. However, the company must maintain and store accounting records, corporate documents, and transaction-supporting materials in accordance with statutory requirements and the compliance standards of banks and corporate service providers.
Confidentiality:
Information on beneficial owners is not publicly disclosed. Such data is held by the registered agent and may be disclosed only to competent authorities, banks, and payment service providers strictly within established KYC/AML procedures.
International standards and compliance:
The jurisdiction operates in line with international AML/KYC standards and participates in Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI/CRS) mechanisms. This is essential for lawful banking relationships and the sustainable operation of international corporate structures.
Suitable use cases:
An IBC in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is optimally used for:

• international trade and service contracts;
• IT and online projects, including e-commerce;
• holding structures and asset ownership;
• IP holding and contractual business models;
• structures without local presence or business activity within SVG.

Available legal form:
International Business Company (IBC) – an international company designed for cross-border business activities, international contracts, holding structures, IT projects, and asset ownership outside Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
Who may act as a founder:

• Individuals and legal entities from any country worldwide; there are no residency or citizenship requirements, subject to AML/KYC compliance.
• Single founder permitted – a “one owner – one company” structure is allowed.
• Management Bodies and Key RequirementsDirector(s):
• In most cases, a minimum of one director is sufficient; non-resident directors are permitted, subject to the compliance profile and business model.
• Shareholder(s):
• A minimum of one shareholder is required.
• Registered Agent:
• Mandatory by law. The agent must be licensed in SVG and acts as the corporate service provider and official contact person in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Registered Office

• A registered office in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is mandatory and is typically provided through the registered agent.

Share Capital

• There is generally no mandatory minimum paid-up capital requirement.
• The authorised share capital and share structure are defined in the constitutional documents, taking into account the business purpose and the requirements of banks or fintech providers.

KYC / AML
A standard compliance package is required for incorporation and subsequent bank or fintech onboarding and typically includes:

• beneficial owner documentation;
• proof of address;
• ownership and control structure;
• source of funds;
• description of the business model and transactions.

Corporate Records and Documentation

• An IBC is required to maintain and store corporate and accounting records (registers, resolutions, contracts, transactional support).
• This is critical for banking relationships, compliance with international AML/KYC standards, and the long-term stable operation of the company.

Taxation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is based on the source of income and the place where business activities are effectively carried out. For International Business Companies (IBCs) focused on international operations, the following model generally applies.
Income Taxation
Income from sources outside SVG

• In a typical IBC structure, business activities are conducted outside the jurisdiction.
• In the absence of local presence and where contractual, operational, and compliance structures are properly implemented, foreign-source income generally does not create a material tax burden under the applicable IBC regime.

Income from sources within SVG

• If a local source of income arises (activities, clients, or contract performance in SVG), local tax rules may apply.
• This should be assessed in advance when selecting the business model and banking structure.

VAT and Indirect Taxes

• Relevant primarily where actual operations take place within SVG.
• In a “pure” international IBC model, indirect taxes are usually not a key factor.

Reporting and Corporate Obligations
For IBCs in SVG, a simplified administrative model applies, subject to mandatory corporate and banking compliance:

• Annual renewal
• Mandatory annual renewal of the company and payment of government fees and registered agent services to maintain good standing.
• Accounting records
• The company must maintain accounting records and supporting transactional documentation at a level sufficient for AML/KYC checks, banks, and fintech providers.
• Financial statements
• Public filing of financial statements with a government registry is generally not required for IBCs. However, additional obligations may arise in cases of local activity or tax registration.
• Registered Agent and Registered Office
• Ongoing maintenance of a licensed registered agent and registered office in SVG is mandatory, including timely updates of corporate information.

Despite its reputation as a flexible international jurisdiction, SVG is not an “anonymous zone.” Companies operate within international AML/KYC standards, and banking and tax assessments are based on the actual economic substance of operations (substance).