Bahamas IBC Company

A premier jurisdiction for international business in North America and beyond.

The Bahamas International Business Company (IBC) is a trusted and efficient offshore vehicle favored by global entrepreneurs, holding companies, wealth planners, and international investors. It offers exceptional confidentiality, zero corporate taxation, no minimum capital requirements, and flexible structuring—making it one of the most competitive offshore jurisdictions.

Why Choose a Bahamas IBC?

• Zero corporate tax, stamp duties, or estate duties (20-year tax exemption)
• No annual return or audit filing requirements
• No minimum share capital
• High level of privacy and confidentiality
• Incorporation in 1–3 business days
• Eligible for local real estate ownership and business operations (subject to regulations)

Our IBC Formation Package Includes

Formation & First-Year Maintenance Services:

• Company name availability check and reservation
• Preparation and filing of incorporation documents
• Payment of all government fees
• Registered office and registered agent (1 year)
• Company secretary service (1 year)
• Corporate metal seal (optional)

Standard Set of Digital Corporate Documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Appointment of First Directors
• Consent Resolutions of the Board
• Share Certificates
• Registers of Directors and Shareholders

Legal Framework

Bahamas IBCs are governed by the International Business Companies Act, originally enacted in 1989 and amended through 2004. The prevailing corporate framework is rooted in English common law and modernized to support offshore structuring.

Most IBCs are formed as private companies limited by shares, ideal for international operations, holding activities, asset protection, and investment.

Company Name Requirements

• Must end with: Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Societe Anonyme, or Sociedad Anonima (or their abbreviations)
• Restricted words (require licensing): Bank, Insurance, Trust, Royal, Asset Management, Fund Management, etc.
• Prohibited: Any implication of association with government entities
• Names may be in any Latin-based language

Memorandum & Articles of Association

• Must be filed with the Registrar General to incorporate
• Signed by at least two subscribers (witnessed)
• Subscribers must each take up at least one share
• Non-resident subscribers may require exchange control approval
• A declaration of capacity must accompany incorporation, signed by a licensed attorney

Taxation & Exemptions

Bahamas IBCs benefit from:

• 20-year exemption from Bahamian taxes, stamp duties, and estate duties
• Exclusion from Exchange Control regulations for offshore transactions
• Ability to own local assets or conduct local business (subject to local taxation and exchange controls)

Accounting & Reporting Requirements

• No requirement to file audited financials or annual returns
• Companies must maintain accurate accounting records including:
• All incoming and outgoing transactions
• Assets, liabilities, contracts, and receipts
• Records must be retained for a minimum of 5 years
• Financial statements are optional unless required by banks, shareholders, or partners

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Please provide the following due diligence documents for each Director, Shareholder, Beneficial Owner, and Authorized Signatory:

• Notarized copy of a valid passport
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months)
• Professional reference letter (lawyer, banker, or accountant; dated within 3 months)

For corporate shareholders/directors:

• Apostilled set of company documents
• Certificate of Good Standing (if over 1 year old)

Why Form a Bahamas IBC with SCG?

• 20 years of experience in offshore incorporation
• End-to-end service and support — from structuring to banking
• Private, secure, and compliant handling of your formation
• Jurisdictional guidance tailored to your goals

Let’s get started.

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