BAHAMAS
Features of the Bahamas International Business Companies
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
- IBC’s may engage in any lawful business in any country and may carry on transactions in whatever currencies they choose.
TAXATION
- Full exemption from taxation for any business activity or transaction carried out outside The Bahamas.
AUTHORISED CAPITAL / SHARES
- Only nominative shares are allowed.
- No paid-in capital is required.
- No minimum or maximum capital requirements.
DIRECTORS / OFFICERS (SECRETARY) AND SHAREHOLDERS
- Shareholders, directors and/or officers can be either corporate entities or natural persons.
- Initial or ongoing changes in directors and/or officers need to be updated in the Register of Director(s) and Officer(s) of the
- The directors may grant special or general powers of attorney.
- Companies are allowed to have a sole director.
- Neither the directors nor the officers need be shareholders.
- Shareholders, directors and officers may be of any nationality and may be resident of any country.
- Shareholders and directors may hold their meetings in any country and may attend such meetings by proxy or by any electronic means (phone, fax, etc).
ANNUAL FILING
- No requirement to file annual returns or financial statements; no requirement to hold annual general meetings of shareholders or directors.
INCORPORATION AND ADMINISTRATION
- Excellent availability of company names for incorporation.
- Familiarity of incorporation documents (Memorandum & Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation) because The Bahamas belongs to the British Commonwealth.
- The words "Limited", "Corporation", "Incorporated", "Société Anonyme", or "Sociedad Anónima", or the abbreviations "Ltd.", "Inc." or "S.A.", may be used in a company's name.
- Incorporation documents may be drafted in Spanish or any other language together with an English translation.
- Speedy incorporation procedures and simple ongoing administration.
- Incorporation procedure takes 7 days.
- The Bahamas Registry is equipped with modern sophisticated computer equipment, which heightens speed and efficiency in the processing of documents in a timely manner.
- Shelf companies available.
RECORD KEEPING
- The accounting books, records and minutes of the company may be kept in any place or country at the directors' choice.
- Annual accounts are neither required nor be filed.
REGISTERED OFFICE, CORPORATE SEAL AND LEGALISATION
- Registered Office in The Bahamas is required.
- Corporate seal is mandatory.
- Use of Apostille should documentation need to be legalised. Legalisation via a Consulate is also available for some countries.
REDOMICILIATION
- Foreign companies can be speedily redomiciled to The Bahamas.
