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.