Companies in the BVI are incorporated under the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 (the “Act“). These companies are incorporated to carry on business with non-residents of the BVI and are commonly referred to as “business companies”.
Under the Act, it is possible to incorporate five (5) different types of companies:
- a company limited by shares
- a company limited by guarantee that is not authorised to issue shares
- a company limited by guarantee that is authorised to issue shares
- an unlimited company that is not authorised to issue shares
- an unlimited company that is authorised to issue shares
Companies limited by shares are by far the most common. Companies that were incorporated before the Act came into force were automatically re-registered under the Act to streamline the application of company law, although some additional provisions of the former legislation continue to apply to these re-registered companies.
Registered agent
Every BVI company must have a “registered agent” that is located in the BVI. The registered agent is responsible for incorporating the company and appointing the first directors, amongst other things.
A company must have a registered agent at all times, otherwise it will be liable for a substantial fine and could be struck off the Register. The company may change its registered agent at any time, but the Registrar must be notified.
Registered office
Every BVI company must have a “physical address” in the BVI (the address may not be a post office box). This can be the address of the registered agent. The company may change its registered office at any time, but the Registrar must be notified of the change.
Incorporation
To incorporate the company, its registered agent will file with the Registrar the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
When satisfied that the company has fulfilled the requirements of the Act, the Registrar will allot the company a unique number and issue a certificate of incorporation. Incorporation can take as little as a day to complete, although more usually takes three to five days.
Directors
The Registered Agent will appoint the company’s first director(s), and this must be done within six months of incorporation. The number of directors can be fixed by the Articles of Association, although a company must have at least one director.
There is no legal requirement to appoint a company secretary. There is no requirement for any of the directors to be actual residents of the BVI, and directors can either be an individual or a corporate entity.
The register of directors of a company is not publicly filed in the BVI unless the company chooses to do so, and so the identity of the directors generally remains confidential.
Company Shareholders
The Registered Agent will generally require details of the shareholders at the time of incorporation. Once directors have been appointed, they will be able to issue shares to shareholders. A company can be authorised to issue shares with or without par value, and shares issued with par value can be issued in any currency.
Where a company issues shares with par value, the consideration paid must be at least equal to the par value of the shares, meaning that a company cannot issue partly paid shares.
Until shares are issued, the directors are personally liable for any contracts entered into by the company. The legal title to the shares passes to the shareholders when their names are entered in the register of members. Like the register of directors, this is not publicly filed unless the company chooses to do so.
The Act does not require companies to hold an AGM. Nevertheless, a company’s memorandum or articles may require a meeting of member in certain circumstances and will set out the rules and procedures relating to these meetings.
Public records
The only documents held on public record are the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Details of the company’s beneficial owners, directors and shareholders are not part of the public record.
Register of members, register of directors and minutes of all meetings and resolutions are kept only at the offices of the registered agent in complete confidentiality.
These files are available for inspection to shareholders of the company. As noted above, if the owners of the company so desire, these documents may be filed with the Registrar, but this is entirely optional.
Thomas. Jefferson Associates Limited
Thomas. Jefferson Associates Limited offers a wide range of services and business support to Individual Clients and Corporate Service Clients.
Our professional service includes advice on the formation, incorporation and continuing administration of BVI companies and the provision of registered offices and registered agents services.
Thomas. Jefferson Associates Limited is an established consulting firm in Hong Kong and experienced with the provision of offshore services broadly grouped into the areas of corporate, commercial legal procedures.
Our consultants are well trained and experienced in their respective practice areas, such as offshore corporate law. Thomas. Jefferson Associates Limited have qualified lawyers from various jurisdictions who are able to advise individuals and corporate clients on all aspects of offshore compliance and regulations.
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DISCLAIMER The information contained herein is intended to provide a generic outline of the subject matter. It does not take into account individual circumstances and thus, should not constitute legal advice. Thomas. Jefferson Associates recommends that you seek legal advice specific to your individual needs. Please also refer to our website disclaimer which is applicable to contents published on this website.