Business Structures in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers several business entity types for local and foreign investors. This guide provides an overview of the available structures and their key features.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The LLC is a popular choice for small to medium-sized enterprises:

• Minimum Share Capital: No minimum requirement
• Shareholders: Minimum 1, no maximum
• Directors: Minimum 1
• Liability: Limited to share capital
• Tax Residency: Place of effective management in SVG

International Business Company (IBC)

The IBC is designed for offshore operations:

• Tax Exemption: Exempt from SVG taxes on foreign-source income
• Confidentiality: Strong privacy protections
• Requirements: Must not conduct business within SVG
• Annual Fee: Fixed government fee

Corporation (Limited by Shares)

Suitable for larger enterprises and public offerings:

• Minimum Share Capital: EC$10,000
• Shareholders: Minimum 1
• Directors: Minimum 3
• Audit Requirements: Annual audit required

Branch of a Foreign Company

Foreign companies may establish a branch in SVG:

• Registration: Foreign company registration certificate required
• Local Representative: Must appoint a local representative
• Liability: Branch is not a separate legal entity

Sole Proprietorship

The simplest structure for individual entrepreneurs:

• Registration: Simple registration with the Business Registry
• Liability: Unlimited personal liability
• Taxation: Income taxed at personal PIT rates (0-30%)

Partnership

• General Partnership: Partners have unlimited liability
• Limited Partnership: Limited partners have liability capped to their investment