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Seychelles Corporate Tax Guide: CIT 25%, Petroleum 30% 2026

Seychelles' Corporate Income Tax (CIT) regime features a standard rate of 25%, with a higher 30% rate applicable to petroleum and mining sectors. Incentives are available for ICT, financial services, fisheries, and other strategic sectors. Here is how Seychelles corporate tax works in 2026.

Corporate Income Tax in Seychelles is governed by the Business Tax Act and administered by the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC). The standard CIT rate of 25% applies to most legal entities. Seychelles' CIT rate is competitive within the Indian Ocean region — higher than Mauritius (15%) but lower than many African jurisdictions. The tax year is the calendar year. Companies must file annual CIT returns by June 30 of the following year. Filing and compliance guide →

Real-world example: A Victoria-based consulting company with annual taxable profit of SCR 2,000,000 pays CIT at 25% = SCR 500,000. A petroleum company with SCR 10,000,000 profit pays CIT at 30% = SCR 3,000,000. An ICT company with qualifying investment incentives may pay a reduced effective rate. Compare this to Mauritius where the same profits would incur 15% CIT, or Reunion where French CIT at 25% applies. ICT sector incentives →

Corporate Tax Rate Structure

  • 25% (standard): All companies except those in petroleum/mining sectors
  • 30% (petroleum/mining): Companies engaged in petroleum exploration and extraction, and mining activities
  • Reduced rates: ICT, financial services, fisheries, and strategic investment sectors may qualify for reduced rates or tax holidays under investment incentive schemes

Special economic zone companies and those operating under the International Business Companies (IBC) regime may have different tax treatments. The standard CIT rate of 25% applies to resident companies on worldwide income.

Taxable Income and Deductions

Corporate taxable income is calculated as accounting profit adjusted for tax purposes. Key rules include:

  • Depreciation: Standard rates apply — buildings 5%, plant/machinery 15-25%, computers 33.3%
  • Interest deductibility: Thin capitalisation rules may limit interest deductions
  • Loss carryforward: Tax losses can be carried forward for up to 5 years
  • Capital gains: Treated as ordinary income and taxed at standard CIT rate (though no separate CGT exists)
  • Dividend income: Dividends received from other Seychelles companies may be exempt

Transfer pricing rules apply for transactions with related parties. Seychelles has been enhancing its transfer pricing framework. Cross-border taxation →

Withholding Taxes on Outbound Payments

Seychelles imposes withholding tax on certain payments to non-residents:

  • Dividends: 0% WHT — no withholding on dividends paid to non-residents
  • Interest: 0% WHT — no withholding on interest paid to non-residents
  • Royalties: 0-15% WHT depending on the type of royalty and treaty provisions

The 0% WHT on dividends and interest makes Seychelles attractive for holding company structures. WHT rates on royalties may be reduced under Seychelles' Double Taxation Treaties. Investment income guide →

Tax Incentives and Exemptions

Seychelles offers various incentives to attract investment:

  • ICT sector: Reduced CIT rates and tax holidays for qualifying ICT companies
  • Financial services: Incentives for licensed financial service providers and insurance companies
  • Fisheries and aquaculture: Tax holidays and reduced rates for qualifying fisheries investments
  • Tourism: Incentives for hotel development, eco-tourism, and related services
  • Strategic investments: Investment Promotion Act provides for tax holidays, duty exemptions, and other benefits for qualifying projects

Incentives typically require prior approval from the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) and minimum investment thresholds. ICT sector-specific incentives →

Who needs to register for CIT in Seychelles?

All legal entities (companies, partnerships, branches of foreign entities) must register for CIT with the SRC. Registration is required before starting business operations. Non-resident companies with a permanent establishment in Seychelles are also subject to CIT on Seychelles-source income.

What is the filing deadline for corporate tax?

Annual CIT returns must be filed by June 30 of the following year. Tax is paid in quarterly instalments during the year based on the previous year's liability, with a final settlement upon filing. Late filing penalties apply.

Are there any regional taxes in Seychelles?

No. Seychelles has a unitary tax system with no regional or municipal corporate taxes. The 25% CIT is the primary corporate-level tax. There is no trade tax, business tax, or local surcharge on corporate profits.

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