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Seychelles ICT & Digital Economy Tax Guide: Incentives, IBC Regime 2026

Seychelles offers significant tax incentives for the ICT and digital economy sector, including reduced CIT rates and tax holidays for qualifying companies. The International Business Companies (IBC) regime provides additional flexibility. Here is how ICT sector taxation works in 2026.

Seychelles has identified the technology and digital economy as strategic sectors for economic diversification. The government offers targeted tax incentives to attract ICT companies, financial services firms, and digital entrepreneurs. The Investment Promotion Act provides for tax holidays, duty exemptions, and other benefits for qualifying projects in technology, financial services, and fisheries. Combined with zero WHT on dividends and interest, Seychelles is becoming an attractive destination for tech and fintech companies. General corporate tax rates →

Real-world example: A fintech company registered under the IBC regime with annual profit of SCR 5,000,000 may benefit from a reduced CIT rate or tax holiday under a qualifying investment certificate. A software development company receiving a Strategic Investment Certificate from the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) could qualify for a 5-year CIT holiday followed by reduced rates. Compare to Mauritius where similar incentives exist under the Smart City Scheme or Global Business Licence. Personal income tax →

ICT Sector Incentives

Seychelles offers several incentives for ICT and technology companies:

  • Reduced CIT: ICT companies may qualify for reduced CIT rates (below the standard 25%) under investment incentive schemes
  • Tax holidays: New ICT companies with qualifying investment certificates may benefit from temporary CIT exemptions of up to 5-8 years
  • Customs duty exemptions: Import duties waived on ICT equipment, computers, and software
  • Employment incentives: CIT reductions tied to hiring Seychellois employees in technology roles
  • R&D incentives: Enhanced deductions for research and development expenditures

Incentive eligibility typically requires approval from the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) and meeting criteria such as minimum investment, job creation, and technology transfer.

International Business Companies (IBC) Regime

Seychelles offers an IBC regime under the International Business Companies Act. Key features:

  • Tax exemption: IBCs are generally exempt from Seychelles CIT on foreign-source income
  • Confidentiality: Beneficial ownership information is not publicly accessible
  • No exchange controls: IBCs can freely move funds in any currency
  • Annual fee: IBCs pay an annual government fee instead of CIT
  • Suitability: Ideal for holding companies, IP licensing, and international trading

The IBC regime makes Seychelles a competitive jurisdiction for international business structures, alongside comparable regimes in Mauritius, BVI, and Cayman Islands.

Financial Services Incentives

Seychelles encourages financial services through:

  • Licensed financial institutions: Reduced CIT rates for licensed banks, insurance companies, and securities dealers
  • Insurance sector: Tax incentives for captive insurance and reinsurance companies
  • Fund management: Favourable tax treatment for investment fund managers and collective investment schemes
  • Fintech sandbox: Regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation with simplified licensing

Fisheries and Aquaculture Incentives

As a major economic sector, fisheries benefit from specific incentives:

  • Tax holidays: Qualifying fisheries and aquaculture projects may receive multi-year CIT exemptions
  • Duty-free imports: Fishing vessels, equipment, and processing machinery can be imported duty-free
  • Reduced CIT: Post-holiday reduced CIT rates for qualifying fisheries companies

Can a foreign tech company set up in Seychelles?

Yes. Foreign tech companies can establish a presence in Seychelles through a standard company, an IBC, or a licensed entity depending on their activities. The Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) issues investment certificates for qualifying projects. Registration is handled through the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC).

What ICT activities qualify for tax incentives?

Qualifying activities include software development, web and mobile app development, IT consulting, cybersecurity services, cloud computing, data analytics, AI and machine learning, blockchain and fintech development, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The SIB provides detailed classification and eligibility criteria.