Bahamas

Company Formation in Bahamas

Bahamas

Formation Time

2–3 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum (USD 50,000 standard authorized)

Corporate Tax

0% (no corporate income tax)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an internationally renowned sovereign financial centre situated just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. Renowned for over 80 years of political stability, English common law jurisprudence, and world-class private banking institutions, the Bahamas offers the International Business Company (IBC) as the benchmark vehicle for global commerce. The Bahamas levies absolutely zero direct taxes: 0% corporate income tax, 0% personal income tax, 0% capital gains tax, and 0% withholding tax on outbound distributions. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Supervised by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas and the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the jurisdiction has also become a regulated pioneer in digital assets via the DARE Act (Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges). The Bahamas provides an ideal nexus for luxury yacht/aircraft registration, wealth structuring, maritime commerce, and global holding operations.

0% tax across all types

50 miles from US coast

BSD pegged 1:1 to USD

DARE Act crypto framework

Top private banking centre

Why Choose Bahamas

Zero direct taxes: 0% corporate, personal, capital gains, and withholding tax

50 miles from Florida with direct US travel connectivity and time-zone alignment

Bahamian dollar pegged 1:1 with USD — zero currency exposure

English common law system with final right of appeal to the Privy Council in London

DARE Act — cutting-edge regulatory framework for digital assets and fintech

Prestigious global private banking and wealth management ecosystem

Premier jurisdiction for ship, superyacht, and private aircraft registration

Fast 2–3 business day electronic incorporation

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
International Business Company (IBC)	100%	1 (individual or corporate)	No minimum (USD 50,000 standard authorized)	0% statutory tax exemption on all income and capital gains	International holding, family investment offices, trading, maritime assets
Executive Entity	100%	Executive officers (min 1)	None	0% tax	Acting as protector or council member for private trusts and foundations
Segregated Accounts Company (SAC)	100%	2 directors	No minimum	0% tax	Captive insurance, multi-asset investment funds, structured finance
Bahamas Limited Partnership	100%	N/A	None	Tax transparent — 0% Bahamas tax	Private equity, venture capital, family investment syndicates

Step-by-Step Formation Process

KYC Clearance & Name Reservation

1 day

Lodge beneficial ownership compliance documents and reserve corporate name with Registrar General.

Incorporation Filing

1–2 days

Submit Memorandum and Articles of Association to Registrar General's Department via electronic register.

Certificate of Incorporation

Same day

Receive Certificate of Incorporation, share registers, and corporate seal.

Corporate Records & Substance Notification

1–2 days

Lodge annual economic substance notification and open internal registers.

Bank Account Opening

3–8 weeks

Establish corporate account with Bahamian private bank or international financial institution.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	USD 350+
Our Service Fee	USD 1,800+
Annual Renewal	USD 1,400+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

The Bahamas is home to over 200 licensed banks and trust companies managing hundreds of billions in global wealth. Tier-one international institutions provide sophisticated custody, multi-currency treasury, and lending services.

Account Opening Time

3–8 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Butterfield Bank (Bahamas)Scotiabank BahamasCIBC FirstCaribbeanCorner Bank (Overseas)Pictet Bank & TrustWise Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% — no corporate income tax in the Bahamas

Personal Income Tax

0% — no personal income or payroll tax on non-residents

VAT / Sales Tax

10% standard rate (exempt for transactions outside the domestic market)

Capital Gains Tax

0% — no capital gains, inheritance, or estate duties

Withholding Tax

0% on dividends, interest, royalties, and management fees

Double Tax Treaties

0 countries

The Bahamas has entered into 30+ Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and participates in CRS/FATCA automatic reporting.

Visa & Residency

Economic Permanent Residence

Permanent (lifetime)

Available to foreigners who invest USD 750,000+ in Bahamian real estate (accelerated for USD 1M+)

Annual Residency Permit

1 year, renewable

For independent persons of financial means living in the Bahamas without working locally

BEATS Visa (Work Remote)

1 year, renewable up to 3 years

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay for digital nomads and remote professionals

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 1–3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any corporate or capital gains tax in the Bahamas?

No. The Bahamas has no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, no personal income tax, and no inheritance taxes. An IBC pays only an annual government registration fee.

Can a Bahamas IBC acquire international assets and yachts?

Yes. Bahamas IBCs are widely utilized worldwide to hold luxury real estate, international equities, intellectual property, and to register superyachts and commercial vessels under the prestigious Bahamas maritime flag.

What is the DARE Act?

The Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges (DARE) Act provides a comprehensive, world-class legal framework regulating cryptocurrency exchanges, custodial wallets, token issuance, and Web3 asset management under the supervision of the Securities Commission of the Bahamas.