How to Open a Company in Nevis: Requirements, Costs, Taxes, and Benefits

To open a company in Nevis, you must choose your business structure, appoint a registered agent, and file the necessary incorporation documents.

A company in Nevis offers strong privacy, asset protection, and tax advantages.

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• What are the four main types of companies in Nevis?
• What are the requirements for Nevis company formation?
• How much does it cost to set up a company in Nevis?
• What is the corporate tax rate in Nevis?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is Nevis company?

A Nevis company is a legal entity incorporated in the island of Nevis, part of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

It can be used for a range of purposes including holding investments, conducting international trade, or protecting assets.

Nevis companies are known for their strong privacy laws and limited public disclosure requirements.

What are the different types of companies in Nevis?

Nevis allows several company structures, but the most common are:

• Nevis LLC (Limited Liability Company) – The most popular option for international entrepreneurs, a Nevis LLC provides flexible internal management, no requirement for annual meetings in Nevis, and strong asset protection features. For non-residents, foreign-sourced income is exempt from local taxes, making it ideal for holding assets, managing investments, or running online businesses.
• Nevis IBC (International Business Company) – A classic offshore company structure suited for global trade, asset holding, and international investment. An IBC has a simple incorporation process, can be 100% foreign-owned, and offers tax exemptions for non-resident activities.
• Nevis Limited Partnership (LP) – Commonly used for joint ventures, private equity arrangements, or investment funds. An LP requires at least one general partner (with unlimited liability) and one limited partner (with liability limited to their investment). This structure is favored by investors who want to pool resources while maintaining a clear separation of responsibilities.
• Nevis Multiform Foundation – A unique legal entity that can adapt its form to operate like a trust, company, or partnership, depending on the founder’s needs. It is often used for estate planning, charitable activities, or holding family assets in a protected, tax-efficient manner.

Nevis company formation requirements

To form a company in Nevis, you will typically need the following:

• A unique company name – The name must not be identical or too similar to an existing Nevis company. It should also include the appropriate legal suffix such as LLC, Ltd., or Inc., depending on the chosen structure.
• A registered agent licensed in Nevis – Only authorized agents can file incorporation documents and maintain your company’s legal status. The registered agent also serves as the official point of contact for government correspondence.
• Articles of organization or incorporation – These documents outline key details of the company such as its name, structure, registered office, and initial members or shareholders.
• At least one member or shareholder – This can be an individual or another corporate entity. There are no restrictions on nationality or residency.
• A local registered office address – This is typically provided by the registered agent and serves as the company’s legal address in Nevis for official notices and service of process.

There is no minimum capital requirement to establish a company in Nevis, and directors or members are not required to be residents of the Federation.

Nevis company formation cost

A Nevis LLC can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 for incorporation, with similar annual renewal fees.

Overall, the cost varies depending on the company type and service provider. Formation fees typically include:

• Government incorporation fees.
• Registered agent and office fees.
• Annual renewal costs.

How much time does it take to set up a company in Nevis?

Incorporation in Nevis is fast.

Once the required documents are submitted, a company can often be registered within 1 to 5 business days, making it one of the quickest jurisdictions for company setup.

Does Nevis have income tax?

Yes—Nevis can impose income tax, but only under certain conditions.

Specifically, only resident companies (those whose central control and management are exercised from Nevis) are subject to corporate income tax at a rate of 33%.

Conversely, non-resident companies, which conduct no business within St. Kitts & Nevis and are managed from offshore, generally enjoy a comprehensive tax exemption: no corporate income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty, or similar local taxes.

What are the benefits of Nevis offshore company?

• Asset protection – Nevis is internationally recognized for its robust asset protection laws, particularly for LLCs and trusts. Creditors face significant legal hurdles when attempting to seize company assets, including short statutes of limitations for fraudulent transfer claims and high upfront bond requirements before filing lawsuits.
• Privacy – The identities of shareholders, members, and directors are not publicly disclosed, protecting owners from unwanted attention. Only the registered agent and relevant authorities have access to this information.
• Tax advantages – Non-resident companies in Nevis enjoy exemption from corporate income tax, capital gains tax, and withholding tax on foreign-sourced income. This makes it an attractive jurisdiction for international operations.
• Fast setup – With the help of a registered agent, incorporation can often be completed within 1 to 5 business days, allowing businesses to begin operations quickly.
• Flexible structures – Entrepreneurs can choose from a variety of entities such as LLCs, IBCs, limited partnerships, and multiform foundations, each with its own advantages for different business models and asset protection strategies.

Additional Considerations for Nevis Company Formation

• Banking – While Nevis companies can open accounts locally, many business owners choose to establish banking relationships in other offshore-friendly jurisdictions for broader access to international financial services. Banks in places like Switzerland, Belize, or Singapore often cater to offshore entities, but account opening requirements can be strict, often requiring certified documents, proof of business activity, and beneficial ownership details.
• Compliance – Nevis imposes minimal local reporting obligations, but this does not exempt company owners from following tax and disclosure rules in their home countries. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to file foreign asset reports, pay taxes on worldwide income, or disclose beneficial ownership under laws such as FATCA (US) or CRS (OECD).
• Legal Advice – Offshore structures can offer significant benefits, but only when set up correctly and in compliance with applicable laws. A qualified attorney or corporate service provider can help tailor the company structure to your specific needs, draft the right agreements, and ensure the arrangement is legally sound across multiple jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Opening a company in Nevis is a straightforward process that combines ease of setup with strong legal and financial advantages.

By choosing the right structure, appointing a registered agent, and following the formation steps, entrepreneurs can establish a secure and tax-efficient offshore presence.

With careful planning and expert advice, a Nevis company can serve as a valuable tool for protecting assets and expanding international business opportunities.

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