Establish Your Bahamas IBC with Confidence and Clarity
Launching a Bahamas International Business Company doesn't have to be complicated. Access upfront costs, dedicated compliance support, and ongoing corporate services—delivered entirely online.
Discover Bahamas IBC Corporate Framework
Operating under the International Business Companies Act 2000, the Bahamas IBC offers a sophisticated corporate structure rooted in English common law principles. This sovereign Caribbean nation provides a stable regulatory environment with tax exemptions extending up to 40 years from incorporation.
Share Capital
Share capital structure and requirements for Bahamas IBC.
Local Presence
Required local presence elements for Bahamas IBC compliance.
Compliances to Keep in Mind
Annual filings and ongoing requirements to keep your Bahamas IBC compliant and active.
Annual License Fee
Pay annual government license fee to the Registrar General to maintain good standing.
Economic Substance Filing
File annual economic substance declaration if conducting relevant activities under the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act 2018.
Registered Agent Maintenance
Maintain a licensed registered agent and registered office in The Bahamas continuously.
Beneficial Ownership Register
Maintain beneficial ownership information with registered agent under Register of Beneficial Ownership Act 2018.
Corporate Records
Maintain registers of directors, members, and corporate minutes. No public filing of accounts required.
Is a Bahamas IBC the Right Choice for You?
Examine the different Bahamas IBC structures to determine which configuration suits your business requirements.
Bahamas International Business Company (IBC)
A well-established offshore structure under the International Business Companies Act 2000, combining operational flexibility with a respected Caribbean jurisdiction.
Members hold shares representing their ownership stake. Liability protection extends to the unpaid portion of their shareholding.
Flexible capital structure permitting various share categories with different voting rights and dividend entitlements.
Share structure allowing the company to repurchase shares from members under predetermined conditions.
Advantages
Zero Corporate Taxation
No taxes on income, dividends, or capital gains for business conducted outside The Bahamas.
Respected Jurisdiction
The Bahamas maintains a strong international reputation with established banking infrastructure.
Currency Flexibility
Share capital may be denominated in any currency with no minimum capital requirements.
Streamlined Administration
No requirement for annual general meetings or local directors.
Considerations
Due Diligence Standards
International financial partners may require comprehensive documentation for offshore entities.
Annual Fees Structure
Government fees vary based on authorized share capital, with higher fees for capital exceeding USD 50,000.
Economic Substance Rules
Certain business activities require demonstrating adequate economic presence in the jurisdiction.
No Bearer Shares
Bearer shares have been eliminated in alignment with international transparency standards.
Establish Your Bahamas IBC Today
The Bahamas offers a mature offshore environment with strong banking ties. Let us guide your company formation.
Transparent Pricing for Bahamas IBC Formation
Complete packages covering registration through ongoing compliance for your International Business Company.
Basic Package
Premium Package
Enterprise Package
What You Need for a Bahamas IBC Formation
Complete these prerequisites to incorporate your Bahamas International Business Company.
Configure your authorized share capital
Standard: USD $50,000 (lower fees apply)
No minimum share capital is required. However, authorized capital of USD $50,000 or less qualifies for reduced government fees. Capital may be in any currency.
- No minimum paid-up capital
- Lower fees for capital under USD $50,000
- Any currency denomination accepted
- No bearer shares (transparency compliance)
Meet director and shareholder requirements
Just 1 director + 1 shareholder needed
Only one director and one shareholder are required, and they can be the same person. No Bahamian residency or nationality requirements apply.
- Single director sufficient
- Single shareholder sufficient
- No residency requirements
- Corporate directors permitted
- Nominee services available
Frequently Asked Questions
Key details about establishing and managing your Bahamas IBC with Expanship
Yes, no visit to the Bahamas is required. Our team manages the complete registration electronically, handling all communications with Bahamian authorities. Your finalized corporate kit ships internationally via tracked express courier service.
Every client receives free Airwallex account opening assistance for international payment capabilities. Premium Package holders gain dedicated support for traditional bank and EMI account applications, with ongoing assistance until banking is successfully established.
Initial registered agent and office services covering your first year are bundled with incorporation. We then provide annual maintenance packages addressing renewal filings, registered office continuation, certificates of good standing, and administrative change requests.
Bahamian law requires every IBC to maintain a registered office within the jurisdiction. Our incorporation packages include this—providing you with a legitimate Bahamas business address for receiving official government and legal documents.
Complete dissolution assistance is available when you need to wind down operations. We prepare all necessary paperwork, resolve outstanding fees, submit registry notifications, and manage either the voluntary dissolution process or administrative removal procedure.
Share-limited IBCs accommodate commercial enterprises, investment funds, and trading operations where equity stakes determine ownership. Guarantee-limited structures better serve non-profit purposes and membership-based organizations. Commercial entities almost universally choose shares.
The minimum threshold is one director and one shareholder, with the same person eligible to serve in both capacities. No nationality or residency qualifications apply, enabling business owners worldwide to establish a Bahamas IBC presence.
Corporate entities may act as directors and shareholders without restriction. This accommodates holding structures, management company arrangements, and complex ownership configurations involving parent companies or institutional investors.
Par value establishes a stated amount per share as the baseline issuance price. No par value removes this fixed denomination, allowing shares to be issued at any price the company determines. No par value simplifies equity transactions and capital management.
The Bahamas phased out bearer shares to align with international standards. All IBC shares must now be registered, with shareholder details maintained in company records. This applies to both newly formed and existing companies that previously held bearer instruments.
No statutory obligation exists to designate a company secretary. The mandatory positions are limited to director and shareholder. You may voluntarily appoint a secretary if your governance preferences or external relationships warrant this additional role.
Get Expert Bahamas IBC Assistance
Have questions about Bahamas International Business Company formation, compliance, or our services? Our team of specialists is here to help.
