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FAQs

 

What is an Authorised Agent?

An Authorised Agent is a person designated by a trust company to act as an intermediary between the licence holder and the Commission.

What is a principle office?

A principle office is the office of the Company Manager or Trust Licence holder with a physical presence in the (British) Virgin Islands.

What is a Trust Company?

A Trust Company is a company that carries on trust business as defined in (2) above.

What are the capital adequacy guidelines for Trust Licence holders?

Under the Banks and Trust Companies Act, 1990 General Trust Licence holders are required to have a minimum fully paid up capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars (US$250,000) or its equivalent in foreign currencies, or such sum as the Commission, by order determines, and has deposited or invested a sum of money as may be specified by the Commission but not to exceed $100,000.

Applicants for a Restricted Trust Licence are not subject to capital requirements.

What are the capital adequacy guidelines for Company Managers?

Under the Company Management Act, 1990, a Company Manager is required to have a minimum paid up capital of twenty five thousand dollars (US$25,000).

What are the minimum requirements for a Company Management Licence?

The minimum requirements for obtaining a Company Management Licence are: proven company management experience, a minimum paid up capital of twenty five thousand dollars (US$25,000) and physical presence in the British Virgin Islands. The application fee is two hundred dollars (US$200). Special Note: These requirements are by no means exhaustive.

Note: A consensus has now emerged that only in circumstances where the institution concerned is of blue chip international stature and renown, whose presence in the jurisdiction would be a fillip to the reputation of the BVI as a situs for conduct of international business; or where the institution concerned will be providing additional services not currently provided within the jurisdiction, will company management licences be granted to companies other than companies with local ownership and a physical presence here in the BVI. In both cases, the company is expected to establish its own physical presence and apply for a general trust licence within two years of the grant of the licence. All other interests will initally have to apply for a General Trust Licence.

What are the minimum requirements for a General Trust Licence?

The minimum requirements for obtaining a General Trust Licence are: a minimum paid up capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars (US$250,000), proven trust experience and the applicant must satisfy our "fit and proper" criteria. Special Note: These requirements are by no means exhaustive.

In addition, an applicant who receives written confirmation that the granting of a general trust licence has been approved is required to make the following investment deposits:

  • Twenty thousand dollars (US$20,000.) where the licensee provides registered agent services for no companies, or for companies not exceeding 1,500 in number; or
  • Forty thousand dollars (US$40,000.) where the licensee provides registered agent services for companies exceeding 1,500 in number.

What are the minimum requirement for a Restricted Trust Licence?

The minimum requirements for obtaining a Restricted Trust Licence are: proven trust experience and the applicant must meet our "fit and proper" criteria. There are no minimum capital requirements. Special Note: These requirements are by no means exhaustive.

What are the requirements for seeking approval for the change of shareholder/beneficial interest of a licence holder?

When changing a shareholder/beneficial interest of a licence holder, the Commission must be presented with a breakdown of the Company's proposed shareholding (which must indicate the number and percentage of shares held by each proposed shareholder). Also, information on the new shareholder must include the following:

  • Two character references
  • A police certificate/affidavit as to non-criminal record
  • A completed personal questionnaire
  • Notarized copy of individual passport identification page(s).
  • Complete resume

What is the annual licence fee for Company Managers and Trust Licence holders and when are they payable?

The annual licence fee for a:

  1. Company Management Licence: five hundred dollars (US$500) plus ten dollars (US$10) for each company under management.
  2. General Trust Licence: ten thousand dollars (US$10,000).
  3. Restricted Trust Licence: three hundred dollars (US$300).

Payment of these annual licence (renewal) fees are due during the month of January.

What information is required for approval of the appointment of directors/senior officers of licence holders?

Documentation required for the appointment of a director/senior officer:

  • Two character references
  • A police certificate/affidavit as to non-criminal record
  • A completed personal questionnaire
  • Notarized copy of individual passport identification page(s)
  • Complete resume

What criteria are used to determine whether an applicant for a licence is fit and proper?

In determining whether an individual is "fit and proper" the Commission will consider a person's:(a) honesty, integrity and reputation (b) competence and capability and (c) financial soundness.

I am interested in establishing a trust in the BVI, how should I proceed?

Information with respect to establishing a trust in the BVI should be directed to a General Trust Company or Legal Advocate in the British Virgin Islands. A listing of these persons can be obtained from this website.

How do I conduct a company search?

Information on companies formed in the British Virgin Islands can be obtained from the BVI Commercial Registry. General information on a company's registration number, registered office, incorporation date, status and authorized capital, etc. is available. A small fee is charged for each search and various payment methods are available for your convenience.

Please contact the BVI Commercial Registry to conduct your search. Contact info: (284) 494 5355-phone or (284) 494 6331-fax.

How may I retain a list of the Authorised or Registered Agents of the BVI?

A list of the Authorised Registered Agents of the BVI may be accessed via this website.

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