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Where are the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands is located in the Eastern Caribbean approximately 60 miles to the east of Puerto Rico. World renowned for its first class white beaches, water sports and engaging and friendly population, the BVI offers unequalled international financial services and other investment opportunities for business people all round the world.
What relationship does the British Virgin Islands
have with United Kingdom?
For how long has the BVI been responsible for
its own internal affairs?
The BVI is not an independent country.
However, since 1967 the BVI has held responsibility for its own internal affairs, which do not undermine its relationship with the United Kingdom. The BVI has its own democratically elected legislative council, ministers and legislative programme.
Are investment incentives available to prospective investors?
Is tourism the only sector in the BVI?
The BVI is more than just a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a holiday and a break. International Financial Services is also a mainstay of the British Virgin Islands attracting investment from all round the world.
The BVI is also attracting investment from a
wide-range of other areas as can be seen in our incentives to invest section.
Beyond tourism, what is the BVI's most
significant industry?
The BVIs other significant sector is International Financial Services, attracting investors from all round the world. The sector maintains the appropriate balance between investor needs and an internationally regulated sector.
The Government is also encouraging other investment opportunities, as the infrastructure and skills and experience of the population supports greater diversification of services.
Do I need a tourist visa to holiday in the BVI?
If I want to apply for a work permit, what process
do I need to follow?
The Department of Labour in the BVI is responsible for issuing work permits.
The process and documentation required to receive a work permit is fair to both those born in the BVI (Belongers) and those many who aspire to live there.
If I want to register a company in the BVI who do I contact?
What services can you receive from the BVI London Office?
The Office was set-up to promote all the interests of the territory:
- Tourism
- Investment promotions
- Financial services and training
- BVI students studying in the UK
- International relations with the EU, WTO, OECD and FATT
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
You can email the BVI UK representative at:
enquiries@bvi.org.uk
Write to:
The BVI's UK Representative
British Virgin Islands Government Office
London Office
15 Upper Grosvenor Street,
London
W1K 7PJ
Tel.: + 44 (0) 20 7355 9570
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7355 9575
For what reasons do firms domicile in the BVI?
The BVI is a leading International corporate domicile offering:
- Competitive administration costs
- Tax exemption for International Business Companies
- No capital gains, gift or wealth taxes and no death duties
- No exchange controls
- An established trust law
- Excellent communication worldwide
- Minimum of bureaucracy and red tape
What do you do if you want to register a yacht in the BVI?
The BVI, known as the yachting mecca of the Caribbean, offers an almost compelling advantage as a place for megayachts.
Many owners register their vessel in the BVI to take advantage of our relatively uncomplicated, expeditious and competitive ship registration procedure.
The Government of the BVI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Transport of the UK, which allows for registration of ‘pleasure vessel’ of up to 400 gross tons in the BVI.
For further information on registering your yacht please click on www.bvifsc.vg or contact:
Captain Baboucar Sallah
Registrar of Shipping
Tel.: (284) 494 4190 extn: 4061
Email: salahb@bvifsc.vg
What work permit restrictions exist?
In order to work in the BVI everyone except Belongers, naturalised citizens and holders of a certificate of residency are required to have a work permit. These are issued to non-islanders only in cases where the position cannot be filled by British Virgin Islanders; the training of local people to fill key positions is encouraged.
Where do I go for further information on Financial Services in the BVI?
The BVI is one of the region’s foremost international financial centres. Approximately 500,000 international business companies are on the Register. Principal activities include: corporate domicile, trust and estate planning, mutual fund administration and management and captive insurance companies.
Because tax laws vary from country to country, before starting an IBC, it is advisable for a prospective investor to consult with a tax lawyer in his country of origin to determine the suitability of forming a company in the BVI.
For further information contact the BVI International Financial Centre on 284 494 1509 or visit www.bvifc.gov.vg.
How may I get married in the BVI?
Arranging to get married in the BVI is fairly easy, with minimal residency requirements. With prior arrangements, the Registrar will often marry couples in the venue of their choice, including a beach or boat.
For information regarding requirements on getting married in the Territory, contact: Registrar’s Office, Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, BVI or phone (284) 468 3701 extn 5001. or (284) 494 3492.
How do I find out more about purchasing property in the BVI?
If you are looking to purchase property in the British Virgin Islands there are several Real Estate Agents and property managers who can help you find the property you are looking for. To know more click on the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association website www.bvihotels.org or go to BVI Welcome www.bviwelcome.com
A variety of residential properties are available for sale in the BVI, including homes, condominiums and apartments; for those desiring to build a custom designed house, home sites and raw land can also be purchased. In addition, some commercial properties are available. Non-Belongers must first obtain a Non-Belonger Landholding Licence before purchasing or leasing property.
There is a two or three year commitment to develop unimproved land. If the property has been improved, there may be no further requirement to improve the property. Most applications are handled through a lawyer. Application forms and further information regarding the documentation requirements can be obtained through the BVI Ministry of Natural Resources Tel (284) 468 3701.
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