Company Limited by Shares in British Virgin Islands — Import / Export & Trading Formation Guide
Choose a jurisdiction with strong logistics infrastructure, favorable customs agreements, and access to major trade blocs (like the EU or US). Consider VAT deferral schemes and free trade zones.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
0.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$550
Annual Fee
$550
Forming a Company Limited by Shares in British Virgin Islands as a Import / Export & Trading means a total tax burden of 0.0% and an official formation cost of $550. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1-2 business days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $2,000
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $1,700
Why Company Limited by Shares for Import / Export & Trading?
A business model focused on sourcing goods from one country and selling them in another. Success relies heavily on supply chain efficiency, customs compliance, and navigating international trade tariffs.
Ideal for
- Physical product brands
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Dropshippers scaling to bulk inventory
- Cross-border B2B traders
Challenges to watch
- Complex customs and import duties
- High shipping and logistics costs
- Cash flow management due to inventory delays
- Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
Key decision criteria
- Proximity to major ports or logistics hubs
- Availability of Free Trade Zones (FTZs)
- VAT and sales tax registration requirements (e.g., EORI in the EU)
- Double taxation treaties between sourcing and selling countries
Company Limited by Shares formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1-2 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
Directors can be of any nationality and reside anywhere. Corporate directors are also permitted.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $1,000,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 0%. The BVI does not impose Value Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), or any general sales tax, including on digital services.
Banking & payments for Import / Export & Trading
Opening a traditional bank account for a BVI company has become increasingly difficult due to strict global compliance and economic substance requirements. Most founders rely on international fintech platforms or specialized offshore banks, which offer remote onboarding but still require thorough KYC and clear business models.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Bank of Asia (BVI)
A digital-first bank licensed in the BVI, specializing in offshore companies and Asian-linked businesses.
Payoneer
A popular global fintech platform that supports BVI companies for cross-border B2B payments and e-commerce.
Mercury
Available for BVI companies if they have US founders, US operations, or significant US-based business activities.
Company Limited by Shares formation steps
Choose a unique company name and verify its availability with the BVI Registry of Corporate Affairs.
Select a licensed BVI Registered Agent, which is legally required to incorporate and maintain the company.
Complete rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) due diligence with the Registered Agent.
Draft and file the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) with the BVI Registry.
Pay the initial government incorporation fee ($550 for up to 50,000 shares) and the Registered Agent fees.
Receive the digital Certificate of Incorporation and officially appoint the first directors within 15 days.
File the Register of Directors with the BVI Registry (kept confidential) and issue shares to the beneficial owners.
Import / Export & Trading FAQ
Do I need a company in the country I am importing to?
Not always. You can often act as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), but having a local entity can simplify customs, VAT registration, and local banking.
What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for businesses importing or exporting goods into or out of the European Union.
Should I incorporate in a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
FTZs offer tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, making them ideal if you plan to re-export goods without them entering the local domestic market.
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One-time and annual cost breakdown
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