The Bahamas: company formation
International Business Company · Americas
Updated on 3 November 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
IBC in the Bahamas — company, registered office, banking file and annual upkeep, run by us, with a local correspondent where we have one.
Who this jurisdiction suits
- An established centre with a stable legal framework of British tradition.
- No direct taxation.
- Proximity to the US market.
What it does not solve
- Account opening from abroad very difficult.
- Substance obligations apply to certain activities.
Conditions to meet
Usual authorised capital, not a legal minimum
Usual time, from our files; to be checked.
Difficult from abroad. Local opening possible if you travel.
Registered office and agent mandatory, included. Substance obligations apply to certain activities.
Our assessment for the Bahamas; to be checked.
Not offered.
Our offer in the Bahamas, internal catalogue.
Services and prices
Starting prices excluding tax, government fees included.
See the other 9 services in this jurisdiction
Firm price after the call: several shareholders, indirect ownership or a regulated activity change it.
The Bahamas: what is specific to it
- Register of Beneficial Ownership Act 2018 (in force on 20 December 2018): every company, IBCs included, reports its beneficial owners to the Registrar General; the register is not public. Source: scb.gov.bs
- The international company falls under the International Business Companies Act 2000. Source: scb.gov.bs
Reviewed on 30 September 2026.
Bahamas compared with Nevis and Costa Rica
| Bahamas | Nevis | Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual company form | IBC | LLC · IBC | SRL |
| Corporate taxation | 0 % | 0 % on foreign-source income | 30% (reduced rates for small companies) |
| Share capital | $50,000 | $100,000 | Not established |
| Incorporation time | 10 days | 2–3 days | About 3 days (CrearEmpresa platform) |
| Banking access | Difficult | Difficult | Demanding |
| Substance requirement | Necessary, but not sufficient on its own | Necessary, but not sufficient on its own | Necessary, but not sufficient on its own |
| Our services | from 4,390 € | from 2,290 € | from 5,190 € |
To be checked against each profile. The page for Nevis → · The page for Costa Rica →
Registered office and premises in the Bahamas
From 1,290 €. Registered office service →
How it runs
- Scoping and identity verification
- Name reservation
- Filing and incorporation
- Delivery of the corporate file
- Account opening
For the Bahamas, the usual time is 10 days.
Steps as recorded on 21 September 2026.
Group: International place of incorporation · Our fees → · What we do for you →
Company formation in the Bahamas: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in the Bahamas?
Company formation in the Bahamas starts at 4,390 €, excluding tax. Firm quote before signature.
How long does it take to register a company in the Bahamas?
About 10 days once the file is complete (usual time from our files; to be checked).
What is the corporate tax rate in the Bahamas?
0 % (data as of 21 September 2026; source: inlandrevenue.finance.gov.bs; to be checked). Not tax advice.
What share capital is usual in the Bahamas?
$50,000: usual authorised capital, not a legal minimum; to be checked.
Why set up a company in the Bahamas?
An established centre with a stable legal framework of British tradition. No direct taxation. Proximity to the US market.
What are the drawbacks of a company in the Bahamas?
Account opening from abroad very difficult. Substance obligations apply to certain activities.
Bahamas or Nevis or Costa Rica: where do our services start?
from 4,390 € in the Bahamas; from 2,290 € in Nevis; from 5,190 € in Costa Rica, excluding tax.
Bahamas or Nevis or Costa Rica: how does corporate tax compare?
Bahamas, 0 %; Nevis, 0 % on foreign-source income; Costa Rica, 30% (reduced rates for small companies); to be checked.
Bahamas or Nevis or Costa Rica: which is faster to register?
Bahamas in 10 days; Nevis in 2–3 days; Costa Rica in About 3 days (CrearEmpresa platform), usual times.
Where these figures come from
Recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked; banking and substance: our assessment. How we source these figures →