Doing Business with Seychelles

Exporting goods to Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Research Market Requirements

   • Understand Seychelles’ import regulations and product standards.

2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for tariff and regulation details.

3. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather necessary export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading.

4. Check Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers

   • Verify any tariffs and ensure compliance with non-tariff measures.

5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

   • Choose a logistics provider experienced in shipping to Seychelles.

6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Regulations

   • Ensure your products meet local labeling and packaging standards.

7. Arrange for Insurance

   • Secure insurance to cover potential shipping risks.

8. Submit Customs Declaration

   • Work with your freight forwarder to submit the necessary customs declaration.

9. Track and Confirm Delivery

   • Monitor the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination safely.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Revenue Commission
  • Website: Seychelles Revenue Commission
• Seychelles Investment Board
  • Website: Seychelles Investment Board

Importing goods into Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Research Import Regulations

   • Familiarize yourself with Seychelles’ import laws and product-specific regulations.

2. Obtain Necessary Licenses

   • Determine if your products require special import licenses or permits.

3. Classify Your Goods

   • Identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for your products to understand tariffs and duties.

4. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather required documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin.

5. Choose a Customs Broker

   • Hire a licensed customs broker to assist with the import process.

6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Standards

   • Ensure products meet local labeling and packaging requirements.

7. Submit Customs Declaration

   • File a customs declaration with the Seychelles Revenue Commission.

8. Pay Duties and Taxes

   • Calculate and pay any applicable import duties and taxes.

9. Arrange for Transportation and Delivery

   • Coordinate with a logistics provider to transport goods to their final destination.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Revenue Commission
  • Website: Seychelles Revenue Commission
• Seychelles Investment Board
  • Website: Seychelles Investment Board

Incorporating a company in Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of company, such as an International Business Company (IBC) or a domestic company.

2. Register the Company Name

   • Reserve your company name with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

   • Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association and other required documentation.

4. Open a Bank Account

   • Open a corporate bank account for the company’s financial transactions.

5. Submit Incorporation Documents

   • File the necessary documents with the FSA or the Seychelles Registrar of Companies for domestic companies.

6. Pay the Registration Fee

   • Pay the required fee for company registration. Fees vary based on the type of company.

7. Obtain a Business License

   • Apply for a business license from the Seychelles Licensing Authority.

Costs

• Registration Fee: Generally starts around $100 for an International Business Company.
• Annual Fees: Applicable for maintaining the company’s status.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Financial Services Authority
  • Website: Seychelles FSA
• Seychelles Registrar of Companies
  • Website: Registrar of Companies
• Seychelles Licensing Authority
  • Website: Seychelles Licensing Authority

Setting up a manufacturing plant in Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Feasibility Study

   • Assess market demand, location suitability, and resource availability.

2. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

3. Register the Company

   • Register your business with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA).

4. Secure Financing

   • Arrange funding through banks or investors.

5. Select a Location

   • Choose an industrial area with access to necessary infrastructure and resources.

6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

   • Apply for construction permits and environmental approvals from the Seychelles Licensing Authority.

7. Design and Construct the Facility

   • Hire architects and contractors to design and build the plant according to regulations.

8. Purchase and Install Equipment

   • Acquire machinery that meets safety and operational standards.

9. Hire and Train Employees

   • Recruit skilled workers and provide necessary training.

10. Set Up Supply Chain and Distribution

    • Establish relationships with suppliers and distributors.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Financial Services Authority
  • Website: Seychelles FSA
• Seychelles Investment Board
  • Website: Seychelles Investment Board
• Seychelles Licensing Authority
  • Website: Seychelles Licensing Authority

Registering a trademark in Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

   • Ensure your trademark is unique by searching the Seychelles Intellectual Property Office database.

2. Prepare Your Application

   • Gather necessary details, including the trademark design and list of goods/services.

3. Submit the Application

   • File your application with the Seychelles Intellectual Property Office.

4. Pay the Application Fee

   • Pay the required fees for trademark registration. Check the website for current rates.

5. Application Examination

   • The office examines the application for compliance and potential conflicts.

6. Publication for Opposition

   • If approved, the trademark is published for a period during which others can oppose it.

7. Receive Registration Certificate

   • If no oppositions are filed, you receive the official trademark registration certificate.

Costs

• Application Fee: Varies based on the number of classes and type of application.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Intellectual Property Office
  • Website: Seychelles IPO

Resolving commercial disputes in Seychelles involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Consult Legal Counsel

   • Engage a lawyer experienced in Seychellois commercial law for guidance.

2. Attempt Negotiation

   • Try to resolve the dispute amicably through direct negotiation with the other party.

3. Mediation

   • Consider mediation through a neutral third party to facilitate a resolution.

4. Arbitration

   • Use arbitration for a binding resolution if both parties agree.

5. Litigation

   • If other methods fail, file a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of Seychelles. Prepare for a formal legal process.

6. Enforcement of Judgments

   • Ensure the decision is enforced through the relevant authorities.

Costs

• Legal Fees: Vary depending on the complexity and length of the dispute.
• Court Fees: Required for litigation and depend on the case specifics.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Judiciary
  • Website: Seychelles Judiciary
• Seychelles International Arbitration Centre
  • Website: SIAC

When considering business in Seychelles, it’s important to understand various factors:

Social and Cultural Factors

• Language: English, French, and Seychellois Creole are widely spoken.
• Business Etiquette: Formality in meetings is common; building relationships is important.

Political Factors

• Government: Presidential republic.
• Stability: Generally stable political environment with a focus on tourism and sustainability.

Economic Factors

• Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR).
• Key Industries: Tourism, fishing, offshore financial services.

Foreign Exchange

• Exchange Rate: The Seychellois Rupee can fluctuate; businesses should monitor rates.

Rule of Law

• Legal System: Based on English common law and French civil law; commercial disputes are handled in the Supreme Court.
• Intellectual Property: Protection is aligned with international standards.

Infrastructure

• Transport: Well-developed road and air connectivity; limited maritime services.
• Utilities: Reliable electricity and water supply, with ongoing improvements.

Key Contacts

• Seychelles Investment Board
  • Website: Seychelles Investment Board
• Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade
  • Website: Ministry of Finance