Nevis International Business Corporations (NBCs / IBCs)

A Modern Take on the Classic Offshore Company. Fast, Flexible, and Globally Recognized.

Overview & Benefits

A Nevis Business Corporation (NBC) — also commonly referred to as a Nevis IBC (International Business Corporation) — is a versatile and widely recognized offshore company structure. Created under the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance, NBCs offer fast setup, flexible management, and strong confidentiality for international business, banking, investment holding, or corporate structuring.

Unlike LLCs, NBCs have a shareholder–director model, making them well-suited for clients who prefer traditional corporate governance, layered ownership, or plan to issue shares to multiple parties.

Key Benefits of a Nevis NBC / IBC

Widely Recognized Structure

The Nevis IBC format is the best-known corporate structure worldwide, accepted by banks and counterparties worldwide.

Director & Shareholder Model

Ideal for traditional corporate governance and multi-party ownership.

Fast Incorporation

Registered within 24–48 hours.

Global Utility

Use for asset holding, international trade, licensing, or offshore operations.

Strong Confidentiality

No public registry of owners or directors.

Built-In Flexibility

Issue different share classes, appoint professional directors, customize voting rights.

NBC / IBC Formation Process

Forming a Nevis Business Corporation is fast and efficient, with fully remote onboarding and no travel required.

Planning Call

We discuss your business purpose, preferred ownership structure, number of shareholders/directors, and other needs. The proposed company name is reserved for 10 days.

KYC & Details

Submit standard due diligence documents and confirm corporate name, share structure, and other governance details. Due diligence documents must prove your name, address, source of wealth, and source of the funds to be invested in the IBC. Bank and commercial references will normally be required.

Legal Drafting

We draft the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and share certificates tailored to your structure and jurisdictional needs.

Registrar Filing

The NBC/IBC is submitted to the Nevis Registrar of Corporations and becomes legally active upon approval.

Delivery of Documents

We provide you with company documents (issued in digital format), and optional legal commentary. If a legal opinion is required, we coordinate with qualified external attorneys. These documents serve as additional proof of the IBC's registration and provide legal clarity. For an extra fee, we can also obtain certified and apostilled paper copies of any documents required, to be despatched to you by courier.

Typical processing time: 24–48 hours once KYC and payment are complete.

Ongoing Management & Compliance

Nevis IBCs are designed for simplicity and privacy — but like any legal entity, they require proper maintenance and compliance.

Annual Requirements

Renewal of registered agent and government fees. This ensures that the NBC remains in good standing with the Nevis authorities.
Maintenance of a registered office in Nevis. A registered office is required for receiving legal correspondence and official notices. This is provided by the Registered Agent, although it is technically a separate service.
No requirement to file financials or disclose stakeholders publicly. This maintains the confidentiality of the NBC's financial information and ownership structure. You must however file a 2 page annual information return, form CT-101. Generally the Registered Agent will assist you with this.
Financial Statements: although you are not required to file financial statements anywhere, it is important to prepare them - for example, your bank might ask for them, or you might need them as part of your personal tax return in your country of residence.

Bookkeeping & Records

NBCs should maintain internal financial records and resolutions. Proper record-keeping is essential for transparency and compliance.
For active corporations (e.g., trading, investments), bookkeeping is typically outsourced to suitably qualified professionals. Outsourcing bookkeeping can ensure accurate and efficient financial management. You can also do your own book-keeping using online software, such as Xero, which makes preparation of reports at any time very easy.

Legal Compliance

Our job is to ensure your Nevis corporation stays in good standing with local law. Ongoing legal compliance is crucial for avoiding penalties and maintaining the NBC's legal status. Besides making the regular payments on time, it is important to keep an eye on changing legislation.
Optional extra documents are always available: such as Certificates of Good Standing, Certificates of Incumbency, amending company documents, changing managers, passing resolutions, issuing powers of attorney etc. This provides flexibility to adapt the corporate structure as needed.

TrustNevis.com also offers complete corporate management services, manager appointments, and document updates as needed.

Ready to Launch a Nevis IBC?

Incorporate Your International Business with a Nevis NBC.

Important Notice

TrustNevis.com does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice regarding your domestic obligations.

Clients are advised to seek independent legal and tax advice in their home jurisdictions to determine whether foreign corporate ownership, control, or income must be reported or disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Nevis NBC/IBC and a Nevis LLC?

While both offer asset protection and privacy, an NBC (IBC) uses a shareholder-director model, making it ideal for clients familiar with traditional corporate structures. NBCs also allow multiple share classes, formal governance rules (bylaws), and are often preferred by banks for business use. LLCs, by contrast, use a simpler and more flexible member-managed approach. If you are not sure which of the two options is better for you, book a call with us and we will be happy to give you advice.

Can a Nevis IBC be used for active business or just holding assets?

Yes — IBCs are well-suited for active business operations, including international trade, e-commerce, consulting, real estate investing and much more. They can also be used passively for asset holding, banking, and structuring investments.

Can my Nevis IBC issue shares to a trust or foundation?

Absolutely. Many clients use IBCs in conjunction with trusts or foundations for layered ownership, control separation, and estate planning. TrustNevis.com can help structure this to meet your asset protection and compliance goals.

Is there a public record of shareholders or directors?

No — Nevis IBCs are not subject to any public registry of directors, officers, or shareholders. All corporate data is kept privately with the registered agent, in compliance with Nevis law.

Can a Nevis IBC open international bank accounts?

Yes. Nevis IBCs are commonly used to open offshore accounts, especially in jurisdictions that accept non-resident corporations. While many banks may require enhanced due diligence on offshore structures, the IBC format is internationally familiar and widely accepted.

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This website and the TrustNevis.com brand are operated by Fiduciary Generation LLC (“FG”) on behalf of a network of independent professional service providers (the “Principals”). In particular regarding services regulated in Nevis, LLC and IBC services are provided by Spectrum Management and Consulting Ltd, and Nevis Trust and Foundation services are provided by Lighthouse Trust Nevis Limited. Any amounts billed or collected by FG to clients are charged in its capacity as payment collection agent on behalf of the Principals.