Skip to main content
THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Seychelles

SYC

The Seychelles is an Indian Ocean archipelago of 115 islands renowned for its political stability, territorial tax system, and status as Africa's most prosperous nation by GDP per capita. The country has deliberately cultivated a business-friendly environment: International Business Companies (IBCs) face zero corporate tax on foreign-sourced income and can be incorporated rapidly and affordably. The financial services sector—spanning IBCs, trusts, and foundations—accounts for a significant share of GDP alongside tourism. Residents are taxed only on Seychelles-sourced income, making the islands attractive for wealth structuring and holding-company strategies. A strong passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 destinations including the Schengen Area and UK.

Passport Rank

#28

Visa-Free

152

destinations

Country Details

Capital
Victoria
Currency
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Languages
Seychellois Creole, English, French
Population
99,000
Tax System
Territorial
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Naturalisation
5 years
Schengen / EU
No
Climate
Tropical oceanic; warm and humid year-round, no defined dry season
English Proficiency Rank
#28
Territorial Taxation
Yes — foreign-sourced income may not be taxed

Indices

Cost of Living

62

Safety

61

Healthcare

52

Quality of Life

58

Tax Summary

Tax System
Territorial
Territorial Taxation
Yes — foreign-sourced income may not be taxed
Naturalisation
5 years of legal residency
Dual Citizenship
Allowed

Cost of Living by City

← scroll the table →

Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit pass
Victoria—————
Anse Royale—————
Beau Vallon—————

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Visa Categories & Immigration Authority

Major Visa Categories

  • Visitor (visa-free for all)
  • Workforce Permit
  • Gainful Occupation Permit
  • Investor
  • Student
  • Dependants Permit
  • Permanent Residence
Authority
Department of Immigration & Civil Status
Official Portal
www.immigration.gov.sc
Phone
+248 4293 000
Email
immigration@gov.sc

Naturalisation Details

Residence Years
Language Test
No
Civic Test
No
Oath Required
No
Dual Allowed
No
Fee
—
Processing
—

Safety

GPI Rank

—

Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)

Related Guides

Zero and low-tax residencies: the real list

Countries with zero personal income tax, territorial-only taxation, or special expatriate regimes — and what each one actually requires from you to qualify as a resident.

Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave

Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.

Company Formation in Seychelles

Seychelles IBC (International Business Company)

seychelles

Sources & last verified

  • Last verified 2026-06-15