Here, you will find an overview of the laws, regulations and easy-to-follow basic steps related to starting a business in Seychelles.


This section gives a simple outline of the basic steps involved in starting a business.
If you are a local investor, please follow these basic steps.
If you are a foreign investor, please follow these basic steps.



This section gives an overview of the basic cost of operation in Seychelles and which is subject to change. more>>

• Gainful Occupational Permit (GOP)
  The Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) is required by all non-Seychellois to work in Seychelles. The GOP is issued by the Immigration Division, Department of Internal Affairs.

• Registration
  All businesses trading in Seychelles are governed by the Companies Act 1972. Investors should register their businesses at the office of Registrar general.

• Licenses
  Most businesses required a license in order to carry out any business activity in Seychelles. This is obtained from the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) and the fees payable depend on the type of business activity.

• Taxation
  The Office of Tax at the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the administration and collection of taxes in Seychelles.

• Import & Export
  The Taxation Division at the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the collection of Trade Tax on imported goods. As of 1st January 2005, no Import Permit will be required for people wishing to import goods into the country for personal and commercial use except if such commodities figure on the list of restricted items.

• Human Resource Management
  Employment protection is strictly enforced in the Seychelles. All employers are recommended to familiarize themselves with the Employment Act 1995 and the Employment (Amendment) Act 1999 (Act 8 of 1999).

• Social Security
  All employees have to contribute 5% of their gross monthly pay to the Social Security Fund. The employers’ contribution to the fund is based on the employee’s level of pay. The employer receives social benefit refunds such as sick and maternity leave, given to the employee.

• Construction Permit
  Any construction development carried out by a business needs to apply for a construction permit from the Planning Authority, Ministry of National Development. An Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Department of Environment will be carried out as well during the process of obtaining a construction permit.
  
  Contact Details
  
  

  Planning Authority Independence House PO Box 199 Victoria, Mahe Tel: +248 284444 Fax: +248 225187

  Department of Environment Botanical Gardens PO Box 166 Victoria, Mahe Tel: +248 670500 Fax: +248 610648

• Occupational Safety & Health
  Any business which consists of activities, such as food or chemical processing, that can put the life of the public and its employees at risk needs to undergo an occupational safety and health inspection.
  Contact the Department of Health, Ministry of Health and Social Development for more information.