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Bermuda consists of a group of over 150 small coral islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, and is not, as often believed, part of the Caribbean or West Indies. A series of bridges connect the main islands which cover a total area of 52km sq.
The population of Bermuda has grown from 37,000 in the 1950’s to approximately 66,000 in 2006, made up primarily of people of European and African origin.
Bermuda is a dependent territory of the United Kingdom, with Queen Elizabeth II as Chief of State, who is represented by a Governor appointed by the British Government. Bermuda has an elected House of Assembly and an appointed Upper House (Senate).
Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capital incomes in the world. This is due to it having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services.
Bermudan dollar which has parity against the US dollar.
There are no capital or exchange controls applying to Exempt Companies.
Common Law based on the English system.
The Companies Act 1981, as amended 2006.
Exempt Companies. All other Companies incorporated in Bermuda must be at least 60% owned by Bermuda residents.
The formation procedure of a Bermuda Company is complex. Initially an advertisement has to be placed in a local newspaper announcing the intention to incorporate. The name of the proposed company, together with the objects clauses, has to be disclosed in the advertisement, confirming also whether the company requires to be exempt or domestic. An application for consent to incorporate is made to the Bermuda Monetary Authority; this application should contain the following information:
A Bermuda Exempt Company may not trade within Bermuda, and may not own real estate there. A Bermuda Exempt Company may not undertake the business of banking, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, collective investment schemes, the rendering of investment advice or any other activity, which may suggest an association with the banking and insurance industries. All of the aforementioned activities are prohibited unless licensed.
A company incorporated in Bermuda has all the powers of a natural person.
English.
Yes, must be maintained in Bermuda. The statutory books of the company must be kept at the registered office, and should be available for public inspection.
No.
Two to Three weeks.
Names that are identical to or similar enough to create confusion with existing companies, or names that imply royal or government patronage. Names that in the opinion of the Registrar are considered undesirable, offensive or obscene.
Can be in any language using the Latin alphabet. If a non-English language name is used, the Registrar may request a certified English translation to satisfy him that the name is not restricted.
Bank, building society, savings, loans, trust, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, investment fund, fiduciary, broker or their foreign language equivalents.
Limited or Ltd.
Yes, but very strict secrecy laws prevents the information from becoming public knowledge.
The usual authorised share capital of a Bermuda exempt company is US$ 12,000; divided in to 12,000 common voting shares of US$ 1, which is the maximum capital for the minimum capital duty payable on incorporation and annually thereafter. The minimum issued capital is US$ 1.
Registered shares, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights.
Bermuda currently has no corporate or income tax. Exempt Bermuda companies receive a certification of tax exemption and a Government assurance under the Exempt Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966, confirming that in the event of Bermuda introducing a taxation system, exempt companies will be further exempted tax for a period not later than March 2016.
Bermuda is not a party to any double tax agreements.
The Government fee is based on the assessable capital of the company. It is payable on incorporation and in January each year. Where incorporation takes place after 31 st August only half the fee is payable.
Scale Assessable Capital (US$) Fee (BD$) 12,000 1,870 12,001 120,000 3,820 120,001 1,200,000 5,890 1,200,001 12,000,000 7,850 12,000,001 100,000,000 9,815 100,000,001 500,000,000 17,530 500,000,001 Or more 29,220
Although there is no statutory requirement to file accounts, there should be sufficient accounting records to enable the directors and shareholders to ascertain the financial position of the company. The accounting records should be kept at the registered office address. If they are kept outside Bermuda, copies of all accounting records should be available for inspection by the directors each quarter. All Bermuda companies should appoint an auditor, except where the directors and shareholders have unanimously agreed not to appoint one.
The minimum number of directors is two, who must be natural persons. There must always be sufficient Bermuda resident directors to form a quorum in Bermuda. Non-Bermuda directors may be appointed. The directors must appoint a president and vice-president or chairman and deputy chairman as officers, who must also be a director of the company.
A Bermuda company must appoint a resident company secretary, who must be a natural person.
The minimum number of shareholders is one.
Information Downloads & Order Forms Bermuda Fact Sheet Bermuda Enquiry Form Order Form Bermuda Fact Sheet
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