Compare
Side-by-side view of company formation and licensing support across the four jurisdictions. Minimum to start differs by jurisdiction and is shown in the jurisdictions table. The exact quote is confirmed after identity screening.
Company formation
| Jurisdiction | Fee range | Typical use | Regulatory profile | Substance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Lucia | $3,800 to $5,500 | Holding and general commercial structures | Company registry; confirm the current regime for any regulated activity | Low to moderate |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | $3,800 to $6,000 | Holding and general commercial structures | Company registry; confirm the current regime for any regulated activity | Low to moderate |
| Mauritius | $4,500 to $7,000 | Regulated financial, investment and fund-related activity | Financial Services Commission oversees licensed activity | Moderate to high |
| Seychelles | $3,800 to $6,500 | Holding and international business structures | Company registry; the Financial Services Authority oversees regulated activity | Low to moderate |
Licensing support
| Jurisdiction | Fee range | Regulator | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Lucia | $8,200 to $12,000 | Confirm with local counsel | Virtual asset and payment activity is set by local law and changes over time. Confirm current requirements before committing. |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | $8,200 to $13,000 | Confirm with local counsel | Virtual asset and payment activity is set by local law and changes over time. Confirm current requirements before committing. |
| Mauritius | $10,000 to $15,000 | Financial Services Commission | Financial services activity is overseen by the Financial Services Commission, and substance requirements usually apply. |
| Seychelles | $18,000 to $22,000 | Confirm with local counsel | Virtual asset and payment activity is regulated under local law. Confirm which authority supervises your activity and what substance it requires. |
How to read the comparison
- Fees are indicative ranges. Government, regulator, bank and capital costs are extra in every case.
- Substance means the local presence a regulator may expect, such as an office, directors or staff.
- Regulatory profile describes which authority is involved. It does not predict whether an application will be approved.
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Company formation comparison (PDF) · Licensing comparison (PDF)
The exact quote is set after identity screening. Indicative fee ranges only. Prices exclude government, regulator, bank and capital costs and are confirmed in writing after identity and source-of-funds checks. We do not guarantee incorporation timelines, bank account opening or licence approval.
Decision checklist
- Confirm the activity you plan to run and whether it is regulated in the jurisdiction you choose.
- Compare the minimum to start and the licensing fee against your budget, including the costs we exclude.
- Check the substance expectation and whether you can meet it in practice.
- Ask for a written scope before you pay anything beyond the minimum to start.
Questions
Which jurisdiction is cheapest?
Saint Lucia has the lowest minimum to start at $3,500. The cheapest option for you depends on your activity and on the extra costs it creates.
Why are licensing fees so different?
Licensing support covers different activities and different regulators. The fee follows the complexity of the application, not a single fixed price.
Which option suits which plan
- A holding or general commercial structure with no regulated activity usually points to a company formation option.
- A planned virtual asset or payment business points to licensing support, and the regulator becomes central to the timeline.
- A fund or investment-related plan usually needs the most substance, and Mauritius is built for that kind of activity.