Guernsey is a Crown Dependency and established funds, holding, and family-office centre, with companies registered by the Guernsey Registry under the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008 and finance activity supervised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission ("GFSC"). It is distinctive for a tax-neutral 0% standard rate, no VAT, and same-day incorporation.
Most founders use the company limited by shares (private) under the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008. Alternatives include the public company, the protected and incorporated cell companies (PCC/ICC), the foundation, and limited partnerships.
There is no minimum capital (a single share on formation suffices), and at least one director is required with no residency requirement — but the company must at all times have a resident agent (either a Guernsey-resident director or a licensed corporate services provider), and incorporation is carried out by a Guernsey-regulated provider. A registered office in Guernsey is required. Incorporation through the Guernsey Registry is usually completed within 24 hours, with a same-day fast-track option.
The Revenue Service applies corporate income tax of 0% for most companies, 10% for certain financial-services businesses (banking, insurance, custody, fund administration, fiduciary, investment exchange), and 20% for utilities, Guernsey property income, and large retail; a 15% Pillar Two top-up applies to large MNE groups from 2025. There is no VAT/GST, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax. Beneficial owners are filed to a non-public register maintained by the Registry.