Advantages The flexibility of the legislation allows a company incorporated in the BVI to operate with the absolute minimum of fuss Low annual fees Highly popular Disadvantages The lack of public registers can make proof of ownership difficult Not particularly recommended for high profile trading operations Company Status International Business Company (IBC) Corporate legislation source Common Law - International Business Companies Act 1984 - as amended Company name Prior approval required. Some words sensitive, eg Royal, Imperial. Must end \'Limited\', or \'Corporation\', \'Incorporated\', \'Societe Anonyme\' or any other recognised alternative Time taken to incorporate One day Are shelf companies available? Yes Usual minimum capital US $50,000 Capital Duty If the company\'s authorised capital does not exceed US$50,000, or equivalent, the fee is US$300. If over US$50,000 this increases to US$1,000 Minimum number of shareholders One