British Virgin Islands: Corporate/Commercial Law

The British Virgin Islands has emerged as a premier offshore jurisdiction for Latin American high-net-worth families seeking sophisticated wealth preservation and succession planning solutions.

Two significant recent judgments delivered by the BVI court, Abdul Kadir Al Muhaidib & Sons Company v Dr Moamena Kamel & Others BVIHC(COM)2024/0213 (29 January 2026)...

Welcome to the fourth edition of the quarterly BVI Corporate Review for 2025, covering recent developments in the British Virgin Islands.

BVI companies must file annual returns containing balance sheets and income statements with their registered agents. Companies with a December 31 year-end face a September 30, 2026 deadline, while others must file within nine months of their financial year-end. Conyers offers preparation services starting at $1,500 for simple holding companies and provides secure online filing through their client portal.

The British Virgin Islands has introduced a Yacht Engaged in Trade programme that allows superyacht owners to charter their vessels for up to 84 days annually in European waters while maintaining private registration status. This flexible framework addresses a longstanding industry challenge by enabling owners to switch between private and commercial use without permanent conversion or repeated registration processes, all while maintaining Red Ensign Group standards and credibility.

The British Virgin Islands has positioned itself as a leading offshore financial centre for blockchain and crypto-asset businesses, offering a flexible regulatory framework that balances...

BVI companies must file annual returns containing balance sheets and income statements with their registered agents. Companies with a December 31 year-end face a September 30, 2026 deadline, while others must file within nine months of their financial year-end. Conyers offers preparation services starting at $1,500 for simple holding companies and provides secure online filing through their client portal.

The English High Court's decision in Re Sandycombe Development Ltd addresses whether minority shareholders can pursue unfair prejudice petitions when their losses mirror company losses, and whether such petitions can simultaneously seek both personal relief and remedies for the company itself.

Corporate applications ('CAs') are formal proceedings (such as winding-up petitions and unfair prejudice claims) filed pursuant to specific legislation in order to resolve corporate disputes or compel action involving or relating to a company.

Thinking of paying dividends from your British Virgin Islands ("BVI") company? Subject to compliance with the applicable statutory solvency test and any restrictions contained in a company's memorandum and articles...

The Virgin Islands Special Trust Act, 2003 (VISTA) was enacted to make special provision for trusts of shares in companies and for related matters.

Restructuring & Insolvency Comparative Guide for the jurisdiction of British Virgin Islands, check out our comparative guides section to compare across multiple countries