Applications for trade licenses are classified in three categories and the following information is required with each application form:
1. Application by a BVIslander/Belonger
- Two passport-sized photos (2”x2”)
- Proof of status (Birth Certificate, Belonger, or Naturalization Certificate)
- A short cover letter giving details of the proposed business
- General information (qualification and /or experience where required)
2. Application by a Non-BVIslander
- Two passport-sized photos (2”x2”)
- A personal reference
- A business reference
- A financial reference (from a bank where you have maintained an account for at least 3 years)
- A police record or clearance certificate (from a country in which you have resided for at least 12 months)
- A copy of the picture page of your passport.
- General information on work history, qualification and experience
3. Application by a Company
- Outline of the operation and activities of the company
- Copy of the certificate of incorporation.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Details of shareholdings
- Register of Directors (personal information same as above required for each director)
- For BVI owned companies, documentation to prove that at least 60% of the shareholders and at least 60% of the directors of the company are BVIslanders.
All documents submitted should also be certified by a notary public or justice of peace in the British Virgin Islands.
How long does it take?
If all the required documents are submitted with the application, your trade license should be processed in six to eight weeks. If additional information or an interview is required, you will be contacted within three business days of receipt of your application. Although it is not required, at the time of application, further clarification of the intended business can be provided by submitting a business plan with your application. You will be notified within seven business days after a decision has been made on the application. If your application is denied, you may query why it was denied and may submit an appeal to the Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office.