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Seychelles TIN number guide

TIN​

In Seychelles, taxation primarily applies to businesses rather than individuals. Income tax, which is imposed on employee emoluments through withholding tax managed by employers, requires the Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the employer for payment purposes. Employees themselves do not receive a TIN; instead, only the employer possesses this identifier. The Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) exclusively issues TINs, which are utilized for all tax payments and are displayed on the Business Activity Statement, a mandatory form submitted with monthly payments. Each TIN is automatically generated by the computerized system and is distinct to each taxpayer. Once a business ceases operations, its TIN cannot be duplicated or reissued.

Format

The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a nine-digit identifier generated through an algorithm, ensuring compliance with a checksum requirement.

Example : 742864808

Official database TIN search

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Frequently Asked Questions​

Can a Seychelles IBC obtain a TIN directly from SRC, or must it go through a registered agent?​

An IBC cannot apply for a TIN directly with the Seychelles Revenue Commission. Every application must be submitted through the company's licensed Seychelles registered agent, who lodges the IBC Registration Form on the company's behalf. [1] The SRC will allocate the TIN within 24 hours of a complete submission, provided the IBC is in good standing and maintains its accounting records at the registered office address in Seychelles. If the company has no genuine business activity — only banking use — the SRC has suspended direct TIN issuance for that purpose and instead offers a Certificate of Tax Residence as the accepted banking alternative. [2]

My EU bank is demanding a TIN for my Seychelles IBC or it will freeze my account. What should I do?​

This is a widely reported friction point on offshore business forums. Banks operating under OECD Common Reporting Standard obligations must collect a TIN or equivalent tax identifier for every corporate account holder. If your IBC's TIN was issued for business-activity purposes, supply it. If your IBC was structured for banking only and SRC has not issued a TIN, obtain a Certificate of Tax Residence from the SRC — this is the officially recognized substitute the SRC provides when a full TIN is not applicable. [1] Present this certificate alongside your corporate documents to satisfy the bank's CRS due-diligence requirement. Failure to respond risks the bank filing a Suspicious Activity Report with law enforcement. [2]

What is the deadline to register with SRC after starting to trade, and what penalties apply for missing it?​

Every new business — including a domestic company, sole trader, or IBC with Seychelles-sourced income — must register with the SRC and obtain a TIN within 28 days of commencing trading. Employers must additionally register all employees within 7 days of hiring. [3] Missing the Business Activity Statement payment deadline triggers a late-payment penalty of 15% of the outstanding tax plus daily interest on the unpaid balance until fully settled. Withholding tax on employee emoluments must be remitted to the SRC within 21 days after the end of each applicable month using the BAS form. [4]

Does a foreign company selling goods or services in Seychelles need to appoint a local VAT representative to register?​

Yes. Any non-resident business that makes VAT-taxable supplies in Seychelles and either has a permanent establishment there or exceeds the mandatory registration threshold — SCR 2 million in annual taxable turnover from 1 January 2025 — must appoint a Seychelles-resident VAT representative before registering. [3] The SRC can also require foreign registrants to lodge a security deposit at the time of registration. Businesses with turnover between SCR 100,000 and SCR 2 million may register voluntarily from 1 January 2025. The representative is jointly responsible for VAT filings and payments, so choosing a licensed local agent is critical. [5]

Does an IBC that earns only foreign-sourced passive income still owe Seychelles Business Tax, and what substance is required?​

A Seychelles IBC that earns foreign-sourced passive income — dividends, interest, royalties, rental income — can remain exempt from Business Tax, but only if it demonstrates adequate economic substance in Seychelles. Since the Business Tax (Amendment) Act aligned the rules with EU requirements, IBCs that are part of a multinational group and derive such passive income must show that strategic decisions are made and risks are managed from Seychelles. [6] Pure equity-holding IBCs satisfy a lighter standard: maintaining a local registered agent, a registered office, and completing statutory filings. IBCs that fail the substance test become liable to Business Tax at the progressive domestic rates — 0% on the first SCR 150,000 for sole proprietors, 15% up to SCR 1 million, and 33% on income above that for certain sectors. [7]