GENERAL

Status: Democratic
Location: West Indian Ocean 4º south of the Equator and some 1,800km from the east coast of Africa.
Area: Main island of Mahe - 150km2
Capital: Victoria, Mahe
Population: 85,000
Business languages: English and French
Currency: Seychelles Rupees
Time zone: GMT +4
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm
Climate: Equatorial.
Average temperature of 29ºc.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Seychelles Chamber of Commerce & Industries
3rd Floor Ebrahim Building
PO Box 599
Victoria Mahe
Tel: + 248 323812
Fax: + 248 321422

Seychelles International Business Authority
PO Box 991
Victoria Mahe
Tel: + 248 380800
Fax: + 248 380888

Investment Development Advisory Services
PO Box 313
Victoria Mahe
Tel: + 248 382023
Fax: + 248 225265

EXPAT EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Gainful occupation permit required.

COMMUNICATIONS

Flights to Europe, Middle East, Africa and Far East from Seychelles International Airport. Shipping connections with Europe, Middle East, Singapore and Africa.

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY

Return to multiparty democracy in 1993. Laws are based on the English and French Jurisprudence.

KEY ACTIVITIES

  • Tuna fishing and canning industry
  • Hotel and tourism related industries
  • International Trade Zone and Offshore Financial Centre

ADVANTAGES OF SEYCHELLES s

  • Speed and cost of formation of International Business Companies.
  • Sophisticated telecommunications system.
  • Strategic time zone.
  • High level of professionalism.

The content of this factfile is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances

This factfile also appears in the 'International Offshore and Financial Centres Handbook 1999/2000'. For further information about this highly informative guide to offshore centres, or to order your copy, please phone +44 (0) 207 820 7733 or send an email to iofch@mondaq.com