Compare jurisdictions side by side
See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. Bahamas is a good fit for wealth and holding structures. British Virgin Islands is a good fit for holding, JV, investment vehicle. Cayman Islands is a good fit for funds, listing vehicles, institutional holding.
| Comparing3 jurisdictions |  Bahamas |  BVI |  Cayman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| Year 1 all-in | BahamasUS$1,390Lowest | BVIUS$1,925 | CaymanUS$3,990 |
| From year 2 | BahamasUS$1,000Lowest | BVIUS$1,450 | CaymanUS$3,490 |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | BahamasUS$3,390Lowest | BVIUS$4,825 | CaymanUS$10,970 |
| Tax & reporting | |||
| Headline tax | Bahamas0% local | BVI0% local | Cayman0% local |
| Annual audit | BahamasNoBest | BVINoBest | CaymanFunds only |
| Public register | BahamasNot public | BVINot public | CaymanMembers and BO not public; directors list open to inspection |
| Setup | |||
| Type | BahamasOffshore | BVIOffshore | CaymanOffshore |
| Entity | BahamasInternational Business Company | BVIBVI Business Company | CaymanExempted Company |
| Minimum directors | Bahamas1 | BVI1 | Cayman1 |
| Legal system | BahamasCommon | BVICommon | CaymanCommon |
| Time to form | Bahamas5–7 days | BVI2–5 business days | Cayman3–5 business days |
| Best for | BahamasWealth and holding structures | BVIHolding, JV, investment vehicle | CaymanFunds, listing vehicles, institutional holding |
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-upWhich one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
Any of them can work. We introduce you and prepare the application; the bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Bahamas, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Any of them can hold assets. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
British Virgin Islands, typically 2–5 business days after KYC approval.
General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.