Foreign Affairs

The British Virgin Islands are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), British overseas territories and crown dependencies, outlying territories of European countries, and the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations.

With the exception of Canadian and American citizens who only need birth certificate, certification of citizenship, or voter registration card to enter the British Virgin Islands, all non-residents, including British citizens, must have a passport to enter. Nevertheless, as a result of the U.S. government’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), American, Canadian, and Mexican citizens will have to present a passport or other accepted document establishing the traveler’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the U.S. by air from within the Western Hemisphere. This initiative will go into affect in January of 2008 and will affect all visitors to the Caribbean.

As long as there is evidence of sufficient funds and proof of a return or onward ticket, visitors can receive a Visa for up to six months.

Only “belongers,” naturalized citizens, and those holding certificates of residency may work in the British Virgin Islands without a valid work permit. It is only possible to obtain a work permit upon proof that no local applicant is suitable for the position.

Non-belongers must be granted an Alien Landholding License in order to lease or purchase lands. It is necessary to include two personal financial references, one bank reference, two character references, a police record, an application fee of $50 (individual) or $75 (company), and license fee of $150 (individual) or $200 (company) along with license applications. Holders of licenses are required to make a two or three commitment to developing unimproved land.

A new immigration policy designed to clarify the rules surrounding applications for “belonger” status and residence was announced by the government in December 2004. The Board of Immigration was set to make recommendations in the coming year with regards to people who applied for residence status prior to the 1 January 2003 and had lived continuously in the territory for the past twenty years. The result of their recommendations was that 92 individuals received residence and belonger certificates in June 2005.

As for those who applied for residency status after 1 January 2003 or will apply in the future, only 25 people each year will be granted residence and belonger certificates. It is important to note that the government is adamant that individuals who are away from the British Virgin Islands for more than ninety days in a calendar year will be denied residency status.

The government has admitted that controlling immigration in the territory is a “very serious challenge” and that it is important to strike a careful balance between opening its arms to foreigners and protecting the rights and privileges of the citizens of the British Virgin Islands.

The World of Business

In addition to the widespread us of the English language and a legal system that is rooted in English common law, the British Virgin Islands have a strong business infrastructure including great telecommunications systems. The combinations of these strengths make the British Virgin Island an excellent location for a business base. A qualified and diverse professional services sector provides strong support for the many offshore companies, insurers, mutual funds, and trusts that operate on the island.

Doing business in the British Virgin Islands, which is distinct from establishing an offshore trust or company, requires a Trade License from the Trade and Investment Promotion Department. A financial statement, two business references fro the individual or company applying, a financial statement, and financial details for the proposed business must accompany the application form.

Ten-year tax holidays and import duty exemptions on capital requirements are available for investors into enterprises for which there is a “special” need in the British Virgin Islands under the Pioneer Services and Enterprise Ordinance.

Ten- or twenty- year tax holidays and import duty exemptions on building materials and equipment are available under the Hotel Aid Ordinance.

The government has a reputation for supporting investments into a variety of activities including film production, yachting services, food procession, tourist-oriented manufacturing, and e-commerce.