Legal Services
Seychelles Jurisdiction Overview
The Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean and is an independent Republic within the British Commonwealth. It is famous for its exotic beaches, pristine waters, and warm climate. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Vallee de Mai on Praslin (with its famously shaped Coco de Mer) and Aldabra, the world’s largest coral atoll. The Seychellois population of approximately 90,000 stems from multi-ethnic roots, and the official languages are English, French and Seychellois Creole.
The legal system derives from both French and English sources. It is a hybrid legal system combining both civil and common law, allowing for comprehensive and modern international financial services laws. Port Victoria is well equipped with modern cargo handling facilities and is one of the finest in the Indian Ocean region. The airport is served by several international airlines, providing easy access to European and Asian destinations. Its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean allows for real-time communication with both Europe and Asia in a day’s working hours.
The Seychelles offshore financial centre is among the fastest-growing offshore jurisdictions in the world, with its Registrar rated as one of the most efficient in the offshore world. The political stability, legal system and communication infrastructure have allowed Seychelles to become a progressive offshore centre with modern legislation, ensuring investor security and confidentiality. Seychelles provides a wide array of products such as International Business Company (IBC), Protected Cell Company (PCC), Trusts, Mutual Funds, Offshore Bank Accounts, Foundations, and services such as Legal, Accounting & Auditing that are ideal for offshore businesses.
Christen Consult has established its Head Office in the heart of the capital at Unity House, Suite 212, Victoria. It has access to all banks operating in Seychelles and to financial and non-financial institutions necessary for its daily operations.
Legal Services
Christen Chambers, founded by Attorney-at-Law Ms. Tamara Christen, offers comprehensive corporate and legal advice and services.
Investment and Finance
The Chamber specialises in acting for and guiding entrepreneurs to set up, finance and grow their businesses. We assist with conceptualising the idea, creating the legal entity and structuring it within an existing framework or alternatively also set up the structures in anticipation of future growth. We also assist with navigating through the licensing requirements, bank account opening and guide our clients through the different financing options.
We aim to find the most appropriate way of structuring and financing any given transaction.
Company and Commercial
The Chambers has considerable experience in working with exiting businesses advising on all facets of the running of a company but specialises in advisory work relating to investments, project management, deal structuring and financing, drafting of all the required contracts and financing and security documents.
We assist with strategy for M&A’s as well as draft all documentation required for the transaction and the continued success of the venture. We draft all agreements ranging from master service agreements, NDA’s, consultancy agreements, agency and distribution agreements.
We work with listed companies ans well a companies seeking to list in the MERJ stock exchange in Seychelles. The Chambers is often asked to provide transactional opinions to multinational banks and regulatory authorities on the validity and enforceability of the contemplated transaction.
We also advise and assist with brand protection when the need arises.
Property and Construction
We have and continue to work with the leading property developer on the island. We try our best to offer a full service starting with the due diligence on any potential purchase, the sanction applications that may be required as well as the drafting and registration of the purchase agreements.
If the client wishes to develop the site, we also assist with drafting up all the neccesary contractual documents, conducting due diligence on the architects, contractors, engineers and seeing the project through to fruition.
This service is for both commercial and residential property.
Succession and Estate Planning
The Chambers also provides advice as to the succession laws governing the assets located in the jurisdiction so as to safeguard and grow the client’s portfolio and plan how distribution will occur upon the opening of succession.
For more information about our Legal Services, contact tamara@christenchambers.net to find out how we can assist you.
Offshore Company Formations
Christen Consult are specialists in the formation and administration of Seychelles IBCs. Our services include provision of the Registered Address, Registered Agent, company management and administration services, provision of directors and shareholders, bank account introductions, preparation of corporate documentation, secretarial services and a range of further ancillary services in Seychelles.
Offshore Bank Accounts
Christen Consult assists clients in the process of obtaining offshore bank accounts. We maintain relationships with several banks located in major international and offshore banking centres. The range of Banking services include, but are not limited to, multi-currency accounts, trade finance, internet banking, cash management, credit/debit card facilities and interest bearing current accounts.
