Nevis

Company Incorporation

Here’s a closer look at the three-step process for incorporating your iGaming company in Nevis. This structured approach ensures your business idea becomes a fully operational entity while meeting local regulatory standards.

Step 1: Company Formation

The first step involves reserving your company name and selecting the appropriate entity type. MGL’s team conducts a thorough name check to confirm availability and compliance with local regulations. At the same time, they prepare foundational documents like the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which outline your company’s objectives, share structure, and governance.

Once all paperwork is ready, MGL submits the incorporation application to the Nevis Registrar of Companies. You’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation electronically within two business days, while the original corporate kit arrives via courier within 3–7 days. After incorporation, MGL sets up a strong compliance framework to ensure your company is ready to operate.

Step 2: Compliance and Documentation

This phase focuses on preparing all the regulatory documentation your iGaming business needs. MGL’s legal experts develop Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies that meet both local and international standards. Additional corporate governance documents, such as board resolutions and bank account mandates, are also prepared.

MGL also creates a detailed business plan, which serves as an operational guide and a regulatory requirement. Other essentials, like securing a registered office address in Nevis and arranging local directorship services (if needed), are handled at this stage. Once these pieces are in place, attention shifts to licensing and financial setup.

Step 3: Licence Application and Banking Setup

The final step involves applying for your licence and establishing corporate banking. MGL compiles a complete licence application package, which includes your business plan, compliance policies, financial projections, and technical specifications for your gaming platform. The team works closely with regulatory authorities to ensure a smooth review process.

Next comes the corporate banking setup, which typically takes 3–4 weeks due to the in-depth due diligence performed by financial institutions. Leveraging its strong relationships with banks, MGL simplifies this process. Once your account is approved, payment providers are integrated to set up merchant services and gateways, ensuring everything adheres to industry standards.

Throughout all stages, MGL keeps you updated and handles any additional documentation requests to ensure the process runs smoothly.

With MGL’s guidance, your Nevis company can be incorporated in as little as 1–2 weeks. Banking and payment processing integration typically follow within an additional 3–4 weeks, bringing your iGaming business to full operation.

Nevis provides three main business structures tailored to the needs of iGaming companies. Each structure is designed to meet specific operational and regulatory requirements. Below is an overview of these options to help you determine the best fit for your gaming business.

Nevis Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The Nevis LLC is an excellent choice for iGaming operators focused on asset protection. It combines limited liability benefits with tax advantages and flexible management options. One standout feature is its strong privacy safeguards - membership records are confidential, and there’s no requirement to publicly disclose beneficial ownership. Members are also protected from personal liability for company debts, and profit distribution can be customised to suit the business's needs.

This structure is easy to set up, requiring minimal paperwork, and allows for an unlimited number of members from any nationality. Custom operating agreements can define different membership classes and profit-sharing arrangements. Nevis LLCs also provide the necessary corporate substance for licence applications while offering the flexibility to adapt to market changes. They are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of business activities under a single entity.

International Business Corporation (IBC)

For businesses with cross-border operations, the Nevis IBC offers simplified reporting and exemptions from local licensing requirements for offshore activities. It supports the issuance of various share classes, making it ideal for complex ownership structures or future investment rounds.

IBCs are widely recognised by international banks and payment processors, which can speed up the often time-consuming process of setting up banking relationships. They are also structured for tax-efficient operations, with no taxes levied on income earned outside Nevis. The option for nominee director services adds another layer of privacy for beneficial owners, while still allowing full operational control.

Nevis Business Corporation (NBC)

The Nevis Business Corporation is a traditional corporate structure that caters to businesses requiring formal governance. This includes board requirements, shareholder meetings, and detailed record-keeping, making it well-suited for jurisdictions with stricter gaming licence requirements or for companies applying for multiple licences.

NBCs support a variety of capital arrangements, such as multiple share classes and convertible securities. These features are particularly useful for structuring agreements with game providers, securing institutional funding, or forming strategic partnerships. For operators planning to establish a physical presence in Nevis or enter the local market, the NBC structure offers a clear path to obtaining local business licences. It also accommodates employee share option schemes and other incentive plans commonly used in the gaming industry.

MGL supports all three structures and will guide you in selecting the one that aligns with your business goals. Your decision will depend on factors such as your target markets, funding plans, and long-term growth strategy.