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BVI company search 2026

BVI company search: what the registry will sell you, and what stays private

Updated 10 November 2026Fees from the BVI Business Companies Act scheduleAbout 7 minutes to read
The short answer

Search on the BVI Financial Services Commission's public search, or by emailing form R820. Searches are paid per item: US$50 for a search report.

You'll see status, the registered agent and the filing history. Directors' names cost US$75 more; shareholders aren't on the public register at all.

Open the official search Which certificate do I need?
Directors, not owners US$75 buys the names of a BVI company's current directors Anyone can order the list. Shareholders stay private unless the company chooses otherwise.

The BVI opened a public search in recent years, and it's often misunderstood in both directions. Directors can be found; shareholders and owners can't. Here's exactly what each product gives you.

Key takeaways

  • A search report costs US$50: status, agent, capital and filings.
  • Since 2023 anyone can buy the current directors' names for US$75.
  • Shareholders aren't public unless the company files its register voluntarily.
  • A certificate of good standing is US$100, available to anyone who asks.
  • Only a registered agent can reserve a name, for 90 days.
Chapter 1

How to search the BVI company registry

The BVI Financial Services Commission public searchShows | costs or hides
  • Name, number, status
  • Registered agent
  • Filing history
  • DirectorsUS$75
  • Shareholdersprivate
  • Ownersnever
Searching from your country.
  1. Use the FSC public search

    Run by the Financial Services Commission's Registry of Corporate Affairs. It opens in a new tab.

    Paid per item
  2. Or email form R820

    The paper route still works: list the company and the items you want, and pay in US dollars.

  3. Pay in US funds

    Card, company cheque, draft, money order or wire. Personal cheques aren't accepted.

  4. Read the report

    Status, agent and filings. Directors come only if you ordered the list.

1
Key takeaway

Every BVI search item is paid, in US dollars only.

Chapter 2

What a BVI company search report shows

2
Key takeaway

Status and filings in the report; directors only on the separate US$75 list.

Chapter 3

BVI certificate of good standing and other documents

APOSTILLE
3
Key takeaway

Good standing is US$100 and needs every fee and filing current.

Chapter 4

When a BVI company is in good standing

The Registrar certifies good standing only when every fee and filing is up to date. Miss one and the certificate won't issue. Every date to keep is in our BVI annual fees and filings guide.

In good standing when
Struck off when
  • Fees stay unpaid, or the agent resigns with no replacement
  • A struck-off company is dissolved the same day
4
Key takeaway

Struck off means dissolved the same day in the BVI.

Chapter 5

BVI company name availability and reservation

-30%

Only a registered agent can reserve a BVI name, for 90 days. Check the basics here, then we check and reserve it for you.

    5
    Key takeaway

    Only a registered agent can reserve a BVI name.

    Chapter 6

    Who owns a BVI company?

    Not the public. Shareholders sit with the registered agent, and beneficial owners in a closed system the Registry runs.

    OfficialsBVI and foreign authorities, through the agreed channels.
    Legitimate interestSince April 2026, applicants with a recognised reason can ask, for a fee.
    Banks and the agentBoth identify every owner before acting for the company.
    6
    Key takeaway

    Shareholders and owners stay off the public register.

    Chapter 7

    BVI company search questions, answered

    ?!
    Is there a free BVI company search?
    Not officially. The Registry charges per item: US$50 for a search report, US$75 for the directors list.
    Can I find the directors of a BVI company?
    Yes. Since 2023 anyone can buy the list of current directors' names for US$75.
    Can I find the shareholders of a BVI company?
    Not from the public register, unless the company chose to file its register of members for public view.
    How much is a BVI certificate of good standing?
    US$100 under the Business Companies Act schedule, issued only if every fee and filing is current. Banks often ask for one when you open a BVI company bank account.
    Who can reserve a BVI company name?
    Only a registered agent, for 90 days.
    Do you form BVI companies?
    Yes: US$1,444 in year one, with every government fee in the price.

    Changelog

    • 10 November 2026: first published.
    Your own company

    Looking up the BVI because you plan to form there?

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