St Helena

Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom

Registration of companies

Companies are registered by the Registrar of Companies in Jamestown.

Legislation

St Helena is a common law jurisdiction.  The principal legislation regarding companies is the Companies Ordinance, 2004.  This came into force on 10 March 2004, when the first companies were registered.

Types of company

The main company types are:

•  a private company limited by shares

• a private company limited by guarantee

• a public company

A private company limited by shares may be regarded as a 'specified private company' if its article contain a restriction on the transfer of shares, a maximum of 11 shareholders and a statement that it will carry on business in St Helena.  If it can meet these criteria, it need not submit financial statements, though it must still keep proper books of account.  Also, a lower scale of fees applies if a company is specified.

Company information

Company information is available from the Registrar.  Most information will soon be available directly from the Registry web site.