Tourism, and tightly managed
Restaurant, Hotel & Tourism Setup in Seychelles
Tourism is the main industry and the most carefully managed. Parts of it are closed to foreign investors.
GCC business setup specialists
Some tourism activity is reserved
Seychelles reserves categories of tourism activity for Seychellois, notably smaller accommodation, and applies policy constraints on new development. Combined with the restriction on non-Seychellois acquiring property, this means the first question is not how to apply but whether you are permitted at all. We answer that first.
- Permissibility checked before anything else
- Tourism licensing and premises permits mapped together
- Property restriction explained before you commit funds
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What you need
Approvals for a hospitality business
Permissibility comes before process.
| Requirement | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permissibility check | Investment policy | Some tourism categories are reserved |
| Tourism licence | Seychelles Licensing Authority | By activity category |
| Trade licence | Seychelles Licensing Authority | For the business activity |
| Health clearance | Health authority | Food handling premises |
| Environmental authorisation | Environment authority | Certain developments |
| Property sanction | Government | Where non-Seychellois acquire property |
Tourism policy, reserved categories, licensing and property restrictions change and are applied strictly. Yours are checked for your specific concept and site. An International Business Company must at all times have a registered agent licensed by the Financial Services Authority. That is a statutory requirement in Seychelles. We co-ordinate your engagement with a licensed Seychelles registered agent and manage the process end to end; the regulated filings are made by them.
How it works
From concept to opening
Permissibility, then premises, then licensing.
01
Check permissibility
Whether your concept and scale are open to foreign investment, and whether the site can lawfully be acquired or leased.
02
Licence and permit
Vehicle established, tourism and trade licences pursued and health and environmental clearances co-ordinated.
03
Open and operate
Employer registrations and permits completed, payroll established and VAT and accounting running.
To plan this
What we need to know
Scale matters because reserved categories are scale-based.
- The concept and its scale
- Rooms or covers planned
- Site identified, and whether owned or leased
- Whether a non-Seychellois will acquire property
- Whether alcohol will be served
- Food offering and preparation on site
- Whether any works or change of use is required
- Whether water activities are involved
- Workforce numbers and nationalities
- Investment quantum
- Target opening date
- Whether the site has prior licensed use
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Permissibility check against reserved categories
- Licence and permit map for your concept
- Incorporation
- Tourism and trade licence application support
- Health and environmental clearance co-ordination
- Property sanction application support
- Employer registrations and payroll set up
- VAT registration and accounting
Not included, quoted separately
- Government and licence fees, paid at cost
- Property purchase or lease costs
- Property acquisition sanction fees
- Architectural design and construction
- Fit-out, kitchen and equipment
- Environmental impact studies
- Marketing and booking platforms
- Regulated filings, made by the licensed registered agent
Verify independently
Official Seychelles authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Financial Services AuthoritySeychelles Licensing AuthoritySeychelles Revenue CommissionDepartment of EmploymentImmigration and Civil Status DivisionSeychelles Pension Fund
Questions
Seychelles hospitality setup — FAQs
Can a foreigner open a guesthouse in Seychelles?
Smaller accommodation categories are generally reserved for Seychellois. That is the first thing to establish, and we establish it before you spend anything.
What licence does a restaurant need?
A licence from the Seychelles Licensing Authority for the activity, plus health clearance and premises permits.
Can I buy a hotel property?
Acquisition by non-Seychellois requires government sanction. It is not freely available and must be settled before you commit.
How long before I can open?
Longer than most expect. Permissibility, property sanction, licensing and works each add time. We give a realistic view.
Is environmental authorisation needed?
For certain developments, yes, and coastal projects attract particular scrutiny.
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