The world is full of places with names so similar, it’s easy to confuse them, until legal, financial, or political realities highlight just how different they truly are. Just as there is a Panama City in both Panama and Florida, or cities with similar names, like Grenada and Granada, we find the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, two names that often confuse travelers and entrepreneurs alike. While the names suggest similarity and even though they are very close to each other geographically, these jurisdictions operate under distinct flags, laws, and business environments. The US Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean and form an unincorporated territory of the United States. Their capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas. The islands operate under U.S. federal law, use the U.S. dollar, and residents are American citizens. They lie approximately 1,100 miles from Miami, about 1,600 miles from New York, and around 4,200 miles from London, making them a relatively accessible destination from both North America and Europe. Just a few miles away, also in the Caribbean, are the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory. The administrative capital of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, situated on the island of Tortola, the largest and most populated island in the territory. Though governed under the British legal system, the islands enjoy autonomy in internal affairs. It’s interesting to note how close the British Virgin Islands are to their American namesake. We can see this by comparing the distances described above. The distance from Miami to Tortola is around 1,100 miles, while it lies 1,500 miles from New York, and just under 4,000 miles from London. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean archipelago became a region of strategic competition among European powers. Nations like Great Britain, Spain, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands vied for control over valuable maritime routes and island outposts. These rivalries shaped the destiny of many territories, including the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, leading them down very different political and legal paths. The British Virgin Islands ultimately remained under British authority. That foundation later adapted to the needs of international finance and corporate structuring, making the territory a respected and stable location for global business. The US Virgin Islands, by contrast, were originally a Danish colony known as the Danish West Indies. In 1917, during World War I, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. Since then, they have been governed under U.S. federal law, and their legal and business systems have reflected the country’s broader regulatory philosophy. If you’d ask us to choose one of these two for company incorporation, we wouldn’t have to think that long. The British Virgin Islands have long been recognized as a key destination for setting up international corporate structures. The jurisdiction offers a balance of confidentiality and a transparent legal and tax framework. At Mundo, we provide a well-structured, clear, and internationally compliant company formation service in this jurisdiction. It is especially relevant for those seeking a convenient setup for holding companies, trading activities, or investment structuring.

In today’s interconnected world, borders feel more symbolic than ever, and the idea of "home" is increasingly fluid. The ability to choose where you live—not based on necessity, but on preference—has become a reality thanks to investment-based residency programs. For individuals with a global mindset, the world has opened like never before, offering many opportunities to establish a lifestyle aligned with personal and professional goals. Options like BVI residency are now entering the conversation alongside more established solutions. Residency by investment offers eligibility so that one can apply in exchange for contributing to the country’s economy. This may include investing in real estate, starting a business, or funding government-approved projects. However, the process goes far beyond simply acquiring legal status. It’s about creating a life strategy that aligns with one’s values and ambitions. Today, more jurisdictions are starting to develop immigration options that were previously unavailable. Families, entrepreneurs, and professionals are increasingly gravitating toward these paths. Some destinations have long been popular, while others are just emerging on the map. For example, are you wondering, how to live in the Caribbean right now? You can check out any of the Caribbean programs we offer, in places like the Helen of the West. An example that has recently caught the attention of global investors is the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Known for its natural beauty, security, and dependable legal framework, this peaceful Caribbean jurisdiction is starting to explore its own BVI residency program. The territory, made up of around 60 islands and cays located east of Puerto Rico, has traditionally focused on business services.

The world of finance and international business is rapidly evolving. Today, transparency is at the forefront, and the authorities of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are implementing new requirements regarding disclosure of ownership information. Now, companies registered in BVI must submit details about their owners. This means that every beneficial owner must be officially recorded in a special registry. Many entrepreneurs wonder: what is a beneficial owner? It is an individual who directly or indirectly owns 10% or more of a company's shares or has control over its operations. These measures introduced in BVI align with international standards for combating financial crimes and illegal activities. If you own a BVI company, it is crucial to understand the new requirements. Starting from January 2, 2025, all companies must submit beneficial owner information to a special registry to comply with the updated regulations. The new rules apply to both existing and newly registered companies. Newly established companies must submit ownership details within 30 days of registration. For existing companies, the deadline is set between January 2 and June 30, 2025. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties. Delayed submission of beneficial owner information can lead to serious consequences, including fines and, in extreme cases, company liquidation. 

When it comes to choosing the ideal jurisdiction for international business, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) consistently rank among the top choices. Known for its business-friendly environment, the benefits of BVI company incorporation extend beyond ease of registration. In 2025, entrepreneurs worldwide leverage these advantages to streamline operations and protect their assets. Let’s explore five key ways a BVI business company can help your business thrive in the coming year. The process of setting up a BVI business company is straightforward and designed to save time and reduce administrative burdens. Unlike many other jurisdictions, BVI does not require lengthy documentation. All you need is to register through the BVI company’s registry, provide minimal information, and adhere to basic compliance requirements. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses aiming to minimize initial setup costs. For instance, the names of directors and shareholders are not publicly available in the registry of BVI companies, ensuring a higher level of privacy. 

When discussing corporate services at an international level, we need to find the most flexible jurisdictions and the most effective ones when it comes to profit, tax savings, and operational scope. This month, the editorial team turned to Mundo’s experts asking about the most sought-after country to establish companies abroad. Their answer was quick. They didn't have to think much when they told us this jurisdiction is the BVI. This is why we decided to explore BVI company formation in this month’s corporate publication. The Mundo team processes many residency and citizenship applications, trust establishments, bank account openings, and corporate registries. They told us about company formation. 

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) continues to be one of the most popular and well-respected offshore jurisdictions for incorporating companies in 2025. With its stable legal framework, tax-efficient environment, and straightforward incorporation process, the BVI offers a highly attractive option for entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational businesses looking to optimize their international operations.