Seychelles: all programs

Seychelles at a glance

Seychelles is 115 islands in the Indian Ocean north-east of Madagascar, with about 120,000 residents. Almost everyone lives on the main island of Mahé, home to the capital Victoria and the international airport, and the rest on Praslin and La Digue. The official languages are Creole, English and French, with English used in business and documents. The currency is the Seychelles rupee, about 14.3 rupees per dollar on 6 October 2026.

The economy rests on tourism, tuna fishing and financial services, and by income per person Seychelles is the richest country in Africa. The political system is stable and street crime is low.

Who the move suits

• people who want to spend several months a year on the islands while working for foreign clients;
• investors ready to put $1,000,000 into a Seychelles business for permanent residence;
• buyers of high-end property in approved resort projects;
• owners of international companies who need a Seychelles registration.

Seychelles does not suit a modest budget: almost everything is imported, and the choice of housing, schools and healthcare is limited.

Where to live: Mahé, Praslin, La Digue

• Mahé - the main island: the capital Victoria with banks, offices and the hospital, Beau Vallon beach with restaurants, and the artificial Eden Island near the airport, where foreigners buy marina flats and villas.
• Praslin - the second largest island, 15 minutes by plane or about an hour by ferry, quieter and pricier, home to the protected valley of coco de mer palms.
• La Digue - a small island with almost no car traffic where everyone cycles, good for a calm life but not for work that needs frequent travel.

Entry rules and visas

No visa is needed: a free visitor permit of up to 3 months is issued on arrival. Before departure you obtain an electronic travel authorisation, and at the border you show a return ticket, accommodation for the whole stay and funds of about $150 a day. The visitor permit is extended in 3-month periods up to 12 months in total, at 5,000 rupees, about $350, per extension. Since 8 July 2026 direct flights from Moscow to Mahé have resumed twice a week, and the airline plans three flights a week from 25 October.

How to stay long term

• the digital nomad visa had effectively been wound down by 2026, and remote workers live on the visitor permit for up to 12 months;
• a work permit is arranged by a local employer if no suitable Seychellois is available for the role;
• permanent residence is granted for an investment of $1,000,000 in a Seychelles business;
• buying property does not by itself grant residence;
• a separate procedure applies to spouses of Seychelles citizens.

We choose the basis for your goal, prepare the documents and handle the application, and if Seychelles does not work for legal remote work, we suggest islands where a nomad visa is in force.

Taxes

A foreigner employed in Seychelles pays income tax from the first rupee: 15% on monthly income up to 10,000 rupees, 20% up to 83,333 rupees and 30% above. Corporate tax is 25% on the first million rupees of profit and 33% above, applied to Seychelles-source income. Foreign income of an international company is generally not taxed, but if it belongs to an international group and receives foreign dividends, interest or royalties, it needs real substance in Seychelles. VAT is 15%.

Cost of living

Groceries are mostly imported and expensive, while fish and fruit are local. Housing by the sea and on Praslin costs noticeably more than inland on Mahé.

Property for foreigners

A foreigner can buy housing only with government permission, valid for a year. After a temporary ban the market reopened in January 2025 with conditions: a minimum home price of about 10 million rupees, about $698,600, permitted areas and approved projects. The permission carries a duty of 12% of market value, sometimes lower in approved projects. State land, subsidised housing and land on outer islands cannot be bought. We find the property, check the documents and obtain the permission.

Companies and banks

International companies are registered by the Financial Services Authority through a licensed provider: a $130 registration fee and a $140 annual fee. With the founder checks it usually takes one to two weeks. Local banks open accounts for residents, property owners and companies with real activity on the islands, while others have lower chances. We register the company and help with the business account.

Climate, healthcare, schools

The climate is tropical at 25-32°C all year. From December to March the humid north-west monsoon blows, and from May to September the drier, windier south-east one. The islands lie away from the main cyclone track. The main hospital is in Victoria and there are private clinics, but complex cases are flown to the UAE, India or Mauritius, so insurance with evacuation is needed. There are a few international schools, all on Mahé.