Business Licenses

USVI STEPS FOR OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE.

In addition to a completed Application for U.S. Virgin Islands Business License, the following items will need to be on file at the DLCA’s Licensing Division before a business license may be issued:

Certificate of Trade Name/ Partnership and Corporation Registration

Lt. Governor’s Office

Telephone: STT (340) 776-8515 / STX (340) 773-6449

Website:
ltg.gov.vi/corporations-and-trademarks

Tax Clearance Letter

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Telephone: STT (340) 774-5865 / STX (340) 773-1040

Website:
www.vibir.gov

All applicants for license renewal must submit a tax clearance letter showing good standing with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This review will be conducted on applicant’s behalf by the DLCA Division of Licensing upon submission of application for new business license.

Police Records Check

Police Department

Telephone: STT (340) 774-2211 / STX (340) 778-2211

Website:
www.vipd.gov.vi/Departments/Office_of_the_Police_Commissioner/Records_Bureau.aspx

All applicants must submit to a Background Check from the Police Department. This review will be conducted on applicant’s behalf by the DLCA Division of Licensing upon submission of application for new business license or change of principal(s).

Zoning Approval

Department of Planning and Natural Resources

Telephone: STT (340) 774-3320 / STX (340) 773-3450

Website:
www.dpnr.gov.vi/pages/about-dpnr-1

All businesses must submit to a review by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for zoning compliance. This review will be conducted on applicants behalf by the DLCA Division of Licensing upon submission of application for business license.

Fire Inspection

Fire Service

Telephone: STT (340) 774-7610 / STX (340) 773-8050

All businesses must submit to a review by the Fire Service for fire code compliance. The Fire service will determine the nature of the review that is required for your business type.

Health Inspection

Department of Health

Telephone: STT (340) 774-9000 /STX (340) 773-1311

Website:
www.healthvi.org

Some businesses will need to submit to a review by the Department of Health depending on type of license requested.(food related business, counseling practices, massage therapists, etc.).

Board Certifications

Office of Boards and Commissions

Telephone: STT (340) 774-3130 / STX (340) 773-2226

Website:
dlca.vi.gov/boardcertifications

The following listed professions must be certified by their respective board to practice in the V.I.:

Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors;
Barbers, Beauticians and Manicurists;
Construction Contractors;
Electricians;
Plumbers;
Public Accountancy;
Real Estate Appraisers;
Real Estate Commissioners;
Social Workers
NOTE: To avoid unnecessary delays, please make sure your business is ready for inspection and has complied with all rules and regulations concerning your type of business and/or profession prior to submitting your business license application.

BVI Steps for obtaining a business license

his service provides individuals with the opportunity to apply and obtain a license of trade for their business(es), if eligible.

Trade license fees are paid on an annual basis and depend on the category of business and whether you are a BVIslander or not.

Categories of business include:
Agents – travelling agent, ticket agents, etc.
Commercial – the majority of businesses fall in this category
Entertainment – discotheque, nightclubs, amusement parks, etc.
Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Guest Houses and Apartments;
Manufacturing – tiles, blocks, distillers of alcohol, etc.
Professionals – accountants, lawyers, doctors, etc.
Trade – contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Process

Step 1: Collect Application Form and Check List from the 1st floor of the Department of Trade or online in the link below.

Step 2: Complete form; submit to the Department of Trade. An Officer will pursue the application to ensure that all necessary documents are included. Lack of proper submission will result in application being return before processing.

Step 3: The customer then comes into the Office to collect their Trade License and make payments.

Step 4: The Customer should then register their business with Inland Revenue and Social Security.

BVI TRADE LICENCE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

An application for a Trade Licence should be submitted with a Cover Letter and all supporting
documents listed below. The supporting documents and information to be submitted with every
application form for the grant of a license are as follows:
A. Application by Individual(s) (BVIslander/Belonger)
o Passport Size Photo (2” X 2”)
o Proof of Status (BVI Passport “Page 4 or 7 & Photo Page” or Belonger’s Card)
o Cover letter giving details of the proposed business
o Qualifications (Certificates & Résumé)
B. Applications by Individual(s) (Non-Belonger)
o Passport Size Photo (2” X 2”)
o Two (2) Personal Reference
o Business Reference
o Financial Statement
o Police Record
o Copy of Passport (Picture Page)
o Qualifications (Certificates & Résumé)
o Cover Letter giving details of the proposed business.
C. Applications by Companies
o Cover Letter outlining the operation of the Company
o Incorporation Information (Share Certificate, Registered Members, Register of
Directors, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation)
o BVI owned companies’ documentation must prove that at least 60% of the
shareholders and at least 60% of the directors of the company are BVIslanders.