Brunei
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Brunei.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Brunei welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Common Law (English tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Registry of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN)
- Registry website: https://www.rocbn.gov.bn
- Tax authority: Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 18.5% - Source: CIT: 18.5% (Brunei MOFE). No GST/VAT.
- VAT / sales tax: 0%
- Estimated formation timeline: 5-7 days - Via ROCBN online. Source: ROCBN Brunei
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Brunei Tax Overview
18.5%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 18.5% (Brunei MOFE). No GST/VAT.
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 18.5% (Brunei MOFE). No GST/VAT.
Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance
Tax Authority
https://www.mofe.gov.bn
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Common Law (English tradition)
Primary registry: Registry of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN)
Tax rate: 18.5% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Brunei market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: BND fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.rocbn.gov.bn before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Brunei setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Brunei. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Baiduri Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Standard Chartered Brunei | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Registry of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance. Rate: 18.5%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 0%. Verify threshold with Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance. |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Common Law (English tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Brunei. |
Frequently Asked
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