Trinidad and Tobago
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Trinidad and Tobago.

Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Trinidad and Tobago welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- Foreign founders can operate via local company or non-resident trading presence
- Corporate residence is linked to central management and control
- Corporate tax baseline is 30% with sector-specific variation
- VAT standard rate is 12.5%
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
Centralized company-incorporation SLA and full cost table require direct TTBizLink confirmation.
Tax at a glance
Trinidad and Tobago Tax Overview
30% standard (sector-specific rates apply)
Corporate income tax
PwC Trinidad and Tobago corporate taxes
12.5% standard
VAT
PwC Trinidad and Tobago other taxes
TTD 600,000 over 12 months
VAT threshold
PwC Trinidad and Tobago other taxes
Business levy, green fund levy, and sector overlays may apply
Additional levies
PwC Trinidad and Tobago other taxes
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Clear headline tax and VAT framework
Established IRD digital channels for tax administration
Flexible options for local company or foreign-company operating presence
Considerations
Sector-specific tax differences can materially change effective rates
Registry timing/costs still require direct live confirmation
Levy and payroll overlays increase recurring compliance workload
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Select legal presence model
Complete incorporation and registry actions
Activate IRD tax profile
Register VAT where required
Configure payroll and immigration workflows
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Trinidad and Tobago 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? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Trinidad and Tobago. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and KYC dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, tax registration, ownership chain, business profile |
| First Citizens | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and KYC dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, tax registration, ownership chain, business profile |
| Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and KYC dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, tax registration, ownership chain, business profile |
| RBC Royal Bank Trinidad and Tobago | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and KYC dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, tax registration, ownership chain, business profile |
| Digital alternatives vary by eligibility and risk profile | Fintech | High (Remote) | Institution and KYC dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, tax registration, ownership chain, business profile |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Corporate tax filings | Ongoing | Maintain annual and periodic corporate-tax returns under IRD schedules. |
VAT filings | Ongoing | File VAT and remit collections after registration threshold is reached. |
Levy compliance | Ongoing | Apply business levy and other statutory levies where applicable. |
Payroll deductions | Ongoing | Remit National Insurance and health surcharge deductions on schedule. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Trinidad and Tobago specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.
