United States Department of State

Seychelles United States Department of State

Seychelles welcomes foreign direct investment. The government's objective is to promote economic and commercial relationships to sustain its tourism and fishing industries, which are currently the main drivers of economic growth, as well as to diversify the economy. However, certain types of businesses have been classified by the GOS as reserved for domestic investors only:1. Accommodation of up to 10 rooms (excluding luxury villas)2. Liveaboard (overnight scuba services up to 2 boats)3. Travel Agent4. Tourist Guide5. Car Hire Operator (foreign franchises must be maintained by Seychellois)6. Tour Operators7. Boat Charter8. Taxi Operator9. Diving Centers (excluding dive operators)10. Water Sports11. Cottage Industry Projects12. Video Shops13. Internet Reseller14. Public Exhibition of Films15. Employment Agency16. Building Contractor (with limited exceptions)17. Artisanal Fishing18. Small Enterprises (except where the project introduces or ventures into an area never before invested in, or introduces new technology that has never before been applied in Seychelles).