Who is Eligible?

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BENEFITS
In order to receive benefits from the V.I. Economic Development Commission, an applicant must:

  • Provide full-time employment for at least 10 residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands who have resided in the V.I. at least one year prior to being hired by the tax beneficiary.
  • Invest at least $100,000, exclusive of inventory, in an industry or business that advances the economic well-being of the USVI.
  • Meet the requirements of Section 934 of the Internal Revenue Code in the case of a USVI corporation, individual or partnership, or Section 936 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in terms of a V.I. Subsidiary of a U.S. Corporation.
  • Be an actual investor in the enterprise for which industrial development benefits are sought, not a contractor, subcontractor or other person or corporation acting as an agent.
  • Comply with all federal and local laws and regulations, including environmental laws.
  • Provide an easement for free access to the beach or shoreline, if the applicant will be doing business on property that adjoins the shoreline.

General Information – Eligible Activities
Eligible activities generally fall within several categories, although the EDC has the authority to grant benefits to any business that will advance the economic well-being of the Virgin Islands and its people:

Category I:

  • Rum Production
  • Milk/Dairy Production
  • Watch and Jewelry Manufacturing and Assembly

Category II:

  • Product Assembly, Manufacturing (other than Jewelry and Watch Manufacturing and Assembly)
  • Agriculture/Food Processing
  • Mariculture/Food Processing
  • Marine Industry
  • Raw Materials Processing
  • Hotels/Guesthouses
  • Transportation and Telecommunications

Category IIA – Service Businesses, not limited to, but including:

  • International Commercial Distribution and Trading Services.
  • International Public Relations Services.
  • Publicity firms.
  • Economic, Scientific or Management Consulting Services.
  • Public Auditing.
  • Processing, Editing and Dubbing of Cinematographic Films.
  • Commercial and Graphic Art Services.
  • News Syndicates.
  • Mail Order Firms.
  • Assembly, Bottling and/or Export Packing Operations.
  • Computer Service Centers.
  • Maritime Vessels and Aircraft Repair and Maintenance Services.
  • Machinery and Heavy Equipment Repair Services, including but not limited to Agriculture, Industrial, Construction, Mining and Transportation Equipment and Machinery.
  • Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Watch Repair Services.
  • The Production of Engineering and Architectural Blueprints and Plans to be used in the construction of projects to be located outside of the Virgin Islands.
  • Photographic Laboratories, including Film Processing.
  • Dental Laboratories.
  • Optical and Ophthalmological Laboratories.
  • Prefabricated Houses of any type of material.
  • Investment Managers and Advisors.
  • Research and Development.
  • Business and Management Consultants.
  • Software Developers.
  • E-Commerce Businesses.
  • Call Centers.
  • High Tech Businesses.
  • International Public Relations Firms.
  • International Trading and Distribution.
  • Any other businesses serving clients located outside the Virgin Islands.

Category III:

  • Utilities
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Recreation Facilities
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