This article details the average company creation and annual maintenance costs for standard limited companies in the Faroe Islands (FO) as of 2025. It covers all key fees, minimum required capital, and ongoing expenses so you can clearly understand the financial commitments associated with forming and maintaining a typical Smyrilpartafelag (Sp/f).
Formation Costs for a Smyrilpartafelag (Sp/f) in the Faroe Islands
When establishing a private limited company (Smyrilpartafelag — Sp/f) in the Faroe Islands, business owners must account for an official minimum capital requirement and several administrative fees. The main costs are summarized below:
| Expense | Amount (DKK) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 80,000 DKK | $11,700 |
| Company registration fee (Vinnuskrásetingin) | 6,700 DKK | $980 |
| Notary/legal documentation fees (estimated, varies by provider) | 0 DKK | $0 |
*USD conversion calculated at 1 DKK ≈ $0.146 (early 2025 spot rate)
The core requirement here is the minimum capital of 80,000 DKK ($11,700), which must be deposited on formation. The company registration fee is a separate administrative charge of 6,700 DKK ($980). Notary or legal documentation fees are typically not required or are negligible based on 2025 regulatory standards.
Annual Maintenance and Ongoing Compliance Costs
The yearly costs associated with maintaining a standard company in the Faroe Islands are mainly influenced by the size of the business (e.g., small vs. medium company) and any additional advisory services you choose. Below is a detailed breakdown for 2025:
| Annual Expense | Amount (DKK) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual reporting/accounting services (minimum, small company) | 4,000 DKK | $580 |
| Annual reporting/accounting services (average, medium company) | 10,000 DKK | $1,460 |
| Annual registry renewal fee | 0 DKK | $0 |
| Optional legal/tax advisory (recommended, varies) | 5,000 DKK | $730 |
Typical annual maintenance costs for a small company start at 4,000 DKK ($580), which covers required reporting and accounting. Medium-sized companies should budget closer to 10,000 DKK ($1,460). Optional legal or tax advisory services frequently cost around 5,000 DKK ($730) per year, though these are not mandatory. Notably, there is currently no annual registry renewal fee charged by the authorities.
Key Points from 2025 Cost Data
- Initial company setup requires both a registration fee and a substantial cash deposit as legal minimum capital.
- No recurring registry renewal fees are applied, although reporting and advisory costs are ongoing.
- Annual maintenance costs are moderate compared to broader Nordic norms, with actual total costs depending on company size and service level desired.
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in the Faroe Islands
- Verify if your planned business activity qualifies for the minimum required capital or if a specific sector regulation applies higher standards.
- Consider opting for scalable accounting services that match your company’s current operation size—this can result in meaningful savings for small companies.
- While not mandatory, consulting legal and tax experts annually may minimize compliance risks, especially for companies engaged in cross-border activity.
- Plan for the minimum capital to remain locked in while the company operates, as withdrawing below this threshold can trigger regulatory consequences.
Official Resources for Company Formation
For the most authoritative information and all required forms, business founders are encouraged to consult the following official Faroese government sites:
Starting and maintaining a private limited company (Sp/f) in the Faroe Islands involves clear, transparent costs based on both statutory requirements and market rates for core professional services. The minimum set capital and absence of annual renewal fees make ongoing compliance predictable, with the main fluctuations coming from reporting and advisory needs. As always, direct reference to official government channels is crucial when preparing to establish or operate a company in 2025, to ensure that all requirements and deadlines are fully met.