Which jurisdictions require a resident director

Sources

A means a primary text or a regulator statement. B means a consistent professional source, or a conclusion drawn from the absence of a provision.

1. B Abu Dhabi Global Market — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-023 reviewed 2026-08
2. A Abu Dhabi Global Market — ADGM Companies Regulations: at least one director is required and at least one director must be a natural person. No residency requirement is imposed on directors. ADGM Rulebook s. 145 and Registration Authority incorporation checklist reviewed 2026-08
3. B British Virgin Islands — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-025 reviewed 2026-08
4. B British Virgin Islands — The minimum number of directors of a business company is one. There is no requirement that any director be resident in the BVI. Corporate directors are permitted. A registered agent and registered office in the BVI are mandatory. Conyers comparative guide to BVI and Cayman companies reviewed 2026-08
5. B Cayman Islands — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-026 reviewed 2026-08
6. B Cayman Islands — The minimum number of directors of a Cayman company is one. There is no requirement that any director be resident in Cayman. Corporate directors are permitted. Conyers comparative guide to BVI and Cayman companies reviewed 2026-08
7. B Cyprus — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-018 reviewed 2026-08
8. B Cyprus — Companies Law Cap. 113 requires at least one director, a company secretary and a registered office in Cyprus. No residency condition is imposed on directors. Multilaw global entities guide and Cyprus law firm publications reviewed 2026-08
9. B England & Wales — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-001 reviewed 2026-08
10. B England & Wales — Companies Act 2006 ss. 154-155: private company at least one director, public at least two, and at least one director must be a natural person. No residency condition is imposed. legislation.gov.uk reviewed 2026-08
11. B Hong Kong — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-007 reviewed 2026-08
12. A Hong Kong — Companies Ordinance Cap. 622 imposes no residency requirement on directors. A non-Hong Kong resident may be appointed director of a local company. Companies Registry FAQ reviewed 2026-08
13. A Ireland — Companies Act 2014 ss. 137(2) and 140. Law Reform Commission revised acts reviewed 2026-08
14. A Ireland — Companies Act 2014 s. 137(1): one, at least, of the directors for the time being of a company shall be a person who is resident in an EEA state. Law Reform Commission revised acts reviewed 2026-08
15. B Luxembourg — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-020 reviewed 2026-08
16. B Luxembourg — A SARL is managed by one or more managers who may be natural or legal persons. No nationality or residency requirements are imposed on directors or managers. DLA Piper Global Guide to Directors' Duties reviewed 2026-08
17. B Malta — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-019 reviewed 2026-08
18. B Malta — Companies Act Cap. 386: a private company must have at least one director, a public company at least two. Corporate directors are permitted. No statutory residency requirement applies. MFSA company law legislation index reviewed 2026-08
19. B Netherlands — No resident director is required in this jurisdiction, so no substitute arrangement arises. Derived from JF-021 reviewed 2026-08
20. B Netherlands — Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code imposes no residency requirement on directors of a BV. A corporate entity may act as managing director. DLA Piper Global Guide to Directors' Duties and CMS expert guide reviewed 2026-08
21. B Singapore — Section 145(1) applies at all times and admits no bond or exemption equivalent to the Irish section 137 arrangement. A gap in the resident directorship is a breach from the moment it opens. Singapore Statutes Online, Attorney-General’s Chambers reviewed 2026-08
22. B Singapore — Companies Act 1967 s. 145(1): every company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. Singapore Statutes Online, Attorney-General’s Chambers reviewed 2026-08