Business etiquette in Seychelles

Understanding the cultural characteristics and business etiquette of the Seychelles is critical to successfully interacting with local partners and doing business. Respect for traditions, strict adherence to business protocol and attention to personal relationships will help to establish strong business and social connections.

Navigating the Seychelles business landscape requires an understanding of its unique cultural nuances, which are shaped by African, European and Asian influences. The business environment is generally more relaxed than many Western countries, reflecting the island nation’s pace of life, but professionalism and respect are highly valued. Building strong personal relationships is often essential to successful business.

Greetings

The Seychelles greeting culture is particularly warm and friendly. Handshakes are common upon first meeting, with men shaking hands with both men and women. Women will usually offer a slight bow or smile.

A verbal greeting is accompanied by the phrase “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” depending on the time of day. Locals often add the name of the person they are greeting to their greeting, which shows special respect. In informal settings, it is common to use diminutive forms of names.

Addressing elders requires special respect. It is customary to address older people or people of higher social status using titles: “Monsieur” (Mr.) for men and “Madame” (Madam) for women. In business settings, professional titles are also used: doctor, professor, director.

Meetings

Business culture in Seychelles combines European traditions with local customs. Understanding local customs and communication preferences is key to establishing positive working relationships and ensuring business success.

Business meetings are usually scheduled in advance, preferably 2-3 weeks in advance. Being late is considered unacceptable, although it may be tolerated in informal settings.

The languages spoken in business environments are predominantly English and French. Seychellois Creole is used in informal settings. When conducting business, it is advisable to have an interpreter if you do not speak the local languages.

Allow time for pleasantries and rapport building before diving into the main business conversations. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics or critical remarks about the country or its culture.

Email is a common form of communication, but face-to-face meetings or phone calls are often preferred for important or complex matters.

Business Attire

The dress code for men is a business suit and tie. Light-colored fabrics are acceptable in hot weather. In an informal setting, you can get by with a long-sleeved shirt and classic trousers.

Business style for women involves conservative dresses or suits. It is recommended to avoid deep necklines and short skirts. In hot weather, light blouses and skirts below the knee are acceptable.

Accessories should be discreet. For men - classic watches and cufflinks, for women - small earrings and a modest necklace. Excessively bright jewelry can be perceived as a sign of bad taste.

Hierarchical social traditions

Social hierarchy in the Seychelles is built on respect for elders and recognition of status. When communicating with older people or those of higher status, it is customary to use formal addresses and titles.

Family values play a key role in society. Families are often multi-generational, with a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities. Senior family members wield considerable authority and influence.

Business hierarchy is also strictly observed. Decisions are made by management, and subordinates follow the established rules. It is important to show respect for superiors and to observe the chain of command.

Religious traditions are predominantly Catholic, which influences social norms and rules of conduct.

Negotiation Practices

Negotiation in the Seychelles is characterized by a leisurely pace and attention to establishing personal connections. Initial meetings are often introductory in nature, where the parties get to know each other and build trust.

Patience and flexibility are valuable qualities when doing business here, as processes can sometimes be slower than expected. Expect negotiations to proceed at a measured pace. Rushing is usually ineffective.

Decisions may not be made immediately, so it is important to be patient and persistent without being overly aggressive. Establishing trust and good relationships with your partners is crucial and can significantly affect the outcome of negotiations.

Business communication is characterized by politeness and formality. Direct questions and criticism can be perceived as disrespectful. It is important to be patient and avoid rushing into decisions. Direct confrontation is usually avoided in order to maintain harmony. Be prepared to be flexible and consider different options.

It is important to observe non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. Avoid pressure tactics. A calm, respectful and collaborative approach is more likely to produce positive results.

Decisions are made collectively, taking into account the views of all stakeholders. Written agreements are considered binding, although verbal agreements also carry weight.

Business documentation should be prepared in English or French. It is recommended to have multiple copies of all documents with you.

The negotiating process includes the following steps:

• Establishing personal contacts
• Discussing common goals
• Discussing terms in detail
• Reaching preliminary agreements
• Signing final documents
• Hospitality and gifts

Business lunches

Social interactions outside the formal business setting, such as sharing a meal, can be important for building trust and rapport.

Visiting someone's home is an important part of social life. When invited to a home, it is customary to bring a small gift for the hostess — this could be a bouquet of flowers, sweets or a souvenir from your country.

Traditional hospitality is expressed in an abundance of treats and drinks. It is considered impolite to refuse the offered treat, although you can limit yourself to a symbolic amount.

Gifts for business partners should be modest and appropriate. Stationery, books or souvenirs reflecting the culture of your country are a good choice.

National Holidays

Public holidays in the Seychelles may affect business activities, as offices and businesses may be closed. Religious holidays are also non-working days. Catholicism predominates in the Seychelles, so Catholic holidays are celebrated quite widely.

• January 1st - New Year
• April 18th - Good Friday
• April 19 - Holy Saturday
• April 20 - Easter Sunday
• May 1 - Labor Day
• June 5 - Liberation Day
• June 18 - Constitution Day
• June 29 - Independence Day
• August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• November 1 - All Saints' Day
• December 8 - Immaculate Conception Day
• December 25 - Christmas Day

Please note that some holidays may fall on weekends and a substitute day may be given, usually the following Monday. Business activity slows down significantly during major holidays, especially Christmas and New Year.