About Offshore

What does it mean to establish a company “offshore”?

When a company incorporates in an offshore jurisdiction, the company is entitled to the full financial benefits of that jurisdiction. This can include low or no taxation, no double taxation, full confidentiality, more flexible structuring, and a variety of other advantages.

Most, though not all, of these offshore jurisdictions are located literally islands or archipelagos off the shores of continents, and usually refer to countries that were granted independence after having been British colonies or dependencies. Your company will be incorporated, registered and located at an address in the offshore jurisdiction of your choice.

Does it matter where I set up my offshore business?

Depending on your financial goals and the mission of your company, one jurisdiction may be more beneficial to you than another - whether because of maritime considerations, location, or added advantage. But for the most part, it’s really a personal decision.

Does it take a long time to open an offshore bank account and then the offshore corporation?

Offshore banks located within EU jurisdiction can take a little under a month to be set up, although this can be expedited. In general, though, offshore bank accounts can be opened in about two business days. Then, an offshore corporation can be established in about two more days. In total, from request to fully functioning bank account and company should take under a week.

Are my company’s financial transactions really confidential?

The OECD, offshore authorities and perhaps your home country do require a certain level of transparency, and we are fiercely proud of out commitment to providing all the necessary information required. That being said, the very nature of offshore jurisdictions is such that you, your company and your financial dealings are held in the strictest confidence, and you can be assured that your assets are properly protected.

How much does forming an offshore company cost?

The cost of offshore incorporation of your business entirely depends on a complex set of variables - your timeframe, your financial goals, your investment needs, how readily information, signatures and documents can be made available to you, your officers, our staff and government authorities; etc. Therefore, we work with you to establish the formation parameters and your budget, and then seek to meet your needs within that framework.

What is an “off-the shelf” company?

Depending on your company’s financial goals, you might find it beneficial to own a corporation that has already been in existence in your chosen jurisdiction for some time. If that’s the case, you can purchase a pre-existing company just as you would choose a product from a shelf in a store. At OBI, we can provide you with shelf companies with a wide range of names and incorporation dates in all of our offshore jurisdictions. Contact us to find out more.

If my company is formed offshore, who’s in charge?

You of course have total control over your assets, your company’s financial transactions and all trading and investments performed in your name. Our services include full management, administrative duties and maintenance of our offshore corporation.

For more quick answers - or for more in-depth explanation of the intricacies of offshore company formation, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.