Q: Why use an offshore company?
A: Creating an offshore company brings a number of advantages including privacy protection and tax benefits, as well as facilitating international trade and offshore banking. 
Offshore companies can also be used for business in the same way as onshore companies.

Q: What is the difference between an offshore company and an IBC?
A: An International Business Company or Corporation (IBC) is a business that has been incorporated in a tax haven and is essentially the same entity as an offshore company. Offshore companies can also be referred to as ‘non-resident’ companies or corporations.

Q: Do jurisdictions place any restrictions on offshore companies carrying out local business?
A: Many jurisdictions will not allow offshore companies to do local business. Most, however, will allow you to open a bank account and hold your company meetings there.

Q: What is a nominee director and why use one?
A: If a real (beneficial) director does not want to be named on a public record, a nominee director can be named instead. A nominee director does not hold General Power of Attorney, which remains in the hands of the real director.

Q: Are there any risks in using a nominee director?
A: No. Not only do you retain complete control of your company through General Power of Attorney, the nominee director will also have signed an undated letter of resignation that you can submit on their behalf at any time you wish.

Q: What is a nominee shareholder and why use one?
A: In the same way, nominee shareholders can be used to provide anonymity for registered shareholders. In some jurisdictions, shareholder’s names are publicly accessible. Should you choose to, a nominee shareholder’s name can be written on the share certificate. The nominee shareholder, however, will have signed over the rights to real owner.

Q: Are there any risks in using a nominee shareholder?
A: No. Nominee shareholders sign a Declaration of Trust, preventing them from doing anything with the shares without permission from the real owner.

Q: How long does it take to create an offshore company?
A: The time to create an offshore company varies between jurisdictions and ranges from just 24 hours to two weeks.

Q: What is a ready-made or shelf company?
A: Ready-made or shelf companies are already named and can be processed within one business day.