International trading

Import and export transactions can be greatly facilitated by the use of offshore companies.

Investment Companies

An offshore company is often used to make investments. In most jurisdictions 'withholding tax' is levied on income remitted out of the jurisdiction, but the careful use of double tax treaties can reduce tax on the investment income.

Property Owning Companies

Owning overseas property through an offshore company gives a number of advantages
- with regards to inheritance tax, capital gains tax and death duties.
- The process of sale is simplified.
- Sale by share transfer saves legal and other fees.

Probate

Ownership of a portfolio of investments, properties or other assets though a single offshore holding company can simplify probate procedures upon the owner's death. Probate can be applied for in the offshore jurisdiction rather than in several different countries where the assets are located. Legal fees are reduced and publicity may be avoided.

Consultancy and Services

Consultants and those providing services such as musicians and entertainers often receive much of their income from overseas. Employment overseas is often facilitated by the use of an offshore employment company. This can either employ an individual or a group of individuals working overseas.

Ship and Yacht Ownership

It is often advantageous to own a vessel in an offshore location. It can also provide an easy registration procedure for yachts which in certain countries can only register on the major national register with onerous compliance requirements. A separate offshore company may be formed to operate or charter the vessel.

Asset Protection

A Trust can be established whereby the Settlor, having handed over his assets to the Trustees, no longer owns these assets so they cannot be seized in cases of insolvency, marital proceedings or professional negligence. Trusts are excellent asset protection vehicles and are thus valuable devices in times of political and economic instability.

Family Wealth Protection

Trusts are often used to protect the continuity of family wealth by imposing conditions on the use and distribution of the moneys on present and future generations. Trusts can be used legitimately to avoid 'forced heirship' provisions affecting inheritance. Inheritance, capital gains and income taxes can all be minimized in this way.