The Most Popular Jurisdictions To Open A Company

Choosing an offshore jurisdiction to form your company and can be a complicated and confusing process. There are many variables which need to be considered as each one has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what you need.

Here are the most popular:

1. Seychelles

Seychelles offers a flexible jurisdiction exempt from any form of taxation and withholding taxes.

When it comes to confidentiality and privacy, Seychelles privacy is protected under Art. 20 of the constitution. Data detained by the Seychelles registered agents is not public information meaning names of directors and owners are not part of public record.

Seychelles companies are idea for businessmen, consultants, traders, custody of real estate, commerce over the internet, expatriates, inheritance purposed and holding intellectual property rights.

Learn more about Seychelles.

2. Belize

Belize is the first offshore jurisdiction in Central America, partly thanks to its fast registry which allows incorporation in 24 hours. The nation is considered a tax haven where corporate income tax is zero and companies are exempt from capital gains tax, stamp duty and withholding tax on dividends.

There is no public register of company officers in Belize and no accounting/ reporting requirements. High net worth individuals and entrepreneurs are welcome here and are idea for businessmen, consultants, traders, custody of real estate, commerce, expatriates and for inheritance purposes.

Learn more about Belize.

3. British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands offers a well-regulated, tax-neutral offshore environment and is popular amongst large fund formations and investments. The BVI has the largest center for hedge funds in the world. It is a popular choice for offshore company formation, especially for large offshore structures.

In addition, the BVI is the largest offshore banking center with over 200 licensed banks.

Learn more about British Virgin Islands.

4. Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)

Ras Al Khaimah is the most popular and cost-effective jurisdiction in the UAE. RAK enjoys 0% taxation, no auditing and no paid-up capital requirement. Offshore company formation in RAK allows 100% foreign ownership in a business friendly environment, all whilst proving confidentiality and privacy protection of all information and assets.

Learn more about Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong provides a gateway to Asian markets with specialized programs for start ups and great banking facilities. Hong Kong has been labelled as the freest economy over the past two decades, becoming a global leader in the banking and business sector surpassing the UK and USA. In addition, it has been labelled as the least corrupt country in the world.

Learn more about Hong Kong.

6. Panama

Panama has the second largest economy in Central America and is also the fastest growing economy and largest per capita consumer in Central America. Since 2010, Panama remains the second most competitive economy in Latin America, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index. Companies in Panama enjoy zero taxation, no auditing and no paid-up capital.

Learn more about Panama.

Offshore companies can be formed with a minimum of one director, one shareholder and one secretary in as little as 1-2 days.