Offshore companies are widely used by individuals and organisations to provide for the protection of assets and to mitigate or defer taxation.

Offshore companies should preferably be incorporated in a stable fiscal area, sheltered from political and other uncertainties that may exist in many parts of the world.

There are many low tax jurisdictions available to choose from in the offshore financial world. However, no one jurisdiction is suitable for all circumstances because the benefits to be derived from offshore arrangements depend on various factors such as the place of residence of the ultimate beneficial owner, the type of company required, the proposed activities of the company, the speed of communications required, double taxation treaties applicable, and numerous other variables.

The Directors of FMSL will use their vast experience and expertise to advise on the most beneficial structure and jurisdiction in which to incorporate the offshore company.

FMSL staff will arrange for the incorporation of the company and provide professional, efficient management and administration of its activities, including banking arrangements and invoicing services.

FMSL maintain a number of shelf companies that can be used almost immediately. Where a client requires a specific company name, then the incorporation process normally takes between 3-4 working days.

Offshore companies may be used in a variety of ways. Some of their more common uses are:

Investment and Property Holding
It may be possible for the beneficial owner of the company to mitigate or avoid high levels of income, capital gains and inheritance taxes, which would otherwise be payable, if the assets were held directly.

Trading activities
Companies that trade internationally are able to establish offshore companies through which they can conduct their trading activities.

These services range from invoicing to receipt of payments and commission earning relationships.
The benefit is that the company is able to retain a proportion of the profit in a low tax environment.

Trademarks etc
Trademarks, patents, royalties and other rights may all be owned through an offshore company that may receive income and/or profits from granting rights and distributorship arrangements to residents in other parts of the world.

Employment
Offshore companies may be set up by individuals to contract out their services to employers/contractors resident in high tax locations thereby allowing the employment or consultancy fees to be accounted for in a low tax jurisdiction.