Frequently asked questions

When setting up an offshore company, the Articles of Association are the second of the two main documents (the other being the Memorandum of Association) that are drafted which provide the framework for the company. While the Memorandum of Association focuses more on basic particulars relating to the formation of the company, the Articles of Association focus on the ongoing governance framework of the company. The Articles go into detail regarding the issuance of shares, voting and dividend rights of shareholders, restrictions on the transfer of shares, make up of the board of directors, the rules of meetings of the board of directors and shareholder meetings and other similar issues.

The registered office is the legal address in the country of incorporation used by local government agencies and third parties to send official correspondence to a company and the place where certain documents of the company must be maintained. What is required to be maintained at the registered office differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The registered office is especially important in the case of an offshore company where it is carrying out activities with non-residents of the country of domicile and many of the principals are also typically non-residents. The registered office differs from the mailing address for normal business related purposes or the business address which is the actual operating address of a company (if applicable) from which day to day activities are carried out. Sterling offers virtual office solutions to assist clients where a mailing or business address is required. Some jurisdictions also have a requirement to maintain an appointed registered agent in the jurisdiction which is the firm that provides the registered office and related services.

The company objects specify the allowed activities of the business and provide a framework within which the board of directors must keep the activities of the company. These objects are included in the Memorandum of Association. The standard objects of most offshore companies are very broad to allow any kind of legal activity. In fact, many jurisdictions allow a standard objects clause that allows for any lawful activity not expressly forbidden in that country or any other country where business is to be conducted. Such broad objects may not be desirable in all cases however. For instance, where there are multiple shareholders/investors in a company, the shareholders typically desire a more stringent framework around the objects (allowed activities) of the company to ensure their investment and the focus of the company is restricted. Changing these objects typically requires the approval of a majority of the shareholders at a general meeting. Sterling can assist with customizing the objects to suit the requirements of the company should the standard broad objects not be suitable in your situation.

The share capital of an offshore company has two main components: the authorised capital and the issued capital. The share capital is stated in a base currency which will be the reporting currency of the company for accounting purposes with each share having a “nominal” or “par” value unless the company was formed with “no par value” shares. The nominal value is simply the minimum price shares may be allotted. Shares may be issued for more with the excess amount above the nominal value going to the “share premium” account, but shares may not be allotted for less than the nominal value which is why this number is usually very small. The authorised capital is the maximum number of shares and total nominal value of same that the directors may resolve to issue without a further resolution being required to increase the authorised capital in accordance with the governance and legal requirements of the company. The issued capital is simply the number of shares and total nominal value of same out of the authorised capital which has been issued to shareholders. For example, an offshore company may have an authorised capital of 100,000,000 shares of a nominal value of $.01 each for a total authorised capital of $1,000,000. Most of the time there is no minimum requirement in terms of the issued capital so a single owner may decide to only issue 1 share which would represent 100% ownership in the company in this case. Unless otherwise requested, Sterling will utilise a standard authorised capital as indicated in the brochure for the particular entity.

This is an often confused matter, but there is simply no such thing as a “nominee” director even though many service providers advertise such services. A director is a director. Even worse some providers will offer the services of a “nominee” director along with provision of a General Power of Attorney to the client or another third party to do any act on behalf of the company without the knowledge of the directors. As this is often a deciding factor for a client when choosing a service provider it is important for prospective clients to clearly understand the risks and other considerations in relation to provision of director services by the chosen service provider.1. Considerations/Risks for the Client – the provision of director services for an offshore company by the service provider is usually necessary to ensure that “management and control” of the company is deemed to be in a favorable jurisdiction for tax purposes (usually where the offshore company is incorporated) rather than where the client is located for instance. This location of “management and control” determines the tax residency of the company in the case of an otherwise exempt company such as an International Business Company. There is typically no public record of the directors of such an offshore company. Therefore, logically where this would be important would be in a situation where there is a tax inquiry into the affairs of the company under a bilateral tax information agreement or the upcoming multi-lateral framework being adopted and implemented by countries. In such a case, the framework of the company and oversight by the directors must be consistent with them maintaining “management and control” of the company in the low tax jurisdiction and this “nominee” along with a General Power of Attorney given to the client by many firms will simply not stand up to this requirement. Exchange of information for tax purposes is simply a new global reality being led by the G8 and OECD that everyone must understand, embrace and prepare for to be sure it does not cause any adverse consequences.

2. Considerations/Risks for the Service Provider/Director – it is important for clients to understand that the service provider and appointed director provided by the service provider have risk as well and thus must be comfortable with the level of oversight and operations of the company. Directors provided by service providers are legally expected to think and act in a way consistent with what is expected of company directors of any company. As such, the directors of any company have a legal obligation to maintain a certain level of oversight regarding the affairs of the company. If a client company is found to be engaging in illegal activities, committing tax evasion or similar the service provider and director can both face fines, criminal prosecution and the possible revocation of the license to provide such services in the future putting the firm out of business.

Sterling’s Professional Director Services
Sterling Offshore provides professional director services carried out by senior level employees approved by the Financial Services Authority as “fit and proper” to act in such a role. The services are provided under strict terms of business and a services agreement to give comfort to the client. While we cannot provide director services on a company that issues a General Power of Attorney, it is usually possible for the company to issue a Limited Power of Attorney to the client or other designated third party which provides appropriate oversight such as requiring that the directors be made aware of any contracts before signing by the LPOA holder and other similar provisions.

A nominee shareholder may be corporate or individual and merely takes the place of the true shareholder on corporate documents and applications helping to maintain an extra level of privacy. Sterling does not utilize third parties for this purpose and generally utilizes a wholly owned corporate body for this purpose. The true beneficial owner receives a Declaration of Trust ensuring that it is clear the nominee has no beneficial interest in the shares and must only act on direct instruction of the beneficial owner.A particularly attractive alternative to the nominee shareholder for private clients is to set up an an offshore private foundation or offshore trust to hold the shares of the offshore company.

Every person and every company should pay their fair share of taxes and we do not advocate tax evasion or tax fraud of any kind. However, everyone has a legal right to minimize their taxes through legal tax avoidanceas well as to protect their hard earned assets. Citizens of many countries now find themselves with increasingly encroaching governments, uncontrolled government spending, rapid currency devaluation, rising taxes and unbridled litigation which are all spiraling out of control. It is a fact that as one’s income and assets increase, one becomes an exponentially larger target of governments, hungry lawyers, fraudsters and generally those that do not contribute to society but rather spend their time devising strategies to extract from the “rich”.So in short, yes it is nearly always legal to utilise offshore companies, trusts, foundations, etc. for asset protection and it is very often possible to also achieve legal tax minimisation.

“No man in the country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, so to arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable the Inland Revenue to put the largest possible shovel in his stores. The Inland Revenue is not slow, and quite rightly, to take every advantage which is open to it under the Taxing Statutes for the purposes of depleting the taxpayer’s pocket. And the taxpayer is in like manner entitled to be astute to prevent, so far as he honestly can, the depletion of his means by the Inland Revenue”

Law Lord, Lord Clyde, (Ayrshire Pullman Motor Services v Inland Revenue

[1929] 14 Tax Case 754, at 763,764)
“There is nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor; all do right. Nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands; taxes are enforced extractions not voluntary contributions!”

US Judge Learned Hand

There is no universal definition of an “offshore” company, but in its most basic form it is merely a company established in any jurisdiction other than your place of residence or domicile. Offshore companies are broadly broken down into three different categories:

Please visit this link Ordering Formalities for a brief overview of the steps necessary to order our services and establish your offshore company. You will find all of the necessary information including specifics on each offshore jurisdiction, services offered, applications, etc on this website. Applications, country guides, relevant laws and other information can be found in our Downloads section.

This depends on the individual situation. Sterling Offshore takes the time to work with each client individually to accurately assess your needs and then suggest the ideal jurisdiction for your offshore incorporation. There are many other factors that may influence this answer including where the client or his/her business is located, specific countries where business will be conducted, type of structure needed, level of banking sophistication required, etc.

In nearly every situation, the answer is a clear and resounding YES. Each country has different reporting requirements and tax treatment regarding offshore entities. This is why we stress the importance of obtaining professional legal and/or tax advice in your own country.

Establishing a typical offshore company is no more difficult than establishing an onshore company. In fact, the offshore company formation process is often easier and even faster. The minimal ongoing filing requirements and restrictions are often an attraction as well.

There are several uses for offshore companies including international investment holding (providing access to otherwise unavailable markets), international real estate holding, asset protection, international trade, import/export, transfer and holding of intellectual property, personal services corporations for expatriates working abroad, etc. See this link for more information Offshore Company Typical Uses.

In Seychelles, offshore companies can be formed in as little as 24 hours and sometimes within the same day it is ordered. Other jurisdictions generally take within 1 to 5 days. Be sure to specify if time is of the essence to you. Additionally, you may opt to choose a company from our list of offshore shelf companies. Contact us for the current list.

A shelf company is an unused company created by an incorporation agent such as Sterling Offshore, which has been established and “shelved” to be purchased and used at a later date. None of the shelf companies offered by Sterling Offshore have entered into contracts, opened bank accounts or conducted any kind of business whatsoever.

The expression “I need this yesterday” is literally possible with a shelf company. Some jurisdictions take a few days to weeks to register a new company and shelf companies can save critical time in these cases.Additionally, companies which have a bit of longevity often find it easier to obtain credit, bid for contracts and conduct international business since many entities are wary about engaging in business with companies having a short business history. Therefore, an aged shelf company or “vintage company” can often provide a solution to this problem.

None of the offshore jurisdictions represented by Sterling Offshore have a public record of the beneficial owners of a company. Sterling must be able to identify and hold supporting due diligence on the beneficial owners of entities it establishes.

Absolutely. Sterling Offshore follows very strict internal procedures regarding client confidentiality. We will not disclose any client information except as required by prevailing legal and regulatory requirements.We implore you to keep your offshore matters to yourself. Many are tempted to talk about their offshore structures and activities, but please consider that colleagues, business partners, friends and unfortunately even family can unwittingly pass sensitive information along that can lay bare your business practices and/or overseas assets to everyone.

Yes. Sterling Offshore provides bank account introductions in a number of jurisdictions and well known offshore banking countries including Seychelles, Mauritius, Cyprus, Switzerland, Austria and Singapore. We have conducted the research and established the relationships for you. Some of these offshore banks offer business and commercial accounts with internet banking availability. Others offer private banking and wealth management for high net worth clients. We can advise you on which banking option is best for your needs and help you establish one or more offshore bank accounts with a suitable institution.

Yes. Sterling Offshore can recommend respectable investment firms that provide an online internet trading platform, reasonable fees, access to international markets and investments, a knowledgeable trading desk and solid customer service. Additionally, these institutions will allow you to establish your offshore brokerage account in the name of an offshore corporation or offshore private foundation.

Most of the offshore company formations that we offer are not taxed in the country of incorporation as long as they are not conducting local business within the jurisdiction of domicile. Your own tax situation will vary depending on your country of residence, citizenship and domicile along with other matters relating to the company itself.  Sterling recommends that you seek professional tax and legal advice in you country of residence to establish your specific tax consequences.

In short, no. Sterling consults with each client regarding the legal uses and tax consequences of offshore companies as described in the jurisdictions in which we operate.We cannot offer tax and legal advice to clients in their jurisdiction of residence/citizenship/domicile.  Sterling strongly urges all of our clients to seek legal and/or tax advice from a qualified professional in their own country prior to entering into a relationship with us. We are happy to offer our clients professional recommendations in places where we have relationships established. Similarly, we prefer to work with your attorney or accountant directly.