What is Offshore?

The term offshore is generally applied to a number of islands that have structured their tax regimes in such a way as to attract international trade and business to their shores. In some jurisdictions, such as the Cayman Islands, no income or corporate taxes exist while in others, such as the Bahamas and Channel Islands, special tax concessions are given to companies and trusts that do not have any dealings in or with those jurisdictions. Perversely offshore also includes onshore countries such as Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Gibraltar.

Much has been written about the mystique of offshore but in reality offshore companies and trusts are run in exactly the same way as their onshore counterparts. The only significant difference is that it is possible to ensure that no nexus exists between the company or trust and the beneficial owner/settlor through the use of third party directors and nominee shareholders.

AIL has been providing third party directors and nominee shareholders since 1979 offering clients experience in company management and confidentiality of their business affairs. In certain jurisdictions there is no requirement to file details of directors/shareholders with a Company Registry thus allowing beneficial owners of companies to provide their own directors/shareholders while maintaining anonymity (please refer to the Statutory Requirements page)

Many offshore jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man and Channel Islands have highly developed infrastructures with large banking institutions, investment houses and legal and accounting practices represented thus providing a level of service comparable to any major onshore city. The breadth of the services available re-assures clients that their needs will be met in a timely, efficient and confidential manner.