Frequently Asked Questions

Offshore Incorporation is about setting up corporate structures in countries (commonly known as jurisdictions), whose legislation allows for certain advantages like tax and confidentiality to be used by non-residents. Such a jurisdiction, will allow registration of a company and offer them certain tax freedoms in exchange for an annual licence fee. It is normally a legal requirement that the registered company must not conduct any business or own any assets in the jurisdiction of incorporation.

Is it legal to incorporate offshore?
Can anyone take advantage of offshore structures...or is it only for wealthy individuals?
Is it expensive to use Offshore services?
Is it possible for me to move my existing business offshore?
Where should I incorporate?
Can I own property through an Offshore company?
Why should I use Sequestra and not any other service provider?
What are the other advantages of Offshore incorporation?

Is it legal to incorporate offshore?

YES, absolutely! Incorporating offshore is perfectly legal. However, please note that withholding information about your offshore investments is illegal in some countries. An offshore jurisdiction should be perceived as just another foreign country, but with certain advantages. These can take the form of banking confidentiality laws, advantages in forming companies for international trade through tax treaties, no interest tax, no inheritance taxes, no capital gains tax, no individual tax, and many others.

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Can anyone take advantage of offshore structures...or is it only for wealthy individuals?

This is popular misconception that only the wealthy have any need for offshore companies and structures. Offshore is now a relatively simple and affordable procedure for almost anyone. Once having moved all or part of your business offshore, the savings made by the low-tax or tax-free status opens up a whole new world of investment and business opportunities.

Is it expensive to use Offshore services?

In fact it is very inexpensive compared to what you would pay to set up a company in your own country or city. When you use Offshore services, you do need to set up an office or hire people, Sequestra can set up a virtual office for you and can even provide you with a prestigious office address and if you need it we can provide you with telephone and mail facilities. The flexibility in moving offshore will automatically open up new possibilities for you and your business.

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Is it possible for me to move my existing business offshore?

Some companies move parts of their business offshore almost immediately as separate subsidiaries and profit centers. However, you will need to look at your business with a view to restructure your activities and maybe look for new business opportunities on a cross-border basis into other countries. The possibilities are quite extensive, and our consultants at Sequestra have over 10 years of specialized experience to provide you with the best advice when it comes to applying offshore advantages to your existing company operations.

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Where should I incorporate?

This depends on what the corporation is going to be used for and your own personal or business circumstances. Our consultants at Sequestra will guide you and provide you a comparison of the different jurisdictions. You could quickly skim through our jurisdictions section on this website for a more details.

Some important factors to consider when choosing a suitable jurisdiction: Incorporation & annual maintenance costs, the tax regime, legal system, confidentiality, exchange controls, banking facilities and the political and economic stability.

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Can I own property through an Offshore company?

It is very advantageous to own property through an Offshore company. In fact it is advisable. It provides you with 100% security of the property being yours even if you are not allowed into the country due to visa or any other restrictions. Additionally, holding property through an Offshore company ensures that no transfer fees are paid during a transfer. By transferring the shares of the Company, the assets of the Company will automatically be transferred to the new owner. This will save substantially transfer fees and formalities.

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Why should I use Sequestra and not any other service provider?

Sequestra is a specialist in the field. Offshore is all we do. While other service providers are basically accountants, lawyers whose main business is accounting and law, our core business is Offshore incorporation. Sequestra's consultants and management have been in the industry for more than 10 years and have been incorporating in all major jurisdictions in the world.

Sequestra is part of a global network of offshore service providers and has a presence in 10 jurisdictions directly.

Here are a few reason why Sequestra is best suited to your needs:

1. The management of Sequestra has been in the industry for over 10 years and have qualifications in corporate law, finance and hold certification from Canada, India and UK.

2. Sequestra has physical offices where you can meet and discuss with our consultants your needs in full confidence.

3. Sequestra incorporates in all major jurisdictions and tax havens, including BVI, Hong Kong, Panama, Gibraltar, Anguilla and Dubai.

4. The company has arrangements with major banking institutions and can provide you with bank introductions.

5. All documents can be attested and notarized by appropriate authorities, embassies and notary public in key jurisdictions and cities.

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What are the other advantages of Offshore incorporation?

Yes, there are many advantages including: anonymity, asset protection, foreign property holding through a company in a third country, limiting of liability in business transactions, unrestricted flow of capital, transfer of assets etc.

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