The biggest advantage of Anguilla maybe lies in the fact that it is not particularly well known as an Offshore Financial Centre, and as such has not been exposed over the past two decades. A further advantage is that, formally at least, it is still part of Great Britain, even if it is largely independent when it comes to legislation.

This little known small country in Central America offers truly excellent opportunities for the formation of IBC-type companies. Thanks to more than two decades of stability it is one of the most popular jurisdictions, among LAVECO clients, too.

The leading jurisdiction in the world offshore market, which basically introduced the IBC company format in 1984. Numerous countries and jurisdictions subsequently “copied” the company law. From the point of view of the number of companies formed, over the last 10 years the BVI has always been among the podium places. Extremely popular and the preferred jurisdiction of lawyers in particular.

37 years at the top! The system in Cyprus provided in the past, still provides today and can be expected to continue to provide in the long term a uniquely stable opportunity for the registration of international holding and trading companies. The tax system is excellent, in both European and worldwide terms, for those wishing to place their wealth securely in the long run. The more than 60 agreements for the avoidance of double taxation signed by Cyprus facilitate the redistribution of income from dividends, interest and royalties to Cyprus and the further forwarding of such incomes to other jurisdictions.

The success of Hong Kong in the international company world has remained unbroken since being returned to communist China. The Chinese leaders wisely left the English system unchanged, and have not allowed others to have a say in the operation of the city state either. Hong Kong is a leader in the number of companies formed, not only in the region, but also at the world level. More and more LAVECO clients who wish to arrange their affairs for the long term are choosing Hong Kong, even if it appears to be more expensive. One of the major ingredients of success is the fact that income from outside the territory is not subject to tax in Hong Kong, with only locally-sourced profits being taxed at 16%.

Having faithfully copied the Delaware corporate legislation, the island republic in the Pacific has justifiably gained popularity among LAVECO clients. Keys to its success include simplicity and the low incorporation and annual fees.

The leading company formation jurisdiction in Central America. Since the 1920s companies registered here have only had to pay tax on income generated in Panama. Companies registered in Panama are primarily popular in Latin America due to the physical proximity and use of the Spanish language.

One of the success stories of the last decade in the international company industry is undoubtedly the Seychelles. The reason our clients choose the Seychelles is that the islands offer a simple and financially efficient solution, particularly in the case of the establishment of holding companies.

In 1999, the Bahamas became just about the first jurisdiction to satisfy the OECD’s requirements on transparency when they ended the possibility to issue “bearer” shares and also made the details of directors available on the public company registry. For the last 10 years or more the Bahamas have constantly been one of the most stable financial centres in the offshore world. They currently receive undeservedly little attention, despite being one of the most stable jurisdictions for company formation.

The LLP company format is not particularly well known among the general public. The huge benefits of the LLP lie in the fact that under certain circumstances there is no corporate taxation, as, following the principles of flow-through taxation, the members of the LLP are liable for the taxes payable on the company’s income in the place where they are resident for tax purposes. As a result of the high level of prestige, the LLP is an excellent vehicle particularly for the performance of transactions between the UK and non-EU partners.

Although the UK private limited company is not a low-tax company, it is still popular among those who require a high prestige, very stable company. The UK company has justifiably become a competitor for the Swiss company, whose formation and maintenance fees may be 5 or even 10 times higher than its counterpart in the UK.