Description
What’s Included?
- Registered bank account
- Registered and operational company
- Complete application process handled on your behalf
- Due diligence checks conducted as part of the service
- Drafting of country-compliant company documents such as the operating agreement
- Coverage of all third-party costs, including first-year registration fees with the appropriate government body
- Application guide outlining each step of the application process.
The Nevis International Business Company (IBC) is an attractive offshore structure for individuals and businesses seeking asset protection and privacy, especially for those in civil law jurisdictions less familiar with the LLC structure. Unlike many other jurisdictions, Nevis does not list shareholders and directors on any public beneficial ownership registers, ensuring greater confidentiality.
Adding a bank account to your Nevis IBC allows you to take full advantage of the jurisdiction’s strong asset protection advantages while effectively managing and growing your wealth. By opening a bank account, you gain access to a suite of financial services designed for international clients, enabling streamlined financial operations and enhanced asset security. Our bank account offerings include multicurrency accounts, interest-bearing accounts, self-managed trading accounts, managed investment accounts, and named IBAN accounts.
Key Benefits
- Flexible Management Structure: Sole shareholders and directors are permitted and directors need not be resident in Nevis. Unlike the Cook Islands IBC, secretaries are optional. This structure does require more traditional formalities but is still flexible.
- Strong Anti-Creditor Legislation: Foreign judgments are not recognized in Nevis, requiring creditors to bring their case before the Nevis High Court.
- Limited Liability: A shareholder’s liability is limited to the capital investment.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: There is no Beneficial Ownership register. The identities of managers, members, and beneficial owners are confidential, not retained in any centralized register, and cannot be divulged without reasonable excuse.
- Unique Tax Uses: Can be used as an estate tax blocker by non-US persons with US assets
- Asset Protection: Take advantage of Nevis’ robust asset protection and privacy laws, ensuring your assets are shielded from legal claims, creditors, and judgments.
- Tax Efficiency: Enjoy tax exemption on income generated outside Nevis. The IBC functions as a pass-through entity, with earnings taxed according to the individual’s country of residency.
- Legal Stability: Conduct business within a stable legal and regulatory framework.
- International Recognition: Benefit from Nevis’ global respect and recognition, enhancing your international business operations.
- Diverse Banking Options:Â Choose from a variety of banking providers offering multicurrency accounts, interest bearing accounts, self-managed trading accounts, managed investment accounts and named IBAN accounts. We have a degree of flexibility with our banking arrangements that allows for tailored financial solutions that meet the specific needs of each client.
About Nevis: Nevis, nestled in the Caribbean, holds strategic significance as an offshore financial center in close proximity to the United States. Its geographical proximity, just a short distance from the shores of the U.S., makes it an appealing choice for individuals and businesses seeking to establish offshore structures.
Other Requirements:
- Simplified Tax Return: IBCs operating in Nevis are required to submit an annual Simplified Tax Return. This document serves to confirm the location from which the IBC is managed and controlled, thereby determining its tax residency status.
- Reference Letters: Nevis requires two reference letters for due diligence. A bank reference letter from an existing bank relationship. A professional reference letter from a lawyer or accountant with whom you’ve worked.
- Compared to the Nevis LLC, the Nevis IBC has more formalities but still retains a decent amount of flexibility when compared to other jurisdictions.
The Structure:
- Shareholder(s):Nevis IBCs are structured around shareholders, who can encompass individuals or corporate entities. They hold shares that signify their ownership stake in the company. Nevis IBCs offer flexibility, allowing for one or multiple shareholders, with their details maintained confidentially.
- Director(s): Nevis IBCs mandate at least one director, who can be an individual or a corporate entity. Importantly, directors are not bound to residency in Nevis, granting further flexibility.
- It is common for the person establishing the IBC to appoint themselves as the sole Shareholder (100% ownership) and Director
- Share Capital: Nevis IBCs can establish authorized share capital, typically outlined during incorporation. This authorized share capital serves as the basis for issuing shares to shareholders, denominated in any chosen currency. The share capital structure entails key components including currency denomination, the maximum number of authorized shares, the initial issuance quantity, and the par value per share, representing its nominal or minimum value upon issuance. The required minimum share capital is $1 USD per share, which must be fully paid by the shareholder. Thus, a single shareholder must pay $1 USD to the company.
- For instance:
- Currency Denomination: USD
- No. of Authorized Shares: 50,000
- No. of Issued Shares: 1
- Par Value of Each Share: $1 USD
- For instance:
- Articles of Incorporation: The company’s structure and operations are governed by its Articles of Incorporation. These articles outline details such as the company’s name, registered office address in Nevis, share capital structure, and internal management protocols.
- Registered Agent: A registered agent in Nevis is required and included in your incorporation fee.
- Bank Account:Â The bank account is owned by the LLC and managed by the director (or shareholder-director)
Establishing a Nevis IBC through OCO’s efficient onboarding process can see your IBC operational in just 2-5 days. This setup offers a reliable solution for those seeking asset protection, tax efficiency, and confidentiality within a reputable offshore jurisdiction.
View the full governing legislation here: Nevis FSRC – IBCs
Where is Nevis?
Nevis is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. It lies approximately 350 kilometers (about 220 miles) east-southeast of Puerto Rico and 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) west of Antigua. Notably, Nevis is part of the two-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and its proximity to the US is highlighted by its relative closeness to Puerto Rico, which is a US territory.
Why should I use Offshore Companies Online for my company formation?
Offshore Companies Online streamlines the process by managing the entire application for you, conducting due diligence checks, and preparing compliant company documents. We cover all third-party costs, including first-year registration fees, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Additionally, we provide an application guide to assist you every step of the way. Our all-inclusive “pay-when-completed” model guarantees transparency and peace of mind.
Do I need to visit Nevis to open my IBC?
No, you do not need to visit Nevis to open your IBC. The entire process can be completed remotely, saving you time and travel expenses.
What documents are required to set up a Nevis IBC?
To set up a Nevis IBC, you will need to provide identification documents such as a passport, proof of address, and any additional information required for due diligence checks. Nevis structures do require reference letters as mentioned above.
Are there any restrictions on the types of business activities a Nevis IBC can engage in?
A Nevis IBC can engage in a wide range of business activities. However, it cannot conduct business activities within Nevis itself if it wishes to maintain tax-exempt status.
How does taxation work for a Nevis IBC?
A Nevis IBC is exempt from local taxes on income generated outside of Nevis. It operates as a passthrough entity, with earnings taxed based on the individual residency of the members.
Is my information secure with a Nevis IBC?
Yes, your information is highly secure. Nevis has strong confidentiality laws, and there is no public register of beneficial owners, managers, or members, ensuring your privacy.
What is the role of a registered agent for a Nevis IBC?
A registered agent is required for a Nevis IBC and acts as the company’s official point of contact within the jurisdiction. The agent handles compliance and regulatory correspondence on behalf of the IBC. This service is included in your incorporation fee.
What banking options are available?
Our offshore bank account offerings provide a secure and comprehensive offshore banking solution tailored for many situations. By opening an account, we are able to apply to a number of banks giving you access to a suite of financial services. Key features and benefits included in some of our offerings include:
- Global Securities Trading Platform: Trade across 40+ exchanges with options in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
- Precious Metal Accounts: Invest in Gold, Silver, and Platinum with secure vault storage.
- Multicurrency Cash Management: Simplify global transactions with multicurrency accounts, fixed deposits, and global money transfers.
- Enhanced Fixed Deposit Options: Benefit from improved rates for larger deposits.
- Fiduciary Deposit Services: Diversify returns by placing funds across multiple banks.
- Premium Private Banking Services: Enjoy personalized wealth management and high-level service.
- International Banking Standards Compliance: Ensure robust security and confidentiality.
- SWIFT Membership: Facilitate efficient global money transfers.
- Interest-bearing Accounts: Grow your wealth with competitive interest rates.
- Self-managed and Managed Investment Accounts: Choose between managing your own investments or having them managed professionally.
- Named IBAN Accounts: Benefit from named International Bank Account Numbers for easier transactions.