Foundations were introduced about one hundred years ago in Western Europe. Their use for the property and assets planning started in Liechtenstein in the early 20th century. Foundations have since become popular worldwide, especially in civil law jurisdictions where the term Anglo Saxon Trusts are less well known. Foundations can be established in many countries, including Panama, the Netherlands, Antilles and the Bahamas - who introduced the Foundation legislation in 2004 to make a common law jurisdiction leading contender for the residence of Foundations.

A Foundation is a separate legal entity without members or shareholders, and are generally established to reflect the wishes of the founder, there can be an individual or a legal entity. These are the wishes of the Foundation Deed of Incorporation, Articles of Association and Bye Laws. Foundations can be established for a definite or indefinite period and can be used for charitable, commercial or for family purposes.

In the case of a Bahamian Foundation, a resident person or licenced Bahamian corporate body shall be appointed by the founder and secretary, and a Foundation board or management, including a Protector may be appointed by the founder to ensure that the affairs of the Foundation are carried out in strict accordance with the requirements Founders.

Foundations are a very important part in structuring the ownership of family assets and are particularly important where Trusts are not generally recognised. They're in many respects similar to coporate companies, but provides protection & continuity derived from the use of Trusts.


Practical use of Offshore Foundations

* Personal relationship: For example, the founder's wishes are not publicly registered
* Wealth Protection
* Reported in all common & civil law jurisdictions
* Holding assets that can be passed from one generation to the next (estate planning)
* Inheritance tax planning
* Avoidance of forced heirship rules
* Maintenance of corporate control
* Separation of voting & economic benefits
* Employee share option
* Pension
* Art collections
* Charitable Purposes
* An important tool in international income, capital gains & estate tax planning
* Used by companies for pension schemes, pension & share option schemes, insurance & special financing arrangements



What assets can be held by an Offshore Foundation?

* Shares & stocks in both listed & private companies
* Investment portfolios
* Real & intellectual property
* Bank Deposits
* Life Insurance policies
* Most other types of assets


Offshore Foundations for individuals

A Foundation is the solution for people who:

* Want to preserve their wealth against uncertainty, either political, economic or family ties
* Want to transfer wealth to their heirs in a tax efficient manner. They want to plan their estate to maximise their wealth for family members & others
* Want to transfer wealth to their heirs in accordance with their wishes & not in accordance with the laws of the country where they live
* Want to consolidate the ownership of assets owned in the whole world in one place
* Want centralised reporting
* Want to minimise or eliminate estate taxes that arise on the death of the founder


Why establish a trust offshore?

When a Foundation is established in a suitable offshore jurisdiction, provided that residents in the offshore area are excluded from receiving the benefit of that institution, then there will be no local taxes applicable for assets & revenue for the department.

We specialise in the following Offshore Foundation company services:

Offshore company Foundations – Establish An Offshore Foundation – Offshore Foundation Advice – Setting up an Offshore Foundation – Benefits Of An Offshore Foundation – Foundation Services Offshore – Offshore Private Foundations