Notification

Will you allow One IBC to send you notifications?

We will only notify the newest and revelant news to you.

Corporate Service Advisory - FAQs

+ General

1. How to set up an offshore company?

How to set up an offshore company

Step 1 Initially, our relationship managers will ask you to provide detailed information for all shareholders and directors, including their names. You can select the level of services you need. This stage normally takes one to three working days, or a working day in urgent cases. Furthermore, give the proposed company names so that we can check the eligibility of the names in each jurisdiction’s/country’s company registry/company house.

Step 2 You settle the payment of our service fee and the official Government fee required for your selected jurisdiction/country. We accept payment by credit/debit card Visa Visa payment-discover payment-american , Paypal Paypal or by wire transfer to our HSBC bank account. HSBC bank account(Payment Guidelines).

See more: Company registration fees

Step 3 After collecting full information from you, One IBC® Group will send you digital versions of your corporate documents (certificate of incorporation, register of shareholders/directors, share certificate, memorandum and articles of association etc) via email. The full Offshore Company kit will be couriered to your residential address by express delivery (TNT, DHL or UPS etc).

You can open an offshore bank account for your company in Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore or any other jurisdictions where we support offshore bank accounts! You have the freedom to make international money transfers from your offshore account.

Once your offshore company formation is completed. You are ready to do international business!

2. What is the difference between a holding company and an investment company?

Fresh entrepreneurs oftentimes cannot tell the difference between a holding company and an investment company. While they do have a lot of similarities, holding companies and investment companies each have their distinct purposes.

A holding company is a parent business entity that holds the controlling stock or membership interests in its subsidiary companies. The cost to set up a holding company varies depending on the legal entity it is registered with, usually a corporation or an LLC. Large businesses usually set up a holding company because of multiple benefits it brings, including: Protecting assets, reducing risk and tax, no day-to-day management, etc.

An investment company, on the other hand, does not own or directly control any subsidiary companies, but rather is engaged in the business of investing in securities. Setting up an investment company is different from setting up a holding company, as they can mostly be formed as a mutual fund, a closed-ended fund, or a unit investment trusts (UIT). Furthermore, each type of investment company has its own versions, such as stock funds, bond funds, money market funds, index funds, interval funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

3. Why should I use One IBC® Group to open an offshore company?
  1. One IBC® Group has more than 10 years’ experience in offshore consultancy. During this time we have been able to develop a network of offshore service providers that remains unparalleled.
  2. We provide tailor-made advice to our clients, fully integrating the latest laws.
  3. We are one of the most competitive offshore service providers.
  4. We have achieved many awards and certificates. See all Our Awards and Licenses

For further information, please read "Our Guarantees" section.

Just Order - We Do All For You

4. What is an offshore company?

First and foremost, it is essential to define the term Offshore. Offshore relates to managing, registering, conducting, or operating in a foreign country, often with financial, legal and tax benefits. 

An offshore company has a variety of uses and benefits for clients wishing to engage in international financial trade and investment activities. Depending on the specific offshore jurisdiction, an offshore company may have the following features and advantages: Ease of Incorporation, Minimal Fees, No Foreign Exchange Controls, High Confidentiality, Tax Benefits.

5. Which jurisdiction should I choose for my company?

Offshore Jurisdictions not only have some aspects of tax benefits, they are also good places to attract investors because of factors such as stable politics, good reputation and sophisticated corporate law.

Each offshore jurisdiction has its separate benefits that can meet customers’ strategic demands. OCC’s customer service team are trained to support clients to find out the applicable tax havens for their business.

We carefully list the service countries on our website, from the lower-fee countries to higher ones (See more: Company Registration Fees). Although there is some difference in fees, all of the jurisdictions guarantee their confidentiality and integrity to investors. For good offshore jurisdictions with high-ranking currencies, clients will be introduced to Hong Kong and Singapore (See more: Hong Kong offshore company formation and Singapore offshore company formation), which are well placed to attract businessmen due to their significant economical and tax benefits.

6. Who should use an offshore company?

An offshore company may be of interest to a great number of people, and it may be used for various activities.

Businessmen

Creating an offshore company allows you to begin an activity without having to deal with setting up a complicated infrastructure. An offshore company allows you to quickly create a stable structure with a simple administration and enjoy all the benefits of the offshore jurisdiction.

Commerce over the internet (e-commerce)

Internet traders can use an offshore company to maintain a domain name and to manage internet sites. An offshore company might be ideal for people whose business is on the internet. You might choose to incorporate the registered office of your company in an offshore jurisdiction to take advantage of the various benefits offered by these jurisdictions.

Consultants/counsellors

You can also carry on your consultancy or counselling business through an offshore company. You will find it easier to manage your company, while being registered in a stable jurisdiction and benefiting from all the strengths of that jurisdiction.

International business

International commerce can be carried out through an offshore company. It will handle purchases and sales operations. One IBC® can also obtain a VAT number for companies that we incorporate in Cyprus or incorporate in the United Kingdom.

Holding intellectual property rights

Any kind of intellectual property right (a patent or trademark) may be registered in the name of an offshore company. The company may also buy or sell this type of right. It may also grant rights of use to third parties in return for payments.

Also read: Intellectual property services

For the custody of movable and immovable property

Offshore companies are used to hold both movable property (such as yachts) and immovable property (such as houses and buildings). In addition to confidentiality, the benefits and advantages they offer include exemption from certain types of taxes (e.g. inheritance tax). It should be noted, however, that some countries do not allow the acquisition of movable/immovable property through offshore structures and therefore those wishing to form an offshore structure are advised to check with a competent authority before proceeding.

For inheritance purposes

An offshore firm that always stays afloat (provided all costs associated with running it are paid) may, in some countries, be used as a means of avoiding inheritance-tax laws. With a view to minimising inheritance-tax liability, the offshore structure may also be combined with a trust or a foundation.

Stockbroker/forex

Offshore companies are very often used for share dealing or foreign-exchange transactions. The main reasons being the anonymous nature of the transaction (the account can be opened under a company name).

You are free to make international money transfers under your Offshore Company. We wish to make you aware that you ought to liaise with a tax advisor in your country of residence before setting up an offshore company.

7. Do I have to pay taxes on profit or interest earned by my offshore company?

No.

Most of the jurisdictions we work with do not impose taxes on profits made or interest earned by offshore company. Some, like Hong Kong or Delaware, only tax profits made within the jurisdiction, whereas Cyprus charges a 10% flat tax.

See more:

While a company may not be subject to tax reporting to its local authorities, from a personal standpoint it mustn’t relieve you from seeking counsel from a tax advisor in your country of residence in order to assess the extent of your own obligations, if any.

 

8. When do I have to pay my company's yearly fees (Time of renewal)?

You will be asked to settle the yearly fees prior to each anniversary of your company, not at the end of each calendar year. To avoid any last minute rush, we will send you a renewal invitation before the anniversary.

See more: Company Renewal Fee

9. Can the same person be a shareholder of the company and act as its director at the same time?

Yes. In most jurisdictions it is possible (and common) that the same person acts as shareholder and director of the company.

10. What is the difference between a shareholder and a director?

The shareholder is the person who owns the company through a share certificate. A company can be owned by one or several shareholders. The shareholder can be an individual or a company.

The director is the person responsible for the management of the company. He will sign any business contracts, account opening forms etc. Directors are elected by the shareholders. A company can have one or several directors. The director can be an individual or a company.

See more: Nominee Director and Shareholder Services

11. What is a shelf company?

Shelf companies are corporate entities that have been established by a provider who holds the company until a purchaser is found. Post transaction, the ownership of the company transfers from the provider to the purchaser, who then commences trading activity under the company name. The benefits of purchasing a shelf company include:

  • reduction in the time it would take to create a new corporation;
  • enables contract bidding (some jurisdictions require a fixed business age to allow this function); and
  • the appearance of corporate longevity.

Note: shelf companies are normally more expensive than newly incorporated companies because of their age.

Read more: 

12. Can I choose the name of my company?

Yes, It is even recommended that you do so. On the application form you are asked to input three company names, in order of your preference. We will then check with the Company Registry of the offshore jurisdiction if those names are available for incorporation.

Read more: 

13. Does my company have to provide accounts to any tax authority?

No, generally not. This is one of the main advantages of offshore companies.

However, in a few select jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Cyprus and the UK, it is indeed mandatory for companies to produce yearly accounts, to have them audited and, in some cases, to pay taxes (please refer to our jurisdiction comparison table).

While a company may not be subject to tax reporting to the relevant authorities, from a personal standpoint it must not relieve you from seeking counsel from a tax advisor in your country of residence in order to assess the extent of your own obligations, if any.

Read more:

14. How long will it take for me to receive my corporate documents?

Every jurisdiction has its own incorporation timeframe. Please refer to our jurisdiction comparison table. Once the company has been incorporated, it will generally take about two to six days for the corporate documents to reach you.

Read more: 

15. How can I settle my company fees?

You can either pay by Paypal, credit card/ debit card or wire transfer.

Paypal, credit card/ debit card

Payment Guidelines

16. Why are your fees lower than those of your competitors?

Having our own offices or partners in the jurisdictions where we provide our services, we are able to offer straight-forward and competitive prices, thus we can avoid any intermediaries.

17. What are the benefits of the apostille and which countries recognise apostille certificates?

Benefits of the apostille

With the Hague Convention, the whole legalisation process has been deeply simplified by the delivery of a standard certificate entitled “apostille”. Authorities of the state where the document was issued must place the certificate on it. It will be dated, numbered and registered. This makes finalising the verification and registration through the authorities who forwarded the certificate much easier.

List of countries which recognise apostille certificates

The Hague Convention currently has over 60 countries as members. Furthermore, many others will also recognise an apostille certificate.

  • Albania, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria
  • Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic
  • Dominica
  • El Salvador
  • Fiji, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France
  • Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana
  • Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary
  • Ireland, Israel, Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan, Kiribati
  • Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
  • Macau (SAR), Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco
  • Netherlands (including Aruba and Netherlands Antilles), New Zealand, Niue, Norway
  • Panama, Portugal (including Madeira)
  • Romania, Russian Federation
  • Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, San Marino, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain (including the Canary Islands), Sri Lanka, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Surinam, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland
  • Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu
  • Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America (including Puerto Rico)
  • Vanuatu, Venezuela
  • Yugoslavia

Other countries

The countries listed below have approved the apostille certificate as proof of legalisation. Although it is likely to be accepted most of the time, a consultation with the legal entity supposed to receive it is recommended.

  • Afars and the Issas, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Aruba
  • Bermuda, Brazil, British Antarctic Territory, British Virgin Islands
  • Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Comoros Islands
  • Denmark, Djibouti
  • Egypt, Estonia
  • Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia
  • Georgia, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guernsey (Bailiwick of), Guyana
  • Iceland
  • Jersey, Jordan
  • Malaysia, Martinique, Montserrat , Morocco, Mozambique
  • New Caledonia
  • Sri Lanka, St Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, St Pierre and Miquelon
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Virgin Islands
  • Wallis and Futuna

Also read:

18. What is the DUNS number for my company & how to get it?

The DUNS number is a unique nine-digit number that identifies business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the DUNS number is widely used as a standard business identifier.

Your DUNS number will be used to check the identity and legal-entity status of your organisation as part of our enrolment-verification process, especially relating to internet services, game/app development (like SSL), Trust Seal on your website or your Apple/Google apps development account – even with applications to credit and financing institutions.

Your DUNS number will be directly linked to your company’s credit file and will play an important role in your company’s search for credit and financing. With a DUNS number and business-credit report, lenders, suppliers and creditors will now be better able to assess the creditworthiness of your business.

What do I need to get my DUNS number?

When registering for your DUNS number, you will need the following to hand.

  • Legal name
  • Headquarters name and address for your business
  • Doing Business As (DBA) or other name by which your business is commonly known
  • Physical address, city, state and ZIP code
  • Mailing address (if different from headquarters or physical address)
  • Telephone number
  • Contact name and title
  • Number of employees at your physical address

With Offshore Company Corp services, we can support you with everything. Your DUNS number can be issued within 2-5 working days and for a fee from US$190, depending on the jurisdiction your company is registered in.

Read more: 

What the media say about us