Where we work

Jurisdictions

Most clients arrive with two or three countries in mind, usually from something they have read. These pages set out how each one actually works — including where the popular choice is the wrong one.

Europe

Cyprus

EU membership, a low corporate rate and a wide treaty network — with real substance expectations.

Status: EU and eurozone member
Corporate income tax: 12.5% — among the lowest in the EU
Common form: Private company limited by shares
Accounts: Audited financial statements required annually

Switzerland

Reputation and stability at a cost, with tax rates that vary substantially by canton.

Status: Non-EU, extensive bilateral agreements
Corporate tax: Federal, cantonal and communal — varies widely by canton
Common forms: GmbH/Sàrl and AG/SA
Capital: Minimum share capital required and must be paid in

Estonia

Profits taxed only when distributed, and administration that genuinely works online.

Status: EU and eurozone member
Retained profits: Not subject to corporate income tax
Distributions: Taxed when profits are distributed
Administration: Fully digital, including e-Residency

Asia

Hong Kong

Territorial taxation and a genuine trading hub, with demanding bank onboarding.

Tax basis: Territorial — profits sourced outside Hong Kong may fall outside the charge
Profits tax: Two-tiered — 8.25% on the first HK$2m, 16.5% thereafter
Other taxes: No VAT, no capital gains tax, no withholding on dividends
Accounts: Audited accounts required annually

Singapore

Excellent reputation and a strong treaty network, with substance expectations to match.

Corporate income tax: 17% headline rate, with partial exemptions available
Foreign income: Remittance-based, with exemptions subject to conditions
Other taxes: No capital gains tax; no withholding on dividends
Directors: At least one locally resident director required

Offshore

British Virgin Islands

The most established offshore jurisdiction, with substance rules that now define how it can be used.

Corporate income tax: None on BVI business companies
Legal system: English common law, Privy Council as final appeal
Common form: BVI Business Company
Substance: Economic substance requirements apply to relevant activities

Which jurisdiction fits your case?

The answer depends on where your income arises, where management sits and which banks will serve the structure. Describe the situation and we will give you a straight comparison.

Send an enquiry +381 63 808 3855