Purchase a Ready-Made Company in Nevis or Register a New One?

Nevis is a small island in the Caribbean that has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top offshore centers. As part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, its laws are specifically designed to offer significant advantages to foreign investors while providing robust protection for their assets. If you’re looking for an ideal offshore location, Nevis has a lot going for it, and it stands out compared to Saint Kitts. Why? Because unlike Saint Kitts, Nevis doesn’t have a public registry of company owners, which makes it much more attractive for those who prioritize anonymity. This confidentiality extends to shareholders and directors alike. Besides, the company registration process in Nevis tends to be simpler and faster. There you could set up a company in just 1-2 days, whereas in Saint Kitts, bureaucratic hurdles might delay things a bit.

But you don’t have to register a new company from scratch. Nevis also gives you the opportunity to purchase a ready-made company that could come with an active bank account. It’s a fast and efficient way to kick-start your international business operations without wasting time.

Why choose Nevis as an offshore jurisdiction?

Nevis is the embodiment of a ‘zero-tax’ jurisdiction. Whether you buy a ready-made company or start a new one, you won’t be taxed on your profits as long as the business activities don’t take place within Nevis. Let’s look at some key benefits that come with registering an offshore company in Nevis or buying a ready-made one:

• Tax benefits (as long as your company doesn’t operate within Nevis).
• Asset protection for foreigners (especially beneficial if you’re setting up a trust).
• Political and economic stability.
• Confidentiality for owners of business companies and other types of assets.
• Simple registration process (purchasing a ready-made company can take only 24 hours).
• Citizenship by investment program: in Saint Kitts and Nevis, you can even obtain citizenship through the ‘golden passport’ program.
• Strategic location between North and South America.

At the website, you can find more information about purchasing a company in Nevis and other offshore jurisdictions.

Choosing between an IBC and an LLC

Nevis offers two main types of companies: International Business Company (IBC) and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Both have their advantages, and the choice depends on what you want to achieve. Here’s a brief breakdown:

Advantages of an LLC in Nevis:

• High confidentiality for both owners and directors.
• Effective asset protection.
• Flexibility in management and the ability to choose your tax regime.
• No minimum capital requirements.

Advantages of an IBC in Nevis:

• No taxes on profits earned outside Nevis.
• No reporting or audit obligations.
• An opportunity to manage the company from any country.
• Shareholders and directors can be from any country.

Other corporate structures available in Nevis

Depending on your goals, Nevis has a variety of corporate structures to offer beyond IBCs and LLCs. Here are some alternatives:

• Nevis Exempt Trust: Free from taxation and highly efficient for protecting beneficiaries’ assets.
• Nevis International Exempt Trust: A flexible legal tool, perfect for tax planning and asset protection.
• Nevis Limited Partnership: A solid option if you’re looking for split liability among partners.
• Nevis Multiform Foundation: A hybrid structure that combines characteristics of both a company and a trust.

Buying a ready-made IBC in Nevis

An International Business Company (IBC) is an offshore entity registered under the laws of Nevis, designed to conduct international business. One of the main perks of buying a ready-made IBC is the opportunity to start business operations almost immediately. This option is especially attractive for those who want to get their business off the ground fast and skip the paperwork hassle.

An IBC is perfect for businesses involved in:

• International trade.
• Asset management.
• Consulting.
• Investments.

Although setting up an IBC from scratch is straightforward, buying a ready-made company saves time and effort. Some ready-made IBCs don’t have bank accounts but this fact makes them more affordable. But if you prefer a company with an active bank account, that’s definitely possible, though you are likely to need some expert assistance to set everything up in a smooth manner.

Buying a ready-made LLC in Nevis

LLCs in Nevis are incredibly popular because of their flexibility and efficient management structures. One of the biggest advantages of an LLC is personal asset protection: your liability is limited to the amount you’ve invested in the company.

LLCs also allow you to choose how you want the company to be taxed: either as a partnership or as a corporation. This provides extra flexibility for tax planning. And while an IBC cannot operate within Nevis to maintain its tax-free status, an LLC can do business both inside and outside Nevis while still enjoying favorable tax treatment.

If you’re looking for a structure with minimal reporting requirements and maximum management flexibility, an LLC is likely your best bet.

What to keep in mind when buying a ready-made company in Nevis

Buying a ready-made company is an excellent way to jumpstart your business but there are some critical factors to consider before you make a purchase:

• Company history: Make sure the company has no prior business activity or legal problems.
• Corporate documents: Check that all documents are in order and comply with local laws.
• Bank accounts: If the company has a bank account, make sure that you’re aware of all restrictions and conditions for its use.
• Professional advice: It’s crucial to consult with experts before you finalize the deal. You don’t want to be caught off guard by any legal complications later on.

Registering a new offshore company in Nevis

Setting up a new offshore company in Nevis is relatively quick and easy. It normally takes only 1-2 business days. To start with, you’ll have to choose between forming an IBC or an LLC, both of which come with significant tax benefits and high levels of confidentiality.

The first step is picking a unique company name and verifying its availability. Next, you’ll have to appoint company directors and shareholders (for an IBC) or members (for an LLC). It’s worth noting that directors and shareholders don’t have to be residents of Nevis: they can come from anywhere in the world.

Once the basic company documents are prepared, the registration process involves paying government fees. These fees vary depending on the type of company and any additional services you may require such as using nominee directors, for instance. After the registration process is complete, you’ll receive a Company Registration Certificate and you can begin international operations. If you wish, opening a bank account for your company in Nevis is also quite possible.

In summary, purchasing a ready-made offshore company in Nevis is fast and simple with professional assistance. However, setting up a new company from scratch can offer a greater sense of security, as you’ll be able to avoid any potential issues that could arise with a pre-registered entity.