Offshorepedia » Audio & Video

The Dominican Republic – an Alternative for Offshore Real Estate Investments

Offshorepedia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:30:08 +0000

The Dominican Republic is not a traditional offshore and tax haven but it is a nation that has many advantages such as the possibility to apply for a second passport already after two years of residence. Another attractive feature of the Dominican Republic is the prices of real estate that are only a fraction of the cost on many of the other Caribbean Islands.

But if you are interested in an offshore investment in the form of real estate and becoming an expatriate in to the Dominican Republic you must wonder how it looks like over there. Well, a video clip can say more than a thousand words and accordingly we refer to the video clip here down below. Watch and enjoy. And then book your flight to the Dominican Republic.

What should an Offshore Company Structure look like?

Offshorepedia — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:27:11 +0000

How an offshore company structure should be set up is entirely dependent on the purpose with the structure. An offshore company structure with the purpose to minimize taxes may be completely different from an offshore structure with the purpose to protect assets. There are no standard structure and how it is setup does also depend on the consultant hired to assist and guide the setup.

Even though there is no standard structure they often have their similarities. Often the choice of jurisdiction in which to incorporate often differs depending on the nationality and domicile of the ultimate beneficiary at the one end of the structure.

It is always interesting to see how different consultants and lawyer setup their structures, not only in order to learn but also in order to get inspired and hopefully be able to create even more innovative and useful offshore company structures in the future.

In the following videos you can watch a lawyer or consultant setting up an offshore structure in Panama with offshore companies, trusts, bearer shares, bank accounts etc. The video is a great introduction to how an offshore structure can be set up and the different tools that can be used. But as said above there is no one and best structure and accordingly this structure should not be used without first defining the purpose with the structure, applicable laws etc. And finally setting up an offshore structure shall always be made by skilled and reputable professionals in the area.

Well, here are the two videos. Enjoy.

Monaco’s Position as a Tax and Secrecy Haven

Offshorepedia — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:33:29 +0000

Monaco has since long established itself as a home for the riches. One of the means to achieve this status has been a tax system with almost no taxes in combination with strict secrecy laws. Actually only French nationals pay income tax in Monaco and these taxes are paid directly to the French Government. Other nationals pay no income tax at all in Monaco.

However, like many other low-tax jurisdictions, Monaco has been put under international pressure and last year adopted international standards for banking openness and information-sharing. This adoption includes a commitment from Monaco to abide by the standards outlined under Article 26 of the organization’s Model Tax Convention, which requires the tax authorities to exchange information on request if there is probable cause to suspect tax evasion.

The following video shows not only the extraordinary life that you can enjoy in Monaco but does also highlight some of the issues that Monaco faces following the changes that are taking place on an international level regarding the openness and information-sharing with offshore and low-tax jurisdictions.