An offshore company is a business operation based in a nation other than the country that the owner calls home. The reasons for utilizing this approach vary, but the goal usually has to do with enjoying some advantages that are not available in a domestic setting.
If you’re thinking of creating and operating an offshore company, it pays to delve deeply into several factors. Here are some tips that will help you decide how to structure the business and which offshore location would work best.
Determine Your Reasons for Establishing an Offshore Business
What specifically do you hope to gain by creating the company in an international location versus a domestic one? Many business owners have more than one reason in mind. You may be motivated by numerous reasons.
Begin by specifically identifying the reasons that led to considering the idea. From there, think about if there may be other reasons that also apply. What inspired the idea in the first place may still be primary, but there’s a good chance you’ll come up with two or three secondary reasons to add to the mix.
Write all of the reasons down and refer back to them as you search for the ideal location. You will also have them readily available as you speak with entities who can help you establish your offshore company.
Identify Your Target Customer Base
What type of consumer base do you want to reach? This is important for two reasons. Suppose the plan is to target a customer base that happens to be composed of other businesses within a given industry. In that case, it never hurts to choose an international location that allows shipping and distribution to be managed with ease. Being close enough to the targeted base also makes it easier for sales personnel to visit those prospective customers regularly.
Even if the plan is to offer goods or services to individuals rather than companies, consider the potential for reaching those customers with ease. That includes delivering goods or services without any unnecessary delays. A healthy transport system that can efficiently handle imports and exports will be a must when considering where to locate the offshore business physically.
Consider Applicable Laws in Various Jurisdictions
Tax and other laws vary from one international location to the next. Depending on what you want to accomplish with the operation, the laws in one jurisdiction may be somewhat prohibitive, while a different one would benefit and protect your company.
Look into the tax laws carefully. What would the tax agency in that offshore location be required to report to your domestic tax agency? What sort of tax obligation would your company have to the nation in question? Are there recurring fees related to the business registration, property taxes, and other expenditures that you’ll need to manage?
Knowing what type of commitment, you’re making and the protections the company will enjoy influences where to base the business and the type of incorporation you choose.
Learn About Political Stability Within Different Jurisdictions
One of the incorrect perceptions about international business settings is that they are inherently less politically stable than what one would find at home. There are indeed nations around the world where political unrest is high. Without a doubt, you want to keep your business away from those jurisdictions.
At the same time, understand there are nations with highly stable governments. Some of them are closer to North America than you may realize. For example, a business professional who is a citizen of the United States or Canada may find that the political climate in countries like Belize or Panama would be perfect for establishing an offshore operation.
Selecting a Company Structure
There’s more than one company structure that you can use for your offshore operation. Identify the one that will provide the most benefits while still ensuring that the business can deliver goods and services to the targeted customer base. Look closely at what sort of advantages various nations offer if you establish a company of that kind within their borders.
For example, you’ll find that Belize is an excellent choice if you plan on establishing a limited liability company (LLC) or an international business company (IBC). You’ll find that both enjoy significant tax benefits and can be established with comparative ease. While there are reports to file with the government, they tend to be straightforward and simple to complete.
Clarify What the Local Labor Force Has to Offer
What will you need in terms of abilities and skills for the employees who keep the business operating? Take a look at the local labor force and what it has to offer. Are there people who already possess the necessary skills? If not, are there enough people nearby who can be trained with relative ease?
Take a close look at the demographics, especially as they apply to locations within a country where you would establish the business. If you can tap into a source of employees that will grow with you as the company expands, it’s a spot worth considering.
Assess the Country’s Infrastructure
You will need a location that has supporting infrastructure like utilities. That includes the tools such as Wi-Fi to manage the online aspects of the business. Don’t assume anything. Find out precisely what sort of modern resources will be on hand and if they will be sufficient.
The last thing you want to do is make plans for a business only to find that basics like power sources will be hard to secure. Understanding what government and public services are available upfront will keep you from wasting time and effort.
Identify the Cost of Securing Real Estate
One of the major expenses will be purchasing or leasing property for your business. Look closely at this cost and determine if it’s competitive. Keep in mind that you may find investing in something adjacent to a population center would save money while still allowing you to make the most of local resources.
There are real estate professionals who specialize in identifying offshore business sites. Once you identify the countries that are of interest, these professionals can research and recommend suitable properties.
Evaluate Establishing Offshore Corporate Bank Accounts
Establishing corporate bank accounts is a critical step in your success and should be a prime consideration of where you choose to establish your company. Your accounts must comply with laws that govern the offshore location. You’ll find that banking laws in some nations are more favorable to your business structure than others.
Sit down with bank officials and discuss the necessary steps for setting up accounts for operational expenses and other needs. In some nations, you may need an agent to represent you. Ensure you can manage the accounts using online resources. That will make monitoring the company finances all the easier no matter where you happen to reside.
Let Your Business Thrive – Offshore
The point of setting up an international company structure is to take advantage of benefits that are not likely to be found in your native country. Investigating your options will make it easier to determine where to locate your business and ensure it is poised for success.
Belize is a prime location to establish an IBC, and Caye International Bank is the perfect financial institution to help you set up bank accounts, finance real estate transactions, and more.
Speak with one of our friendly representatives today. With our help, your business could be up and running sooner than you thought possible.
