An International Business Corporation (IBC) is a legal entity organized for the purpose of managing cross-border investment or business activity. Offshore companies are used to provide efficient operation of international businesses, conduct offshore banking, manage investments, protect assets, and legally mitigate taxes of active businesses. International corporations are often formed in low tax jurisdictions which allows those actively deriving income from international operations to retain a reasonable amount of earnings tax free prior to distribution as dividends.

International business structuring is a complicated and specialized area of the law. Factors that must be considered include, but are not limited to, type of entity, choice of jurisdiction, tax elections, ownership structure, and nature of company operations. Chris Rusch has the legal experience and expertise to appropriately advise clients seeking to navigate this complex web of interrelated considerations. The Law Office of Chris Rusch provides corporate formation services in a number of countries. I can advise you on which jurisdictions have been proven over time to maximize privacy and provide an efficient business environment.

Below are the most common countries to incorporate an international business. Note that this list is not all inclusive. Ultimately, the ideal jurisdiction choice depends on each individual client's unique circumstances.
  • Switzerland remains the best location for an active business with major banking or financial service needs.
  • Hong Kong has recently returned to prominence as the gateway to China.
  • Cayman Islands and Bahamas are the countries of choice for anyone setting up operations which will be transparent to the U.S. Government. Just about every US publicly traded company with offshore branches or divisions is set up on these islands.
  • Structure the funding of your overseas business.
  • Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean provides complete privacy and is the least costly jurisdiction in which to incorporate.
  • Belize on the southern tip of Mexico competes with Nevis on privacy and as an entry point to Mexico
  • Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean near Fiji and New Zealand, which is the most common jurisdiction for offshore trusts.
Note: The following information on offshore corporate formation applies to those operating businesses outside of the U.S. Please click here for personal asset protection.