Jurisdictions
Which jurisdiction actually fits your situation?
The right answer depends on what you hold, where you reside, and what you need the structure to do — not which name sounds most prestigious.
Why jurisdiction selection is not a default decision
Most offshore advisers have a jurisdiction they prefer — often because it pays the highest referral fees, or because it is the one they know best. We deliberately work across a range of jurisdictions because no single one is optimal for every client. Mauritius is excellent for East African clients seeking treaty benefits but requires genuine substance. The BVI offers fast incorporation and flexible structures but limited banking relationships in some sectors. The UAE is increasingly attractive for clients who can establish genuine residence there. Seychelles is cost-effective for simpler holding structures but is not appropriate for clients whose counterparties conduct deep due diligence. We map the jurisdiction to the client, not the other way around. Our jurisdiction reviews cover incorporation cost, maintenance cost, banking accessibility, economic substance requirements, treaty network, and reputation in your relevant counterparty markets — written up so you can compare them clearly rather than take our word for any of it.
Jurisdictions we work in regularly
Each has a distinct profile — cost, substance, banking access, and treaty network are all different.
Mauritius
The most significant offshore jurisdiction for East African clients, with a strong treaty network, regulated financial services sector, and well-regarded banking options. Substance requirements are real and must be taken seriously. Particularly useful for investment holding and regional operating structures.
British Virgin Islands
One of the world's most widely used IBC jurisdictions — fast, flexible, and relatively low cost. BVI entities are recognised by counterparties globally, though banking has become more selective. Best suited for holding structures and joint ventures rather than active trading entities.
UAE (DIFC / Freezone)
Increasingly attractive for clients who can establish genuine residence in the UAE. The DIFC offers a common law framework, and the freezone options allow 100% foreign ownership. Banking access is strong if your documentation is thorough. Residency requirements are a real consideration.
Seychelles
A cost-effective option for simpler structures where the primary need is asset separation and the counterparties do not require a high-profile jurisdiction. Annual maintenance costs are low, and incorporation is fast. Not appropriate for structures that will face intensive due diligence from institutional counterparties.
Singapore
The strongest jurisdiction in Southeast Asia for credibility and banking access. Higher cost and more demanding substance requirements than Indian Ocean options, but the reputation premium is genuine. Relevant for clients with significant Asia-Pacific exposure or counterparties in that region.
What we do not do
We do not help clients hide assets from legitimate tax authorities, misrepresent beneficial ownership, or use structures for purposes that violate sanctions regimes. Every structure we work on is disclosed to the appropriate tax authorities in the client's home jurisdiction — the point of offshore structuring is legal optimisation and asset protection, not evasion. If you come to us looking for the latter, we will tell you clearly that it is not something we offer. We also do not recommend structures in jurisdictions that we do not have direct working knowledge of. A jurisdiction that sounds effective in a forum post may have compliance requirements or banking limitations that make it impractical. We only recommend what we can genuinely support.
Let's map the right jurisdiction for your structure
A forty-minute conversation is usually enough to narrow the field significantly.