FAQs

The following are a few frequently asked questions by prospective clients wanting to incorporate a new offshore company with Schuss & Co. Please contact us if you have any other questions or would like to talk to an adviser.

What does Schuss & Co. do?

Schuss & Co. is an online company formation agent, which provides global corporate services to corporate and private clients. Schuss & Co. offers offshore structures in order to cater to the business needs of its client base. Broadly put, these demands include corporate re-structuring, wealth and asset protection, tax reduction, international expansion and professional directors, nominee shareholders, secretarial, trustee and representative services.

What is an offshore company?

Offshore or non-resident companies are loosely described as companies that do not conduct a substantial volume of business within their jurisdiction of incorporation. More specifically, offshore companies have three characteristics: Firstly, they should be registered as an entity within the jurisdiction of incorporation. Secondly, the ‘incorporators’ should be domiciled outside of the jurisdiction of incorporation. Finally, the company should transact the majority of business outside of the jurisdiction of incorporation. However, most associate the term ‘offshore company’ as a means of increasing tax function:

• IBC (International Business Company) - Have very little or no taxation on income, corporate profits and capital gains. Such companies are present in jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands and the Seychelles.
• LLP (Limited Liability Partnerships) / LLC (Limited Liability Company) - Such businesses have the benefit of limited liability but with the profit division characteristic of partnerships, whereby profits are divided between partners based on their holding in the business. If the members or partners of an LLC/LLP are not domiciled and are non-tax residents within the jurisdiction of incorporation, and business activities are based outside of the country of incorporation, then neither the company nor the members/partners are subject to taxation in the jurisdiction of incorporation. Examples include: UK LLPs and Isle of Man LLCs.
• Certain onshore companies - Some company types, which have tax resident status, are used for international tax planning purposes due to factors apart from nil taxation on profits, income or capital gains tax. For example, the Luxembourg 1990 Soparfi is a normally taxed European company, subject to full taxation with access to Luxembourg’s double tax treaties. However, Luxembourg has structured the dividends and capital gains on a Soparfi such that it is very efficient as a holding company.

Which jurisdiction should I choose?

Most offshore jurisdictions have no foreign exchange controls and have little or no tax on individuals or companies. However, most jurisdictions have differing legislation designed to serve the needs of cross border business (such as double taxation agreements). It is important to select a jurisdiction that is well suited to your specific corporate and personal needs. Please contact us for further assistance on the choice of jurisdiction.

What are shelf companies?

A shelf corporation, also called an aged corporation, is a business that has no present activity. They are pre-fabricated, unused corporations that have been set-up to meet a client’s specific needs. Schuss & Co. can provide such offshore structures through our partner network. For more information, please contact us.

Who will manage my offshore structure?

Schuss & Co. can provide fully qualified professional directors and company secretaries.

How are the costs structured?

Schuss & Co. has made its fees as transparent as possible, however incorporation fees, maintenance fees, corporate servicing costs vary between jurisdictions. Full prices can be found on each jurisdiction’s overview page.

How long does it take to set up an offshore company and bank account?

International Business Companies (IBCs) can usually be set up within two working days in most offshore jurisdictions on the premise that all required details are supplied by the client. We can usually establish bank accounts in offshore jurisdictions within two days of notice.

Is my privacy protected?

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of our clients. However, prior to taking on new custom we are committed to carrying out thorough checks to assess the nature of our clients' businesses. We are obligated to undertake the necessary due diligence to ensure that no international treaties are violated. This arrangement benefits all parties involved.