Consider what you want from an offshore bank. Deposits, current account, savings, money transfer, or investing? Take your time to discover as much as you can about whether the bank offers the services you need.



People mainly use offshore private banks to protect assets from third parties. They can deal in cash, securities, investing etc. The identity of the owner can be protected by offshore legislation or can even be anonymous.

One can keep control over one's assets yet third parties can't link the assets to the beneficial owner. They are far more lawsuit-resistant than assets held by in one's home country.

However, one of the most common, false beliefs is that offshore private banks can legally prevent assets from being subject to personal income tax on interest.

Certainly some have low or no taxation, this exception is generally associated with one's accounts meeting complex requirements. The 'no-taxes' idea is wrong as the personal income tax of most nations makes no distinction between interest earned in local banks and that earned offshore, adding clauses to enforce tax revenue.

Some things to look for before opening an offshore account are the benefits you will receive regarding privacy, taxes, and security. You will also want to see how long the bank has been operating, the rules and regulations it follows, policies and so on.

Once your account is established, you are issued a bank card, then after that you can use the bankcard to withdraw cash and to pay for everyday expenses. Some facilitators provide them for 'free' as part of an incorporation package. The account is only set up once you've established an IBC or an offshore Trust.

An offshore broker site can:

- Facilitate your access to offshore private banks;

- Introductions to banks in all major jurisdictions;

- Open personal, corporate or offshore accounts;

- Manage these accounts;

- Arrange or transfer letters of credit;

- Creating trusted structures;

- Sort out debit and credit cards and

- Online banking.

Offshore corporations associated with these accounts can't conduct business inside their country of incorporation.

They are often completely tax-free: they are exempt from tax on their profits or assets. They do have to pay a small annual licence fee, usually a couple of hundred dollars. Ideal offshore bank accounts should not need to file annual accounts or returns. They are usually as easy to incorporate as a limited company in the U.K. or the U.S.A.

Offshore shelf companies are companies that have already been formed, with the intention that someone will buy them later. Such a company will not have traded, and can be transferred to the customer immediately. The only drawback of such a company is that you can't select a name in advance.

Consider asset protection. When you look for an offshore bank account, have in mind that there are some ways to get your assets protected from any form of liability. You should get an expert to help you manage your corporation, at least for some initial advice, so that they are protected from any kind of liability.

Also, there are some general requirements almost all offshore banking institutions require before an account may be opened. These include:

- Copies of identification or passports of the company owners;

- Copy of bylaws and articles of incorporation for the company;

- Bankers reference (sometimes two required);

- Completed application forms, and

- Banking information.