Nevis

Nevis is a small Caribbean island that, together with its neighboring island Saint Kitts, forms the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with the British monarch as head of state. Nevis has its own legislative authority in the fields of offshore business, taxation, and financial services. The legal system is based on English common law and is adapted to the needs of the international business environment.

Nevis is considered one of the most discreet and robust offshore jurisdictions in the world, primarily due to its strong asset protection framework and minimal transparency in public registers.

Key Tax Advantages and Characteristics

• NO corporate income tax
• NO withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties
• NO capital gains tax
• NO inheritance, estate, or gift tax
• NO public registers of ultimate beneficial owners or directors
• NO audit requirement and NO obligation to file financial statements

Nevis specializes in structures designed for asset protection, confidentiality, and international holding purposes. It is particularly popular among individuals seeking lawful personal and business anonymity.

Main Offshore Vehicles Available in Nevis

Nevis Business Corporation (NBC) – Offshore Company

A typical corporate structure for trade and investment purposes.

Nevis LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Asset Protection Vehicle

An LLC combines the advantages of a corporation and a partnership. It is one of the most secure tools for asset management.

Advantages of a Nevis LLC:

1. Full contractual freedom of members in internal governance.
2. Strong creditor protection – a charging order is the only possible remedy.
3. Courts cannot order transfer of membership interests or liquidation of the LLC due to creditor claims.
4. Single-member LLC permitted.
5. No public disclosure of members‘ names in any publicly accessible records.

Nevis International Trust – Confidential Asset Management

The Nevis International Exempt Trust is designed for wealth planning, succession, and asset protection.

Key Features:

• Foreign court judgments are not recognized without a new trial in Nevis.
• Mandatory appointment of at least one trustee with a Nevis address.
• Protection from creditors – a creditor must post a bond (up to USD 100,000) before initiating proceedings.
• Maximum confidentiality – no public registration.

Tax Regime in Nevis

Regulation, Compliance, and Legal Certainty

• Companies in Nevis are registered with the Nevis Financial Services Department.
• No annual report or financial statement filing is required – only a simple annual renewal.
• Legal certainty is supported by the Nevis Commercial Court, a specialized court for corporate and trust disputes.
• Nevis law does not provide for any automatic exchange of beneficial ownership information.

Who Is Nevis Suitable For?

Nevis is an ideal jurisdiction for:

• Asset protection from lawsuits or future creditors,
• Family trusts and succession planning,
• International business operations outside Nevis,
• Holding and investment structures,
• Anonymous ownership of securities and real estate (e.g., through a trust or LLC).

How to Set Up a Company in Nevis

1. Choose the type of structure (NBC, LLC, Trust).
2. Select a name and appoint a Registered Agent (mandatory).
3. Incorporate and file documents with the Nevis Registrar of Companies.
4. Secure a registered office and obtain a Certificate of Incorporation.
5. (Optional) Arrange a bank account or additional structure (e.g., trust + LLC).

The incorporation process typically takes 2 to 5 business days.