Exploring Affordable Investment Destinations in the Caribbean
In this series, we are diving into ten low-cost jurisdictions in the Caribbean. A low-cost jurisdiction is a nation that offers tax incentives for foreign investors through favorable tax treatment.
Each country has its own advantages and regulations regarding investment behavior. Contact Alpen Partners today to discover if the Caribbean is the right offshore destination for you.
If you haven’t read part one of our series, we recommend starting there.
Now, let’s get back to our list, starting with Anguilla.
Anguilla
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory that is home to political stability and a serious take on compliance. Not only is Anguilla a well-known low-cost jurisdiction, but it is also in relatively good standing in terms of a low-tax nation.
Over the years, Anguilla has become a highly respected low-cost jurisdiction that boasts no tax on income made outside of the United States. There are also benefits to incorporating.
In terms of privacy, the Offshore Banking Act of 2005 strictly prohibits all bank employees from disclosing financial information regarding any of their clients.
While the nation has done a lot to increase its status as a top destination for financial optimization, the banking system has much growing to do. The banks offer fewer services relative to other nations, but it is quite easy to open an account.
Panama
Panama is a very secure nation in which to perform financial activities. Companies incorporated in Panama can take advantage of the local tax benefits, as well as the freedom to conduct business operations in and out of the country.
The country also has strict bank secrecy laws, protecting account holders.
As an added benefit, Panama is an excellent place in which to invest in real estate. As one of the easiest countries for foreigners to buy property, there’s no question why many choose Panama as their investment destination. There are many different kinds of options for real estate investors in the country, and residency is easy to obtain. Panama also has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Western Hemisphere.
The British Virgin Islands
Investors love the British Virgin Islands because it is widely considered one of the best places to have a foreign bank account. Offshore accounts are not subject to local taxes.
Instead of paying taxes on profits or capital gains tax, an offshore corporation located in the British Virgin Islands will pay an annual business license fee.
Offshore banking customers and foreign corporations also benefit from the lack of exchange controls. Transferring funds between nations for trading and investing is easier and protect financial privacy.
Dominica
Don’t get this country confused with the Dominican Republic. Dominica, also known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, has implemented legislation that allows foreigners to create offshore companies, trusts, and foundations and take advantage of tax benefits, privacy, and offshore banking services.
Dominica does not require income tax, corporate tax, or capital gains tax on funds earned abroad.
Barbados
Barbados is home to a robust financial sector that is friendly to foreigners, offering offshore banking, incorporation of offshore corporations, and exempt insurance.
In terms of taxation, Barbados is not a zero-tax nation but does offer very low taxation. Offshore companies are typically around 1% or 2% of profits.
Bonus Jurisdictions
After reading this, maybe you realize that the Caribbean is not right for you. If that’s the case, let us look at two jurisdictions we feature in well-known low-cost jurisdictions in Europe.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a prosperous nation that has a per capita GDP that is higher than most Western European nations. The Swiss tax system draws companies and individuals from all over the world. Nearly 30% of Fortune 500 companies in the US have subsidiaries in Switzerland. Further, Switzerland’s ideal banking climate has drawn wealthy individuals for their wealth management.
Monaco
Monaco is by no means the most significant offshore jurisdictions with only 36,000 residents, but it does pack a punch, in terms of financial perks. Income taxation hasn’t changed since 1869, which means that residents of Monaco get to keep all the money they earn.
Monaco offers a unique political and economic environment that can be great for banking and wealth management. This is not a low-cost jurisdiction for the average investor. Monaco is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. In fact, one in three residents of the principality is a millionaire.
Alpen Partners
Your wealth is important. If you are serious about your life goals, financial planning and investments are probably crucial to you. Financial planning can involve many steps from tax optimization to asset protection. Different investments have different rules with different returns.
With the help of financial planning, you will be able to predict where you will be in the years to come by evaluating where you are currently, what sources of income you plan to have in the future, investments you plan to make, and your retirement plans.
By working with legal, tax, and accounting advisors, setting up structures, trusts, funds, or life insurance wrappers that benefit from specific tax treaties or other legal tax planning techniques can lead our clients to make significant savings in their tax bill.
Alpen Partners Wealth Management International AG, the sister company of Alpen Partners AG, is now a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Together with our partner Swiss private banks, our company can now offer the full Swiss private banking experience to American clients, both resident, and non-resident.
If the Caribbean is not what you are looking for, read about well-known low-cost jurisdictions in Europe.
If you are ready to begin your offshore investment journey, or if you need a push in the right direction, contact the team of Alpen Partners today!
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