Jashvant Prajapati
Turquoise waters, British Virgin Islands

Build across borders — structured from the UAE

Offshore holding, fund vehicles, Asia-Pacific expansion, and cross-border structures designed around your specific goals.

British Virgin Islands · Turquoise waters, British Virgin Islands

Four reasons serious investors go beyond UAE borders

01

Tax Efficiency

International structures allow you to hold assets and generate income in jurisdictions with favourable or zero corporate tax — fully legally when structured with proper substance and compliance.

02

Asset Protection

Offshore holding companies create legal separation between your operating business and your assets — protecting wealth from commercial risk, litigation, and jurisdictional volatility.

03

Market Access

Certain markets are most efficiently accessed through specific jurisdictions. Mauritius for Africa. Singapore and Hong Kong for Asia. The right structure opens doors that onshore entities cannot.

04

Estate & Succession Planning

International structures are a core tool for multi-generational wealth planning — allowing controlled transfer of assets, privacy, and flexibility across borders.

Five leading international jurisdictions

Each jurisdiction serves a different strategic purpose. The right choice depends on your business model, target markets, and tax position — which is exactly what we advise on.

Caribbean

BVI

British Virgin Islands

"The world's most used offshore holding jurisdiction"

Corporate Tax

0%

Setup Timeline

3–5 days

Min. Directors

1

Public Register

No

Overview

BVI Business Companies (BVIBCs) are the go-to vehicle for asset protection, cross-border holding structures, and privacy. With zero corporate tax, no filing of accounts, and rapid incorporation, BVI is the backbone of thousands of UAE-based international structures.

Common Uses

  • International holding companies
  • Asset protection vehicles
  • IP holding & royalty structures
  • Joint venture & shareholder agreements
  • Pre-IPO and investment structures

Individual jurisdiction guide — coming soon

Enquire about BVI

Caribbean

Cayman

Cayman Islands

"The global standard for funds and investment vehicles"

Corporate Tax

0%

Setup Timeline

5–7 days

Min. Directors

1

Public Register

Limited

Overview

The Cayman Islands is the leading jurisdiction for hedge funds, private equity vehicles, and family office structures. Exempt Companies and Limited Partnerships are widely used by institutional investors globally. No direct taxes, a stable legal framework, and deep financial infrastructure make it ideal for sophisticated structures.

Common Uses

  • Hedge funds & private equity vehicles
  • Exempt companies for holding
  • Family office structures
  • Special purpose vehicles (SPVs)
  • Investment fund formation

Individual jurisdiction guide — coming soon

Enquire about Cayman

Indian Ocean

Mauritius

Mauritius

"Africa's gateway with extensive double tax treaties"

Corporate Tax

3–15%

Setup Timeline

7–10 days

Min. Directors

2

Tax Treaties

45+

Overview

Mauritius offers one of the strongest treaty networks in the world — covering India, multiple African nations, and key emerging markets. Global Business Companies (GBCs) are used extensively for routing investments into Africa and South Asia in a tax-efficient and legally compliant manner.

Common Uses

  • Investment routing into Africa & India
  • Global Business Company (GBC) structures
  • Regional headquarters for African operations
  • Tax treaty optimisation
  • Wealth management holding structures

Individual jurisdiction guide — coming soon

Enquire about Mauritius

Asia-Pacific

Singapore

Singapore

"Asia-Pacific's most trusted business hub"

Corporate Tax

17% (territorial)

Setup Timeline

1–3 days

Min. Directors

1 resident

Tax Treaties

80+

Overview

Singapore's territorial tax system, robust legal framework, and strategic position as Asia's financial centre make it a preferred jurisdiction for regional headquarters, IP holding, and high-substance operations. Singapore Private Limited companies offer credibility, a strong treaty network, and genuine operational substance.

Common Uses

  • Regional HQ for Asia-Pacific operations
  • IP holding & royalty structures
  • High-substance operational entities
  • E-commerce & digital business hubs
  • Family office & fund structures

Individual jurisdiction guide — coming soon

Enquire about Singapore

Asia-Pacific

HK

Hong Kong

"China market access with a simple, low-tax regime"

Corporate Tax

16.5% (offshore: 0%)

Setup Timeline

5–7 days

Min. Directors

1

Tax Treaties

40+

Overview

Hong Kong's offshore income exemption, simple tax structure, and unique access to mainland China make it a top choice for trading companies and businesses targeting Greater China. Its legal system, banking infrastructure, and international reputation offer genuine advantages for both holding and operational structures.

Common Uses

  • China-access trading structures
  • Offshore income holding
  • E-commerce & import/export operations
  • Regional headquarters with substance
  • Cross-border investment vehicles

Individual jurisdiction guide — coming soon

Enquire about HK

From conversation to incorporated — end to end

01

Strategy Call

We start by understanding your goals, income streams, and existing structure. No two situations are the same — the right jurisdiction depends on your specific picture.

02

Structure Design

I map out the optimal structure — which jurisdiction, which entity type, how it interfaces with your UAE company, and what compliance obligations apply.

03

Incorporation

We manage the full incorporation process — registered agent, director/shareholder documentation, bank account introduction, and any substance requirements.

04

Ongoing Compliance

International entities have annual filing, renewal, and substance obligations. We keep everything current so your structure remains clean and defensible.

Frequently asked questions

Why set up an offshore company from the UAE?
The UAE is one of the world's best jurisdictions for structuring international operations. It offers 0% capital gains tax, 0% personal income tax, a network of 100+ double tax avoidance treaties, and political neutrality. Using the UAE as a hub to hold offshore structures in BVI, Cayman, or Mauritius gives you the benefits of both: UAE treaty access and offshore privacy and flexibility.
Which offshore jurisdiction is best — BVI, Cayman, or Mauritius?
BVI is the most common choice for asset holding and privacy due to its simplicity, low cost, and zero reporting requirements. Cayman Islands is preferred for investment funds and family offices. Mauritius is ideal for investors targeting India, Africa, or Asia-Pacific due to its DTAA network. The right jurisdiction depends on your specific assets, investor base, and target markets.
How long does international company formation take?
BVI and Cayman structures typically incorporate in 3–7 business days. Mauritius GBL companies take 2–4 weeks due to FSC licensing requirements. Singapore and Hong Kong companies can be incorporated in 1–3 business days. Bank account opening is a separate process and typically takes 2–8 weeks depending on the jurisdiction and institution.
Can I operate an international company from the UAE?
Yes. UAE residents commonly hold and manage offshore companies from the UAE. To maintain substance requirements and avoid permanent establishment risk, the key considerations are where management and control decisions are made, whether director meetings occur in the offshore jurisdiction, and compliance with OECD BEPS economic substance rules.
Jashvantkumar Prajapati
4.8

Written & reviewed by

Jashvantkumar Prajapati

Founder & CEO, Avyanco Group

21+ years advising founders and investors on UAE company formation, tax structuring, and cross-border expansion. CSP Licensed by the Dubai Economic Department. Direct experience helping 11,000+ businesses across mainland, free zone, and offshore structures.

CSP Licensed · DED #90940221+ Years UAE Experience11,000+ Companies Formed4.8★ · 700+ Verified Reviews

Disclaimer: International corporate structures, tax rates, and regulatory requirements vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. All structures must comply with applicable laws including OECD Pillar Two, FATCA, CRS, and local regulations in each relevant jurisdiction. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or compliance advice. Always consult qualified legal and tax professionals in the applicable jurisdiction before establishing any international structure.

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