Jersey is an island in the English Channel, located off the coast of Normandy, France. It is the largest of the Channel Islands and is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. The island has a population of around 100,000 people and its official languages are English, French, and Jèrriais, a local dialect.
Jersey is known for its beautiful scenery, mild climate, and sandy beaches, and is a popular tourist destination. The island has a strong economy based on financial services, tourism, and agriculture, with a high standard of living.
Jersey has a well-established offshore financial services industry, with many banks, investment funds, and trust companies based on the island. The government of Jersey has worked to establish a reputation for a transparent and well-regulated financial services industry, with strong anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
In recent years, Jersey has also sought to diversify its economy, with a focus on developing new industries such as digital technology and renewable energy. The government of Jersey has implemented a number of policies to support innovation and entrepreneurship on the island, including tax breaks and other incentives for new businesses.
Overall, Jersey is a prosperous and attractive location for business, with a stable economy, favorable tax regime, and strong legal and regulatory framework.
Jersey is a popular location for offshore business, particularly in the financial services sector. The island has a well-established and highly-regulated financial services industry, with a range of financial products and services available to businesses and individuals.
Some of the most common types of offshore business in Jersey include:
Banking: Jersey has a large banking sector, with many international banks operating on the island. These banks offer a wide range of services, including deposit-taking, lending, and wealth management.
Investment funds: Jersey is home to a large number of investment funds, including private equity, hedge funds, and real estate funds. The island has a well-developed regulatory framework for investment funds, which is designed to protect investors while also allowing for flexibility and innovation.
Trust and company formation: Jersey is a popular location for the formation of trusts and companies, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as wealth management, estate planning, and asset protection.
Insurance: Jersey has a well-developed insurance industry, with a range of international insurance companies operating on the island. These companies offer a range of insurance products and services, including captive insurance and reinsurance.
Overall, Jersey's well-regulated financial services industry and favorable tax regime make it an attractive location for a wide range of offshore business activities.
Jersey has a favorable tax system for businesses, with a simple and transparent tax regime. The island has a zero rate of corporation tax for most businesses, including those engaged in financial services, trading, and holding investments.
In addition to the zero rate of corporation tax, Jersey also offers a range of other tax benefits for businesses, including:
No capital gains tax: Jersey does not levy capital gains tax on the disposal of shares or other assets.
No value-added tax (VAT): Jersey does not have a VAT system, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that supply goods or services in the island.
No withholding tax: There is no withholding tax on dividends or interest paid to non-residents of Jersey.
It's worth noting that while Jersey's tax system is favorable for businesses, the island is committed to complying with international tax standards and has implemented a range of measures to prevent tax evasion and other financial crimes. This includes signing a number of tax information exchange agreements with other countries and participating in the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative.
To register an offshore company in Jersey, you will need to follow the following steps:
Choose a company name: You will need to choose a unique name for your company that is not already in use. The name must end with the word "Limited" or the abbreviation "Ltd."
Appoint a company secretary: You must appoint a company secretary who is responsible for maintaining the company's records and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
File the company's articles of association: The articles of association set out the rules governing the company's operations and must be filed with the Jersey Financial Services Commission.
File the memorandum of association: The memorandum of association sets out the company's objectives and must be filed with the Jersey Financial Services Commission.
Register with the Jersey Financial Services Commission: You must register your company with the Jersey Financial Services Commission, which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing companies registered in the island.
Obtain a business license: Some types of businesses may require a license to operate in Jersey. You should check with the relevant authorities to determine if your business requires a license.
Open a bank account: You will need to open a bank account in Jersey to conduct business and to receive payments.
It's important to note that the process of registering an offshore company in Jersey can be complex, and it's recommended to seek the advice of a professional service provider to ensure compliance with all local regulations.
“Play by the rules, but be ferocious.”