If you’re building internationally, where you form your company still matters — a lot.
Not every country is out to tax you into submission or drown you in reporting requirements. Some still offer efficient setups, low or no corporate tax, and enough legal clarity to let you focus on actually running your business.
That list is smaller than it used to be — but the jurisdictions that remain are solid. If you’re looking for flexibility, protection, and real long-term viability, these ten are still worth your attention in 2025.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has positioned itself as the business capital of the Middle East — and one of the most forward-thinking jurisdictions in the offshore world. With multiple Free Zones, an advanced legal system, and access to international banking, the UAE is more than just a tax haven — it’s a full-service platform for doing business globally.
You can form a RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore company without ever setting foot in the country. These entities are not allowed to trade within the UAE but can hold assets, own shares, issue invoices, and open international bank accounts. This makes them ideal for holding companies, international consultants, and IP structures.
One reason the UAE stands out is credibility. You can walk into a bank with a UAE company and actually get an account — something that’s becoming harder with offshore structures from less respected jurisdictions.
But it’s not cheap. Expect higher setup and maintenance costs than Caribbean jurisdictions. Still, if you’re looking for a serious, future-proof offshore setup, UAE is hard to beat.
2. Belize
Belize continues to be one of the most popular entry points for offshore incorporation. It’s affordable, fast, and doesn’t bury you in bureaucracy.
A Belize IBC can be formed remotely, usually within 48 hours. The country has no tax on foreign income, no reporting requirements, and strong corporate privacy laws. Directors and shareholders are not listed on any public registry.
Belize works best for people who need a lightweight, no-fuss offshore entity. It’s popular among:
- E-commerce sellers looking to hold profits offshore
- Freelancers and consultants with international clients
- Crypto investors who want a simple legal wrapper
However, banking with a Belize company has become harder in recent years. Many banks (especially in Europe) hesitate to open accounts for Belize entities. You may need to pair your Belize IBC with banking in another jurisdiction — which adds complexity.
Still, for a basic offshore foundation, Belize delivers on simplicity and speed.
3. Seychelles
Seychelles sits in the Indian Ocean, but its legal framework is familiar to many — built around the IBC model made popular by Caribbean jurisdictions. It offers privacy, tax efficiency, and low cost, making it attractive for solo entrepreneurs and small international operations.
One of the best features of Seychelles is its flexibility. You don’t need local directors, there are no minimum capital requirements, and the incorporation process is fast — often completed in 1–2 business days. Annual reporting is not required, and financials don’t have to be filed.
Use cases include:
- Offshore trading companies
- IP and royalty structures
- Asset protection for crypto and international holdings
However, the country has come under increasing pressure to improve transparency. While public registries are still private, beneficial ownership must now be declared to local authorities. That information isn’t published, but it’s no longer fully anonymous.
Bottom line: Seychelles still works, but it’s evolving — and anyone setting up there in 2025 should do it with a full understanding of the compliance landscape.
4. British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The BVI is no stranger to offshore structuring. It’s been one of the top jurisdictions globally for decades, and it continues to earn that status by offering a balance between tax neutrality and international respectability.
Unlike many smaller jurisdictions, BVI companies are widely accepted by banks and service providers. That’s crucial if your offshore entity needs to hold funds, enter into contracts, or work with outside investors.
Here’s what BVI offers:
- No tax on foreign income
- Confidential ownership (with non-public registries)
- Access to top-tier law firms and incorporation agents
- Economic substance rules that are manageable, especially for holding companies
BVI companies are especially useful for:
- Holding shares in international subsidiaries
- Managing royalties and IP from offshore
- Forming joint ventures across borders
If your goal is to work with institutional partners, manage external capital, or build credibility without a heavy tax burden, BVI should be on your shortlist.
5. Panama
Panama is one of the most well-rounded offshore destinations in the Western Hemisphere. It’s not just about forming companies — it offers residency, banking, and a US-dollar-based economy, all within a stable and growing legal framework.
Panama corporations can be owned and managed remotely. They pay no tax on foreign income, and shareholder/director names can remain private. While the Panama Papers scandal brought unwelcome attention, Panama’s legal reforms since then have improved transparency and banking compliance without destroying its offshore utility.
Panama is great for people who want to:
- Run international businesses with substance
- Access Latin American markets
- Combine offshore company formation with long-term relocation
The biggest challenge today is banking. It’s still possible to open accounts in Panama, but it requires personal visits, lots of documentation, and often, local connections. If you’re just looking for a simple company to plug into an online business, Belize or Seychelles might be easier.
But if you want to build roots, gain residency, and operate from a country that understands international commerce, Panama is a strong choice.
6. Nevis
Nevis is best known for one thing: asset protection.
The island’s legal framework is specifically designed to make it very difficult for creditors to seize assets held inside Nevis LLCs or trusts. There’s no public disclosure of ownership, and local courts generally don’t recognize foreign judgments.
It’s a prime choice for:
- Entrepreneurs worried about lawsuits
- Individuals looking to protect long-term holdings
- Structuring trusts and multi-layered entities for estate planning
You can form a Nevis LLC quickly, with a high degree of privacy. Nevis has no corporate tax on offshore income, and the setup process is handled through local agents, often based in the US or UK.
That said, Nevis is not a banking center, so you’ll need to pair your structure with offshore accounts elsewhere. Some also see Nevis as “too private,” which may raise red flags with compliance teams. Use it wisely, and it’s one of the most powerful tools available.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong isn’t traditional “offshore,” but it’s one of the most effective places to register a company if you want access to Asia-Pacific markets, global banks, and international payment platforms.
Corporate tax is 16.5%, but if your income is earned outside of Hong Kong, you can apply for offshore status and potentially avoid local taxation entirely. It requires documentation and consistency — but it’s doable.
Use cases for Hong Kong companies:
- Holding companies for Asian subsidiaries
- E-commerce companies targeting Chinese or Southeast Asian markets
- SaaS and digital businesses wanting serious banking
Hong Kong offers unmatched credibility. You can use Stripe, PayPal, TransferWise, and open accounts with international banks. But privacy is minimal, and compliance standards are high. This is a clean, transparent jurisdiction — not ideal if your main goal is confidentiality.
If you’re building something serious and international, though? Hong Kong is one of the most practical options in the world.
8. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are expensive — but they’re clean, respected, and structured for large-scale financial activity.
This is where fund managers, international joint ventures, and multi-national holding groups go to create tax-neutral, legally compliant entities. Caymans companies are typically used for:
- Investment funds and private equity structures
- IP holding and licensing across multiple jurisdictions
- Cross-border M&A deals
There are no taxes on income, capital gains, or dividends. The legal system is strong, and service providers are used to working with international clients.
It’s overkill for freelancers or early-stage startups. But if you’re operating at a higher level — managing investor funds or coordinating between multiple countries — Cayman delivers.
9. Estonia
Estonia isn’t trying to be a tax haven. But for digital nomads, tech founders, and remote entrepreneurs, it checks many of the same boxes — low tax, full control, and location independence.
The country’s e-Residency program allows you to:
- Register an EU company 100% online
- Run your business from anywhere
- Pay 0% corporate tax until profits are distributed
- Access reliable banking and payment systems
It’s ideal for:
- Freelancers and digital consultants
- Micro SaaS and productized service businesses
- Founders targeting the EU market
The key limitation? It’s not anonymous. This is a transparent, legitimate jurisdiction. If your focus is privacy, look elsewhere. But if you want clean EU compliance with location freedom, Estonia is perfect.
10. Georgia
Georgia is quietly becoming a favorite for founders who want low taxes, light regulation, and a path to residency.
The country doesn’t tax retained earnings, offers fast incorporation, and makes banking relatively easy. It’s not part of CRS, which means greater financial privacy — at least for now.
Popular use cases:
- Base for international freelancers
- Crypto investors looking for low-tax setups
- Entrepreneurs building lightweight holding companies
Georgia also offers various tax incentives, including “Virtual Zone” status for IT companies, which can push effective tax rates to near zero. Pair that with a low cost of living and friendly visa rules, and it’s easy to see why this country is gaining traction fast.
Final Word
Offshore company formation in 2025 isn’t about hiding money — it’s about building flexibility, protecting assets, and reducing exposure to risk. The countries on this list aren’t loopholes — they’re tools. Legal ones, designed for entrepreneurs who understand how to operate globally.
If you’re thinking long-term, these are the jurisdictions that still offer structure, credibility, and real strategic value. The trick isn’t just where you form your company — it’s how you structure the entire system around it.
Work with the right provider. Understand the compliance. And build something that lasts.