Registering an offshore company can either be a relatively easy process or one full of a lot of headaches and problems depending on who is providing you with advice. The term "offshore" scares a lot of people into thinking that there is something special about registering an offshore company. There really is no mystery to it, and it can be done by just about anyone with the time and the money to do it regardless of whether they visit the offshore country.
It doesn't matter where you register your offshore company you will need to have a registration agent. In some offshore countries these agents will be assigned to you automatically. It is highly suggested by this writer that you enlist the services of an attorney to handle your communications with a registration agent. In many cases there will not be English speaking agents to deal with so having a lawyer in the country that also speaks the local language can ensure that you do not fall victim to unscrupulous vendors.
When incorporating your offshore company there are from 4 to 7 important documents that you will want to have created depending on the type and size of company you are setting up. These documents are;
Power of Attorney, Memorandum of Incorporation, Article of Incorporation, First Meeting Minutes, Certificate of Incorporation, Primary Documents that are Certified, Shares and Share stock transfer form.
Interestingly enough, many jurisdictions have registration "packets" ready to be filled out and turned in to the authorities. Of course, there is no end to the companies online on the internet that will gladly take your money and assist you in the registration process, all from the convenience of your chair at your desk.
Once you have your offshore company registered the companies' official documents will require certification in the country where you plan to do business with your IBC. Many IBC's do not allow you to use them for business in the same country they were registered with the big exception being Panama. Usually a notary is enlisted for this service and in some cases an Apostille procedure is also involved. If no apostille is avaiable you will need to take the documents to an embassy or consulate in the target country.
The stamp provided by the Apostille is similiar to a witness to a notary.. A government office, is usually the issuing party and is renewable every year pursuant to the original date of registration in your offshore company registration documents.
Continue reading more information about forming an offshore company by visiting the author's panama law firm website.
