International Business Companies

Many commercial activities are carried out through a corporate vehicle. International business can often only be successfully transacted in this way. The standard corporate vehicle for non-treaty access global trade and investment is the international business company. The international business company is variously referred to as a:

• Offshore Company
• Nil Rate Company
• International Company
• And in Mauritius: Global Business License Company Category 2 ("GBL2").

Both the international entrepreneur and the global business enterprise will appreciate the fact that companies in the Portcullis TrustNet network can be found in strategically located offices around the world. Due to economies of scale and computerized systems, Portcullis TrustNet can often offer services at a fraction of the cost traditionally associated with such activities.

We offer a full range of corporate services including:

• annual registered office
• annual return; annual filing of tax return
• apostilles
• application for approvals (e.g. to borrow in foreign exchange/invest overseas)
• application for letter of confirmation
• application for restoration and reinstatement
• application for tax residency for tax treaty
• application to become dormant
• application to re-register inactive company
• bank account opening
• certificates of good standing
• certificates of incumbency
• certified copy of document
• change of name of existing company
• change/addition of bank mandate/signatory
• common seal and stamp
• companies registry search
• company secretary
• custodian services
• drafting/amending memorandum of association & articles of incorporation
• embassy/consular certification
• english only, chinese/english, additional chinese name
• filing register of mortgages, charges liens and other in cumbrances
• incorporation of new company
• increase in authorised capital
• legalisations
• liquidation
• name approval for new company
• name reservation
• nominee shareholder and director services
• notarisations
• power of attorney
• preparation of simple annual financial statement
• preparing special memorandum of association & articles of incorporation
• reduction of capital
• registered agent/change of registered agent
• registrar's certification
• registration as a foreign company
• registration of company auditor
• registration of foreign branch or overseas company
• renewal of registration
• supply of existing "shelf" company
• transfers in
• transfers out

Specialised Companies
Sometimes it is necessary to take advantage of special types of corporate entities for specific purposes.

For example:

• To set up a holding company operation with access to double tax treaties might require a Mauritius GBL1 company (Global Business Licence Company Category 1) or a Seychelles CSL company (Companies Special Licence Act 2003); Or
• Certain investment holding operations might require a Samoa LLC (Limited Life Company); Or
• Ring fencing considerations may dictate a choice of a Protected Cell Company; Or
• Banking and insurance will require licences and specialized incorporation services.

Portcullis TrustNet has the required expertise to set up and administer such specialised vehicles.