Cyprus is regarded as an ideal place for incorporating a company for many reasons. Geographical location is one; this magnificent island is conveniently situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. Furthermore, its proximity to the richest Middle Eastern countries gives Cyprus a serious advantage, and contributes to an accommodating environment for establishing a company. Widespread use of the English language in all spheres of life attracts business people from all around the world. Approximately 80% of the population are fluent English speakers.

In terms of legislation, Cyprus' investment policy changed significantly in 2000, when the minimum level of foreign investment in Cypriot companies was abolished for EU citizens (in 2004 this restriction was also lifted for non-EU citizens). It is worth noting that the government of Cyprus allows 100% foreign participation in local companies for third-country investors. As far as taxes are concerned, Cyprus is an appealing jurisdiction in which to do business: at 12.5%, its corporate income tax is one of the lowest in Europe. Furthermore, in order to avoid double taxation, Cyprus has signed double tax agreements with more than 40 countries. Cyprus is an attractive offshore zone because of the very friendly relations between investors and tax authorities. All of these factors create an inviting business environment on the island.

Company formation is a very popular service in Cyprus, not least because of the simplicity of its bureaucratic procedures and the ease of opening a bank account. Statistics show that in 2016, more than 200,000 new companies were registered in the country. As a location for a holding company, Cyprus also has many advantages — but first it is necessary to understand what holding companies are and the purposes for which they can be used. In brief, a holding company is a company than owns enough of another company's stock to be able to control its management and policies. Holding companies are used by the owners of real estate, trade marks and other assets. Setting up a holding company is quick and simple; your presence is not necessary and the procedure can be completed over email or by post. A holding company also allows for nominees. The VAT applicable to Cyprus-based holding companies is only 19%, and there is 0% tax on inbound and outbound dividends.

A Cyprus-resident holding company can distribute profits to non-resident shareholders completely tax free, while corporate tax on income deriving from intellectual property rights is only 2%. Welcome to paradise!

Incorporating a company in Cyprus usually takes approximately 15-20 days. First, you must get your company name approved by the Registrar of Companies, who will make sure that it is not already in use; this takes 3-5 business days. Then, you can register your company. The entire registration process takes approximately 5-8 business days. The following documents will be required: a copy of your passport, confirmation of personal details, photographs, a document that indicates the place of residence of each shareholder and a certificate confirming the location of the company's registered office. The directors will need to submit certain information concerning their professions. Remember that, according to Cypriot law, at least one director and one company secretary should be appointed.

It is possible to open a bank account in Cyprus whether you are a resident or not, and it can be done through an overseas branch of a Cypriot bank. In order to proceed, you must submit original or apostilled copies of the following documents: passport, proof of residential address (a utility bill, for example) and a bank reference letter. The main advantage is that opening a bank account is fast and fuss free. The cost of opening an account is very low if we compare Cyprus with other EU states. Plus, any person or legal entity can open a bank account in Cyprus. As a result, you will have a valid worldwide Visa card, internet banking, security, anonymity and many other benefits. In addition, there are no minimum deposit terms and bank fees for money transfers are low. Interest in registering companies in Cyprus continues to grow. More and more foreign businesses and investors are discovering the benefits of this beautiful country's business environment. Do not miss your opportunity.

IBC or International Business Company or as it is also called international business corporation basically is an offshore company which is usually formed under the laws of some jurisdictions worldwide as a tax-neutral company meaning that it is not taxable in the country of incorporation. It is also limited in direct business activity it may conduct while operating within the context of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated.

Meaning and main functions of IBC
Often IBC features can vary by jurisdiction, however, usually they include business data confidentiality, ability to issue shares, provision for a local registered agent or office and exemption from local corporate taxation as the majority of offshore jurisdictions have removed or are processing the removal of IBCs from local taxation while reducing corporate tax to zero in order to avoid damaging the whole offshore finance industry.

Such companies in general are incorporated for offshore banking, making international investments, asset protection, real estate and intellectual property ownership and other business activities related to international trade.

A list of jurisdictions offering IBC as a business structure
As it is stated in Streber Weekly, there are plenty of jurisdictions offering IBC as a business structure. The list of such jurisdictions is pretty long: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Brunei, British Virgin Islands or BVI, Cook Islands, Comoros, Dominica, Grenada, Gambia, Mauritius, Marshall Islands, Monsterrat, Nauru, Saint Lucia, Samoa, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles and Vanuatu. This list contains most of the jurisdictions without taking into account their worldwide reputation. Some popular offshore jurisdictions which weren't mentioned before offer territorial taxation and other tax incentives instead of offering IBCs. These business structures can be operating as exempt companies, free zone companies or non-resident companies etc. while lacking the ease of IBC companies: Panama, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bermuda.

For example, Panama's jurisdiction, in general, is suitable for International Foundation or IBC in terms of asset protection. Hong Kong jurisdiction in general is also suitable for international trade due to favorable taxation regime as it imposes no withholding tax, capital gains tax, tax on investment income, VAT and other sorts of taxes.

Most reputable jurisdictions for IBCs
British Virgin Islands (BVI) is referred to as world's leading offshore business center with more than 450,000 operating companies registered in its territory. It is often called the grandfather of all IBCs. International international business companies have a rather good reputation among other jurisdictions of such kind due to the ability to transfer domicile and privacy of ownership for assets collected inside of the company. In general BVI provide flexible, low-cost and prompt services for international offshore companies' incorporation.

Seychelles can be alternatives to BVI offshore companies as this jurisdiction offer ease of administration, simplicity and privacy as well. In addition, IBC is the most widely used type of company incorporated on islands with more than 175,000 companies registered there. The IBCs of this jurisdiction are commonly used as consultancy and personal service companies as well as Holding Companies shares, real estate and equities.

Bahamas is one of the oldest offshore jurisdictions, considered to be a classic one as the BVI mentioned before as it is an independent and politically stable which has an improving reputation and is gambling friendly.

St. Kitts and Nevis has decent reputation while being also politically stable and having average to low costs. However, this jurisdiction is more popular for its Limited Liability Companies (LLC).

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has merely low costs. It is quite politically stable with good reputation which has improved in recent years because of the gaining popularity due to financial operations carried out by Euro Pacific Bank and Loyal Bank.

Belize is also a great place for IBC formation. In frames of this jurisdiction IBC can be used with the purpose of international trade, asset protection, offshore banking, owning real estate, e-business or any other financial services.

Such IBCs are suitable for business transactions globally as well as making deposits and managing offshore investments such as bonds, mutual funds, stocks and other types of business services, while providing consulting and such professional services as management, corporate credit cards ownership, covering legitimate expenses etc.

Membership in International Unions
Whether it is an alliance, incorporated union, federal union or supranational body here is the list of unions the country is a member of. Afghanistan is a member of several unions. They are International Monetary Fund, United Nations, World Bank.

International Monetary Fund
Afghanistan is a member of International Monetary Fund. On 14 July 1955, it joined the IMF as a member. The IMF is an organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability and facilitate international trade. The IMF now plays a central role in the management of balance of payments difficulties and international financial crises. The union is governed by and accountable to the all 189 member countries. As of 2010, the fund had SDR 476.8 billion (about US$ 755.7 billion).

United Nations
Afghanistan is a member of United Nations. On 19 November 1946, it joined the UN at its inception date as a full member state. Founded in 1945, the United Nations is an intergovernmental organization to promote international co-operation. The work of the United Nations are guided by the principles contained in its founding Charter. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The headquarters of the United Nations is in Manhattan, New York City, further main offices are situated in Geneva, Nairobi and Vienna. Its objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, protecting the environment, and providing aid.

World Bank
Afghanistan is a member of World Bank. On 14 July 1995, it became a member of the World Bank Group. The World Bank is international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries. It's like a cooperative, made up of 189 member countries. These member countries are represented by a ministers of finance who are the ultimate policymakers at the World Bank. The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty.

With the right paperwork and initial outlay, it is possible for a foreign citizen to open a bank account in Latvia. This opportunity for international accounts and investments offers several advantages based on economic regulations and tax structures. Interest rates, tax laws, and fees vary depending on the specific country in which you are investing; careful research and strategic financial moves could result in significant portfolio growth.

The development of telecommunications and economic globalization have made it possible for interested investors to set up companies all over the world. With proper research, financial investment and legal backing, business ventures can be safely incorporated in almost any country in the world. Building an international business used to be a complicated entrepreneurial venture, but today it is commonplace with the help of experienced legal and business advisors.

The advantages of founding a company abroad are as numerous as they are obvious. Many countries offer specific locational advantages, ranging from natural resources and well-established infrastructure to beneficial laws and regulations that encourage growth in a particular industry. Likewise, it can be difficult to start a business or an acquisition in your own country due to adverse situations: political or regulatory environment, lack of resources and more. In this situation, it makes sense to consider an overseas option that offers greater opportunities for growth, development, and success.

Company registration in Saudi Arabia
When starting a business in Saudi Arabia, an interested investor must conduct due diligence on legal procedures, international regulations and sufficient investment for success. It is crucial to understand cultural, social and political factors that influence starting and growing one's business. Failure to do so may result in unintended consequences. Poorly researched and toneless international launches often end in disaster as time, money and energy is wasted due to poor planning.

Legal Documents
Every country in the world presents its own intricate challenges when it comes to starting, developing and maintaining a business. Owners, financiers and investors must make these commitments with the support of a knowledgeable and experienced legal team. Only someone with in-depth knowledge of local and international corporate law will be able to set up an overseas business while avoiding the pitfalls that plague many new businesses.

Additionally, smart business people can consider ways to invest in foreign companies without actually starting their own businesses. In these situations, it is still beneficial for the investor to partner with a knowledgeable global economics and litigation advisor. International investments create a truly diverse portfolio that offers growth opportunities that were unthinkable decades ago.

Potential investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs should consider the existing infrastructure in Saudi Arabia when planning to start a new business. While extensive infrastructure and systems can help make the process of starting a business a smooth one, it could also represent market saturation and reduced growth potential. On the other hand, a lack of infrastructure is often a major obstacle to growth; However, the lack of infrastructure points to a clear market opening for a creative and efficient new business.

Opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia
In connection with the incorporation of the company, the opening of one or more bank accounts in Saudi Arabia is required. Confidus Solutions offers the ability to open a bank account in over twenty jurisdictions, making it easy for you to avoid challenging language barriers or bureaucratic hassles.

Virtual Office in Saudi Arabia
Since a registered address is a necessity for international business, Confidus Solutions enables foreign investors to set up a virtual office in Saudi Arabia. This address allows international entrepreneurs to accept mail, arrange for shipping and set up a registered bank account in their country of business.

Tax regulations
If you are in the process of researching a company formation in Saudi Arabia, consult a lawyer or consultant with extensive experience in the area you are considering. This advisor can help you with everything from laws and tax structures to local helpers. You need to consider every aspect from the local office to your highest organizational structure; Make sure you recruit the best possible mentors as you embark on this exciting but challenging process.