Our Unique Environment
The Island of Guernsey, with a population of 60,000, is the second largest of the Channel Islands, situated in the English Channel west of the Normandy peninsula. Guernsey has its own government and legislature, making its own laws including laws relating to taxation.
Why use Guernsey?
Our Track Record
Continued success – Guernsey’s fiduciary services sector has successfully grown during the past 50 years.
This continuity has developed a mass of experience, infrastructure and accumulated intellectual capital, which ensures the Island remains at the forefront of the international fiduciary industry.
The highest reputation and standards – Trust and Corporate services business can be transacted with confidence in Guernsey as the Island has been scrutinised and recognised by the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force.
A Positive Environment For Fiduciary Services
Pragmatic regulation – The Guernsey Financial Services Commission promotes a robust yet pragmatic regulatory regime and is renowned for being approachable, accessible and open to new ideas.
Innovative legislation – Modern legislation remains advanced through continuous improvement, allowing practitioners access to the most comprehensive range of products when offering client solutions. Company law permits limited partnerships, Protected Cell Companies, Incorporated Cell Companies – which are becoming increasingly popular in the wealth management sphere – and the amalgamation and migration of companies.
Competitive tax environment – Non-Guernsey income (and Guernsey bank interest) accruing to Trusts that have no Guernsey beneficiaries is not subject to Guernsey income tax and as from 2008, there is a zero rate for corporate entities. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid, no capital gains tax, no death duties, inheritance tax or VAT.
Skilled workforce – With over 50 years to build expertise, the Island has a good pool of experienced and well qualified staff.
Conveniently located – The Island’s location between Europe and the UK places it in a time zone between the US and the Far East. This makes Guernsey a convenient place to carry out business with many different countries. Travelling to the Island is also quick and easy as there are frequent air and sea links to both Europe and the UK, with a flight time from London taking less than an hour.
A ‘one day business solution’ – Guernsey has a broad-based financial services industry (including support services) and all of the Island’s businesses and key institutions are in close proximity to each other so an extensive array and high volume of business can be carried out face-to-face and in a short amount of time.
Highly developed business support infrastructure – Carrying out business in Guernsey is quick and easy because the Island has a high quality infrastructure, including a newly upgraded first class telecommunications network that is unsurpassed offshore.
Special relationship with the EU – Businesses based on the Island have the advantages of being in a jurisdiction that is within the Common Customs Area and Common External Tariff without all the implications of operating from a full member of the EU. For example, directives such as those on fiscal harmonisation, financial services and company law do not have effect in Guernsey.
Stability Continuity within Guernsey’s democratic government offers political and economic stability and thereby a safe and secure environment on which business can rely.
Independence – Legislative and fiscal independence allows the Island to respond quickly to the needs of business