Offshore Investment Procedures
Starting a business interest in a foreign land
If you decide to start a business interest in a foreign land, there are a few procedures you have to observe. These are collectively known as a business proposal, which will be analyzed by commercial authorities before you can proceed with the establishment of your proposed business.
When compiling a business proposal, you have to include certain information concerning your business interest.
* A description of the proposed product and the business activities involved * The objectives and nature of the proposed business * The amount to be invested as starting capital, and the expected income during the first two years of business. * The policies guiding the operation and maintenance of the business. * Academic and work experience of the management team and the senior staff. * The reasons for opening business in the proposed location. * The primary target market of the product.
During the process of the application, you will be required to provide a more detailed explanation about all the aspects of the proposed business.
There are two types of licenses for an offshore business establishment. For a 'general' license, the business can operate within or outside of the legal boundaries determined by the local government, whereas a 'restricted' license only allows activities outside of the jurisdiction. Usually, a business license will cost around $5000 upon approval and subsequently, an annual fee of $20000 will be charged.
If your business activities extend to the general public, you will have to provide for capital assessment and fulfill certain requirements as evidence that you have the necessary resources. The requirements are as follow:
* Quality and distribution of assets * Dividends, capital reserves and provisions for losses * Quality of management * The environment for business activities * The volume of business * The arrangement of liabilities
All these factors contribute significantly to capital management. The quality of assets has a long-term effect on operational costs. High quality assets usually require less capital to operate. The policies concerning capital returns and provisions for losses represent the quality of financial management of a business establishment. The right balance has to be achieved to ensure continuity. Business location is important in that it determines the profitability of the business and it affects operational costs in terms of transportation and others. Volume of business and management of liabilities also have direct effects on capital.
Upon approval of your business license, your business operations have to be conducted ethically and with good judgment. It is expected of you to have sufficient reserves and liquidity to manage losses and bad debts continually. Depending on the extent of your business interest, all aspects of business operation, from management, accounting to retail, have to be adequately organized to handle the volume of business involved.
Generally, as the world globalizes, governments are making the necessary measures to welcome foreign investments. As a result, the procedures are almost as convenient as setting up business in your own country.
About the Author
Smythe Bradley is an expat living in The Republic of Panama. He has published many articles on offshore asset protection in panama, panama visas and residency, as well as many other expat issues
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