International

Offshore

Our dedicated Offshore team provides expert offshore legal advice to businesses, investors, trustees, family offices, private funds and high-net-worth individuals on offshore structures, trusts, tax planning, international investments, UK real estate ownership and cross-border disputes involving leading offshore jurisdictions.

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Jason Tann | Partner, Head of Real Estate Investment

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Rebecca Hume | Partner

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Simon Malkiel | Partner, Head of Wealth and Succession

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Offshore structures & investments

We combine extensive experience of UK and offshore markets to help clients seize opportunities, manage risk and navigate cross-border matters seamlessly, while delivering a high-quality and responsive service.

With established legal systems and internationally recognised regulatory frameworks, offshore jurisdictions such as the Channel Islands - Guernsey and Jersey, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the British Virgin Islands remain key centres for global investment, funds and corporate structures, family wealth and succession planning.We advise offshore companies, investors, private clients, trustees, family offices, private funds and other stakeholders on a range of legal, tax and regulatory matters. Whether structuring offshore funds and alternative investment vehicles, establishing trusts and other wealth planning structures, implementing tax-efficient investment and succession arrangements, or managing complex onshore and offshore disputes, we provide practical, commercially focused advice tailored to our clients' objectives.

International investments & cross-border transactions

Offshore structures are often one element of a wider international investment structure or strategy. Our lawyers advise on complex cross-border transactions, particularly those involving Capital from the Middle East, Asia, the US, Europe and other key investment markets. By combining offshore structure expertise with deep experience of international tax, regulatory and transactional matters, we help clients navigate multi-jurisdictional investments efficiently, manage risk, regulatory and tax reporting and Economic Substance Requirements and achieve their commercial objectives – including foreign investment into the UK, international fund investments, UK real estate investment structures and family wealth and succession planning.

Offshore real estate structures

We advise investors on the offshore structuring of UK real estate investments. Working closely with our Real Estate Investment team, we support clients throughout the investment lifecycle, from acquisition and financing through to asset management, portfolio expansion and disposal. We help investors, developers and asset managers establish appropriate holding and investment structures while managing legal, tax and commercial considerations across multiple jurisdictions.

Offshore private wealth planning

We assist private clients to structure their family wealth and plan for succession in a tax efficient way. Our work involves offshore structures, associated legal documents, international tax planning, wealth protection and dispute resolution.

Integrated offshore advice

By combining expertise across our corporate, tax, private wealth, disputes and real estate teams, we deliver integrated advice that helps clients protect and enhance value, manage risk and achieve their strategic objectives in even the most complex cross-border matters.

We work closely with trusted local advisors to deliver practical, commercially focused solutions and compliance for our client's international investment and global family wealth and succession planning.

What tax planning support do you offer for individuals entering or leaving the UK?

We provide strategic advice on residence status for UK tax purposes and specifically, for pre-arrival tax planning. This includes advice on long term residence (LTR) status for UK inheritance purposes and the four-year foreign income and gains (FIG) regime for income and capital gains tax. Our aim is to help you structure your affairs efficiently and optimise your tax position before arriving in or departing from the UK.
When should I seek advice on UK tax matters related to relocation?

Ideally, as soon as possible before your move. Early planning allows you to take advantage of available reliefs, avoid unintended tax consequences, and ensure your financial arrangements are aligned with UK tax rules.
What are the key due diligence requirements for setting up an offshore entity?

Due diligence typically involves verifying beneficial ownership, assessing the source of funds, and ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and other regulations. Our team helps you to ensure your offshore entity meets all regulatory obligations from the outset.
What compliance challenges might I face with offshore entities?

Common issues include maintaining accurate records, meeting tax filing and entity registration obligations, where relevant, and adhering to international reporting standards. We help you navigate these requirements to keep your structure compliant and efficient.
Do you advise on trusts and related matters?

Yes. As well as advising settlors on establishing trusts and other structures, we regularly advise trust companies on tax, compliance, structuring, dispute resolution, and complex problem cases. Our litigation team is experienced in handling breach of trust, fraud, and professional negligence claims.
What are the benefits of using offshore structures for wealth planning?

Offshore structures such as trusts, foundations, and corporate entities offer tax efficiency, asset protection, and succession planning advantages. We tailor these structures to align with your goals and ensure they are compliant and effective.
What are the advantages of using offshore structures for REITs?

Offshore structures can offer tax exemptions, capital gains benefits, and enhanced confidentiality. They also provide flexibility for global real estate investment. We advise on structuring REITs to maximise both tax and investment outcomes.
What legal considerations apply when structuring a REIT offshore?

Key considerations include tax treaties, beneficial ownership rules, and compliance with local and international laws. Our team ensures your REIT is structured to minimise risk and meet all legal requirements.
What should I do if my offshore entity faces legal issues?

Start by assessing the nature and risks of the issue, including reputational impact. We provide tailored solutions to resolve disputes, manage compliance breaches, and protect your assets with minimal disruption to your business.
Are offshore structures suitable for digital assets?

Yes. Many offshore jurisdictions offer favourable environments for digital asset businesses, including supportive regulations for cryptocurrency and blockchain. We help you structure entities to optimise compliance and investment potential.
Can I buy property in England using an offshore trust?

Yes, it is possible to purchase property in England through an offshore trust. However, you will need to comply with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including the Overseas Entities Register and other applicable obligations. Our team can guide you through the process to ensure full compliance and a smooth transaction.
How can I ensure compliance with international regulations?

Staying compliant requires up-to-date knowledge of global tax laws, AML standards, international information sharing obligations (e.g. FATCA and CRS) and data protection rules. We work closely with you to ensure your offshore structures meet all current regulatory requirements.
How do the offshore jurisdictions we work with differ in their regulatory frameworks?

Each jurisdiction offers unique advantages—such as favourable tax regimes or flexible, but robust, reporting standards. We help you compare options like Luxembourg, Mauritius, and Bermuda to select the best fit for your investment and protection needs.