Established in 1982, Southpac Group provides comprehensive estate planning and asset protection solutions designed to safeguard your wealth.
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ArticlesCook IslandsLegal & ComplianceNevis
ArticlesAsset ProtectionNevis
Cook IslandsAsset Protection
Legal & Compliance
We recommend that you read our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy before accessing this website, accessing any other material on this website, or contacting us in regards to any material contained or linked to this website.
Please note that the contents of this website do not constitute tax or legal advice. If you are considering setting up an offshore structure, you are strongly advised to consult with legal and tax professionals in your jurisdictions of residence, domicile and tax residence beforehand.
Southpac Group Limited, Southpac Trust Limited, Southpac Trust Nevis Limited and Southpac Trust NZ Limited are separate legal entities. Neither of these companies is authorised to bind, or accept service on behalf of, any other. Southpac Group Limited does not own or control any of the other companies. No officer or employee of Southpac Group Limited acts as an officer or employee of, or has any signatory authority in relation to, Southpac Trust Limited or Southpac Trust Nevis Limited, or any subsidiary thereof.
Southpac Group Limited
PO Box 13262
100 First Avenue
Tauranga 3110
New Zealand
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One off up-front fee for the completion of documentation in relation to an account opening with an offshore custodian with which Southpac holds an existing relationship. The fee is reduced by $500 for account openings with non-Swiss custodians. Includes review and completion of account opening forms; collating due diligence documentation; preparing necessary resolutions; and liaising with financial institutions and investment managers as required. Payable irrespective of whether account opening is successful.
This fee is payable when an entity is dissolved or terminated or where Southpac resigns or is removed as trustee or registered agent, including where an entity redomiciles. It includes a review of entity documentation and relevant legislation to ascertain appropriate termination or transfer processes; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a trust’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the trust is wound up and a final distribution made, together with a compensatory $1,000 risk premium for each year Southpac has continued to be a trustee without receiving payment following lapse of registration.
For the provision of a Certificate of Good Standing, Incumbency, Current Status or other equivalent certificate which is either prepared by Southpac, as registered agent, or obtained from the Registrar. Fee includes staff time and disbursements. Only disbursements are payable where an all-inclusive package is held.
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation, arranging apostille appointment and travel to same and all document handling (including location of original documents if required). Only notary fee and other disbursements are payable where an all-inclusive package is held.
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation and all document handling (including location of original documents if required). Only notary fee is payable where an all-inclusive package is held.
Cook Islands LLC or International Company
Nevis LLC or Business Corporation
Includes company formation documents; provision of a registered agent and dedicated client services officer; provision of resident company secretary for Cook Islands companies; full compliance and risk review and maintenance of necessary due diligence; government registration and renewal fees; and maintenance and safe custody of company records. Additional fees may apply where an existing company redomiciles to the Cook Islands or Nevis from another jurisdiction.
Annual fee for provision of a Southpac company to act as manager/director/protector of a company purchased at all-inclusive package rate.
To maintain an entity account. The fee covers receiving bank statements, performing reconciliations, maintaining files, provision of account signatory, and is charged annually with the entity renewal fee following a successful account opening.
Includes fees for establishment of a company bank account with Southpac-approved custodian and annual fees for account maintenance as well as for the appointment of a Southpac corporate management company.
Clients desiring additional privacy and asset protection may wish to appoint a Southpac company to act as a LLC manager (Cook Islands/Nevis) or IBC director (Nevis only) pursuant to a corporate management agreement for an additional annual fee. Corporate secretary services for IBCs are also available and nominee member/shareholder services can be offered in some circumstances. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate officer in the exercise of its functions is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
All Nevis LLCs and IBCs are required to file a Simplified Tax Return with local tax authorities during each year they are registered. This optional fee includes liaising with company managers and principals to obtain the necessary information for filing and managing the online filing process on behalf of the company. This service is provided free of charge for companies included within all-inclusive packages.
Annual fee for provision of a Southpac company to act as corporate protector of a trust purchased at all-inclusive package rate.
Company must either be owned by an international trust purchased at all-inclusive package rate or act as a private trustee company of such a trust.
Includes fees for establishment and maintenance of a company bank account with Southpac-approved custodian.
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation, arranging apostille appointment and travel to same and all document handling (including location of original documents if required).
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation and all document handling (including location of original documents if required).
For the provision of a Certificate of Good Standing, Incumbency, Current Status or other equivalent certificate which is either prepared by Southpac, as registered agent, or obtained from the Registrar. Fee includes staff time and disbursements.
Hourly time and attendance charges apply for accounting services work including the preparation of annual entity accounts compliant with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international accounting standards (IAS); the preparation of annual financial statements; financial reviews; preparation of tax reporting information; due diligence on sale and purchase of assets; and preparation of related party financial statements. Subject to minimum fee of $1,500 per entity.
For accounts using a custodian with which Southpac has no formal relationship there is a 0.10% monitoring and supervisory fee. This fee covers maintenance of the account and regulatory requirements and is charged in addition to the account maintenance fee. The fee is charged quarterly in arrears on the closing account balance.
One off up-front fee for the completion of documentation in relation to an account opening with an offshore custodian with which Southpac does not hold an existing relationship. Higher fees may apply for more complex account openings. Includes review and completion of account opening forms; collating due diligence documentation; preparing necessary resolutions; and liaising with financial institutions and investment managers as required. Payable irrespective of whether account opening is successful.
This fee is payable when a foundation is dissolved or where Southpac resigns or is removed as registered agent, including where a foundation redomiciles. It includes a review of foundation documentation and legislation to ascertain appropriate termination or transfer processes; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a foundation’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the foundation is formally dissolved and a final distribution made.
Southpac companies in the Cook Islands and Nevis are available for appointment as foundation council or board members, secretaries or enforcers. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate foundation officer in the exercise of its functions is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
Foundation services are services performed by Southpac in relation to the administration of the foundation. They include (but are not limited to) dealing with founders, beneficiaries, attorneys and other persons in relation to foundation business; reviewing documentation related to foundation transactions; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to banks and investment advisors.
Includes foundation documentation; provision of registered foundation office and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review; government registration and renewal fees; safe custody of essential foundation records; and reasonable time and attendance in relation to the establishment of the foundation.
This fee is payable when an LLC or IBC is dissolved or where Southpac resigns or is removed as registered agent, including where a company redomiciles. It includes a review of company documentation and legislation to ascertain appropriate termination or transfer processes; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a company’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the company is formally dissolved and a final distribution made.
Company services are services performed by Southpac in the administration of the company. They include (but are not limited to) dealing with members, managers, attorneys and other persons in relation to company business; reviewing documentation related to company transactions; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to financial institutions.
Includes company formation documents; provision of a registered agent and dedicated client services officer; provision of resident company secretary for Cook Islands companies; full compliance and risk review and maintenance of necessary due diligence; government registration and renewal fees; and maintenance and safe custody of company records. Additional fees may apply where an existing company redomiciles to the Cook Islands or Nevis from another jurisdiction.
Includes company formation documents; provision of a registered agent and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review and maintenance of necessary due diligence; government registration and renewal fees; and maintenance and safe custody of company records. Additional fees may apply where an existing company redomiciles to the Cook Islands or Nevis from another jurisdiction.
This fee is payable when a trust fund is distributed or where Southpac resigns or is removed as a trustee, including where a trust redomiciles. It includes a review of the trust instrument to ascertain appropriate processes; management of final distributions and account closures; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a trust’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the trust is wound up and a final distribution made, together with a compensatory $1,000 risk premium for each year Southpac has continued to be a trustee without receiving payment following lapse of registration.
This one-off fee is payable where Southpac is identified as a Successor Trustee of a trust and agrees to assume the role of trustee in agreed circumstances (usually involving an event of duress). The fee includes review of trust documentation and preliminary client due diligence. Time required for drafting amendments to an existing trust agreement to incorporate necessary successor trustee provisions is chargeable separately at hourly rates. If Southpac is subsequently appointed as a trustee of the trust then Southpac’s trust establishment and renewal fees in place at that time will apply from appointment. Subsequent appointment as trustee is contingent upon approval of updated client due diligence at that time.
Southpac corporate protector companies in the Cook Islands, Nevis and New Zealand are available for appointment as trust protectors for trusts with or without a Southpac trustee. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate protector in the exercise of its functions as a protector is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
Trustee services are services performed by or on behalf of the trustee in the administration of the trust and management of trust assets. They include (but are not limited to) accepting assets into the trust; dealing with settlors, beneficiaries, attorneys and other persons in relation to trust business; reviewing documentation related to trust transactions; managing distribution requests; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to financial institutions.
Includes trust documentation; provision of corporate trustee, registered trust office and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review; government registration and annual renewal fees; safe custody of essential trust records; and reasonable time and attendance in relation to the establishment of the trust. This fee also applies in relation to a trust administered by a private trustee company. Additional fees may apply where Southpac assumes the trusteeship of an existing trust.
This additional annual fee is payable when a Southpac trustee company is not the sole trustee and where one or more other persons act as co-trustees and have authority to make trustee decisions without regard to Southpac. This compensates Southpac for the extra risk it assumes in bearing the legal responsibilities of a trustee but having only limited control over the trust.
Increased annual fee applies to take account of the additional work and expertise required to establish and maintain a Cook Islands International Relationship Property Trust. This fee also includes all items specified in the Trust Establishment and Trust Renewal Fee descriptions.
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation, arranging apostille appointment and travel to same and all document handling (including location of original documents if required).
Covers staff time involved in making a notary appointment, travelling to notary, facilitating notarisation and all document handling (including location of original documents if required).
For the provision of a Certificate of Good Standing, Incumbency, Current Status or other equivalent certificate which is either prepared by Southpac, as registered agent, or obtained from the Registrar. Fee includes staff time and disbursements.
Hourly time and attendance charges apply for accounting services work including the preparation of annual entity accounts compliant with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international accounting standards (IAS); the preparation of annual financial statements; financial reviews; preparation of tax reporting information; due diligence on sale and purchase of assets; and preparation of related party financial statements.
For accounts using a custodian with which Southpac has no formal agreement there is a 0.10% monitoring and supervisory fee. This fee covers maintenance of the account and regulatory requirements and is charged in addition to the account maintenance fee. The fee is charged quarterly in arrears on the closing account balance.
To maintain an entity account. The fee covers receiving bank statements, performing reconciliations, maintaining files, provision of account signatory, and is charged at the beginning of each quarter following a successful account opening. A discounted fee of $500 per annum is available for certain accounts.
One off fee for the completion of documentation in relation to an account opening with a custodian with which Southpac does not have an existing relationship. Includes review and completion of account opening forms; collating due diligence documentation, including Southpac corporate due diligence; preparing necessary resolutions; and liaising with financial institutions and investment managers as required. Billed on a time and attendance basis and payable irrespective of whether the account opening is successful.
One off up-front fee for the completion of documentation in relation to an account opening with an approved Southpac offshore custodian. Higher fees may apply for more complex account openings. Includes review and completion of account opening forms; collating due diligence documentation; preparing necessary resolutions; and liaising with financial institutions and investment managers as required. Payable irrespective of whether account opening is successful.
This fee is payable when a foundation is dissolved or where Southpac resigns or is removed as registered agent, including where a foundation redomiciles. It includes a review of foundation documentation and legislation to ascertain appropriate termination or transfer processes; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a foundation’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the foundation is formally dissolved and a final distribution made.
Southpac companies in the Cook Islands and Nevis are available for appointment as foundation council or board members, secretaries or enforcers. A 50% discount on this service is available where Southpac is also the registered agent of the foundation. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate foundation officer in the exercise of its functions is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
Foundation services are services performed by Southpac in relation to the administration of the foundation. They include (but are not limited to) dealing with founders, beneficiaries, attorneys and other persons in relation to foundation business; reviewing documentation related to foundation transactions; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to banks and investment advisors.
Payable year 2 onwards and includes government renewal fees; maintenance of necessary due diligence; continued provision of registered foundation office and dedicated client services officer; and maintenance and safe custody of essential records.
Includes foundation documentation; provision of registered foundation office and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review; government registration fees; safe custody of essential foundation records; and reasonable time and attendance in relation to the establishment of the foundation.
This fee is payable when an LLC or IBC is dissolved or where Southpac resigns or is removed as registered agent, including where a company redomiciles. It includes a review of company documentation and legislation to ascertain appropriate termination or transfer processes; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a company’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the company is formally dissolved and a final distribution made.
This discounted package rate is available where Southpac companies are appointed as both the registered agent and the corporate manager/director of an LLC or IBC.
Clients desiring additional privacy and asset protection may wish to appoint a Southpac company to act as a LLC manager (Cook Islands/Nevis) or IBC director (Nevis only) pursuant to a corporate management agreement for an additional annual fee. Corporate secretary services for IBCs are also available and nominee member/shareholder services can be offered in limited circumstances. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate officer in the exercise of its functions is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
All Nevis LLCs and IBCs are required to file a Simplified Tax Return with local tax authorities during each year of their existence. This optional fee includes liaising with company managers and principals to obtain the necessary information for filing and managing the online filing process on behalf of the company. This service is included for LLCs established as part of a fixed fee package.
Company services are services performed by Southpac in the administration of the company. They include (but are not limited to) dealing with members, managers, attorneys and other persons in relation to company business; reviewing documentation related to company transactions; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to financial institutions.
Includes company formation documents; provision of a registered agent and dedicated client services officer; provision of resident company secretary for Cook Islands companies; full compliance and risk review and maintenance of necessary due diligence; government registration and renewal fees; and maintenance and safe custody of company records. Additional fees may apply where an existing company redomiciles to the Cook Islands or Nevis from another jurisdiction.
Includes company formation documents; provision of a registered agent and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review and maintenance of necessary due diligence; government registration and renewal fees; and maintenance and safe custody of company records. Additional fees may apply where an existing company redomiciles to the Cook Islands or Nevis from another jurisdiction.
This fee is payable when a trust fund is distributed or where Southpac resigns or is removed as a trustee, including where a trust redomiciles. It includes a review of the trust instrument to ascertain appropriate processes; management of final distributions and account closures; drafting necessary documentation; liaising with the Registrar as required; and maintenance of records for six years after termination. Increased fees may apply in more complex situations. Where a trust’s registration lapses for non-payment of renewal fees this fee is also payable before the trust is wound up and a final distribution made, together with a compensatory $1,000 risk premium for each year Southpac has continued to be a trustee without receiving payment following lapse of registration.
This one-off fee is payable where Southpac is identified as a Successor Trustee of a trust and agrees to assume the role of trustee in agreed circumstances (usually involving an event of duress). The fee includes review of trust documentation and preliminary client due diligence. Time required for drafting amendments to an existing trust agreement to incorporate necessary successor trustee provisions is chargeable separately at hourly rates. If Southpac is subsequently appointed as a trustee of the trust then Southpac’s trust establishment and renewal fees in place at that time will apply from appointment. Subsequent appointment as trustee is contingent upon approval of updated client due diligence at that time.
Southpac corporate protector companies in the Cook Islands, Nevis and New Zealand are available for appointment as trust protectors for trusts with or without a Southpac trustee. A 50% discount is available where a Southpac corporate protector is appointed alongside a Southpac trustee. Any work undertaken by or on behalf of a corporate protector in the exercise of its functions as a protector is in addition to the annual fee and is charged separately at hourly rates.
Trustee services are services performed by or on behalf of the trustee in the administration of the trust and management of trust assets. They include (but are not limited to) accepting assets into the trust; dealing with settlors, beneficiaries, attorneys and other persons in relation to trust business; reviewing documentation related to trust transactions; managing distribution requests; reviewing and executing tax documents and financial/asset information; and providing due diligence to financial institutions.
Payable year 2 onwards and includes government renewal fees; maintenance of necessary due diligence; continued provision of corporate trustee, registered trust office and dedicated client services officer; and maintenance and safe custody of essential records. This fee also applies for the renewal of a trust administered by a private trustee company.
Includes trust documentation; provision of corporate trustee, registered trust office and dedicated client services officer; full compliance and risk review; government registration fees; safe custody of essential trust records; and reasonable time and attendance in relation to the establishment of the trust. This fee also applies in relation to a trust administered by a private trustee company. Additional fees may apply where Southpac assumes the trusteeship of an existing trust.
