Trust Structure
International Trust
Cross-Border Wealth. Global Legal Structures.
An International Trust leverages offshore jurisdictions to deliver maximum privacy, tax efficiency, and legal protection for settlors with globally diversified assets and multi-jurisdictional residency.
Overview
Global Assets. Unified Structure.
Offshore trust architectures for internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals
An International Trust is a trust structure established in an offshore jurisdiction — typically one with no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax — to hold assets that may be located across multiple countries. It is the structure of choice for internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals and families with globally diversified assets.
The primary advantages of an international trust are tax efficiency, privacy, and legal protection from the home jurisdiction. Because the trust is established in a foreign jurisdiction, it is typically not subject to the domestic tax laws of the settlor's country of residence — though careful analysis of the settlor's residency and domicile is essential.
International trusts are particularly powerful for pre-immigration planning, holding foreign real estate, managing multi-currency investment portfolios, and protecting wealth from politically or economically unstable home jurisdictions.
Key Jurisdictions
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Tax in Leading Offshore Trust Jurisdictions
What It Offers
Key Features & Benefits
The defining characteristics that make the International Trust an effective tool in your wealth planning strategy.
Offshore Jurisdiction Benefits
Established in tax-neutral, privacy-preserving jurisdictions — no local income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax on trust assets and income.
Pre-Immigration Planning
Particularly valuable for individuals planning to relocate to high-tax jurisdictions — assets settled before immigration may be excluded from domestic tax.
Multi-Currency Holdings
International trusts can hold assets denominated in multiple currencies, investing across global markets without domestic foreign exchange restrictions.
Maximum Privacy
Beneficiary identities, asset details, and trust accounts are not publicly registered in most leading offshore trust jurisdictions.
Home Jurisdiction Insulation
Properly structured international trusts can insulate assets from political risk, exchange controls, forced heirship, and creditor exposure in the home jurisdiction.
Foreign Real Estate Holding
An international trust can hold foreign real estate efficiently — avoiding local probate, reducing inheritance tax, and simplifying cross-border succession.
The Process
How It Works
From consultation to fully established trust — a clear, guided process managed by our specialists at every stage.
Residency & Domicile Analysis
We analyse the settlor's current and intended tax residency and domicile to identify the most advantageous jurisdiction and timing for trust establishment.
Jurisdiction & Structure Design
We recommend the optimal offshore jurisdiction and trust type — typically a discretionary or fixed interest structure — and design the trust architecture.
Trust Deed Drafting
The trust deed is drafted in the chosen jurisdiction, incorporating provisions appropriate for cross-border asset holding and multi-jurisdictional succession.
Asset Settlement
Assets from multiple jurisdictions — investment accounts, real estate, company shares, cash — are transferred into the international trust.
Ongoing Compliance & Reporting
The trustee manages annual trust accounts, satisfies local compliance requirements, and assists with any reporting obligations in the settlor's home jurisdiction.
Ideal Applications
When to Use a International Trust
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the International Trust answered by our specialists.
Get Started
Establish Your
International Trust
Our trust consultants will guide you through the establishment process — from jurisdiction selection and trust deed drafting to professional trustee appointment and asset settlement.
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Not sure if the International Trust is the right structure for your needs? Explore our full range of trust solutions.
View All Trust StructuresImportant Notice: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Trust structures involve complex legal and tax considerations specific to your jurisdiction and circumstances. You should seek independent legal and tax advice before establishing any trust structure.
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