International and Offshore Company Formation
We help businesses, investors and private clients choose the right jurisdiction, then set up and maintain their companies around the world, working hand in hand with local registered agents.
A structure built around your goal
An international company can be the right tool to hold investments, organize a group that operates in several countries, bring in foreign partners, own vessels or intellectual property, or open the door to markets such as the United States. Picking the right jurisdiction from day one saves costly restructuring later and makes life easier with commercial counterparties.
At Motta, Yaafar & Díaz we look at your plans the way lawyers should: what you want to achieve, where the company will do business, who the owners are and what obligations they have at home. From there we recommend the jurisdiction and type of entity that fits, coordinate the formation with trusted local registered agents and handle annual maintenance, so you have one point of contact, in English or Spanish, for your whole structure.
Who we work with
- 01Entrepreneurs building a group with operations in several countries.
- 02Investors who need a vehicle for international holdings.
- 03Families organizing their assets alongside succession planning.
- 04Latin American companies expanding into the United States.
- 05Shipowners and maritime operators.
How the jurisdictions compare
Each jurisdiction has its own legal framework, reputation and typical uses. Below is a short guide to what each one is usually chosen for; the final recommendation depends on your business, where the company will operate and the tax position of its owners.
BVI Company Formation
The go-to choice for holding companies, joint ventures and funds, with English-based law and wide investor acceptance.
Belize Company Formation
A practical, nearby option for Latin American entrepreneurs in international trade and services.
Nevis Company Formation
Known for its LLC, a common choice for family holding companies and long-term wealth planning.
Bahamas Company Formation
An established, well-regulated financial center close to the US, popular for investments and family wealth.
Anguilla Company Formation
A British territory with an efficient electronic registry, a lean alternative for holding companies and international business.
Seychelles Company Formation
A strategic Indian Ocean location, useful for business with Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Marshall Islands Company Formation
A shipping-industry favorite, with corporate law modeled on the United States.
Delaware LLC Formation
A US company under benchmark corporate law, favored by startups and investors.
Florida LLC Formation
A US company that makes sense for operating, opening an office or investing in real estate in Florida.
What about a Panama company?
For many clients, the best option is right here in Panama. Before we recommend a foreign jurisdiction we always compare it with Panamanian vehicles, which offer a stable legal framework, a dollarized economy and the convenience of having your lawyers in the same country as your company.
Panama corporation
A flexible, internationally recognized vehicle for doing business in Panama or abroad, holding investments, or bringing together partners from different countries under clear rules.
Panama company formationPrivate interest foundation
Designed for asset protection and family succession planning rather than trading. It can work alongside a local or foreign company.
Guide to Panama private interest foundationsHow we set up your company
Our process is the same whatever the jurisdiction: we understand the goal first and choose the structure second, never the other way round.
- 01
Initial consultation
We talk through your business, your partners and what you want the new company to achieve.
- 02
Understanding your goal
We look at what the company needs to do, where it will operate and who its owners will be.
- 03
Choosing the jurisdiction
We compare the options, including Panamanian vehicles, and recommend the one that fits.
- 04
Review and due diligence
We review the documents of the shareholders and beneficial owners and confirm the project is a good fit for the jurisdiction.
- 05
Incorporation
We prepare the formation documents and coordinate the filing with the local registered agent.
- 06
Handover and launch
You receive your corporate documents, and we guide you through the first steps to put it into operation.
- 07
Annual maintenance
We keep the company in good standing year after year: renewals, filings and corporate updates.
What's included
You always deal with our team in Panama, which coordinates with local correspondents in each jurisdiction.
Incorporation
Name clearance, drafting of the constitutional documents and filing with the registry.
Corporate documents
Certificate of incorporation, first resolutions, share register and appointment of directors.
Registered agent
Registered agent and registered office through our correspondents in the jurisdiction.
Annual maintenance
Renewals, periodic filings and corporate updates handled on your behalf.
Ongoing counsel
Support with the company's corporate decisions: changes of directors, share issuances and shareholder arrangements.
Compliance and transparency
Every company we form goes through know-your-customer (KYC) due diligence: we identify the shareholders, directors and beneficial owners, and review the source of funds and the purpose of the structure. We only work on legitimate business and investment projects, and we follow the rules of each jurisdiction and international transparency standards, including beneficial ownership registers and economic substance requirements where they apply.
If a structure doesn't serve a legitimate purpose, we don't set it up.
Frequently asked questions
Which jurisdiction is right for me?
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It depends on your business, where your clients and partners are, and the tax rules that apply to the owners at home. During the first consultation we compare the options and explain the pros and cons of each.
Do I need to travel to set up the company?
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Usually not. The whole process can be handled remotely: we review documents digitally and coordinate signing and, where required, legalization or apostille from your country.
What information will you need from me?
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ID and proof of address for shareholders, directors and beneficial owners, references, and an explanation of the source of funds and the purpose of the company, plus anything specific the jurisdiction requires.
Can an offshore company be used to stop paying taxes?
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No. An international company is a tool to organize business and investments, not a way around your obligations. Owners must comply with the tax rules where they live, and we recommend coordinating the structure with your tax adviser.
What happens after the company is formed?
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It must be renewed every year and keep up with the filings and registers the jurisdiction requires. Our annual maintenance service keeps it in good standing.
Further reading
Let's talk about your structure
Tell us what you want to achieve and we will recommend the right jurisdiction and type of company. Book a consultation or reach us through the form below.
Contact Us
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