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Wealth planning requires legal and corporate engineering capable of integrating multiple instruments—such as trusts, holding companies, LLCs, BVI companies, wills, and shareholders’ agreements. This coordinated set of tools is commonly referred to as a combined structure. In the BVI context, the most commonly used combination includes: A BVI company for the centralization of international assets; A trust for succession planning and asset protection; LLCs in other jurisdiction

The management of international wealth by Brazilian tax residents requires heightened attention to tax and regulatory obligations. Brazilian legislation, which is constantly evolving and aligned with global transparency standards, imposes a series of reporting requirements designed to identify and tax assets held outside the country. Below are the main obligations applicable to individuals and entities with international investments or structures, such as bank accounts, offsh

A voting trust is a legal mechanism used to organize and consolidate the exercise of a company’s voting rights, without altering the shareholders’ economic interests. It is particularly useful in family-owned businesses or companies with multiple shareholders, where fragmented decision-making may lead to conflicts or loss of control. Under the traditional model, multiple shareholders transfer only their voting rights to a Trustee, while fully retaining their economic benefits

The term “tax haven” often causes confusion. It does not necessarily imply anything illegal. In practice, it refers to jurisdictions with low or no taxation on profits, income, or capital gains, which offer regulatory simplicity and a degree of privacy to foreign investors. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a classic example — however, today the jurisdiction is far more than a so-called “tax haven.” The BVI have become an internationally recognized financial center, with

As of January 2, 2025, companies incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are subject to new corporate requirements that significantly increase corporate transparency. The main changes focus on the centralization and continuous updating of corporate registers, ensuring that competent authorities have fast and accurate access to information, without resulting in unrestricted public disclosure. One of the key changes is the mandatory filing of the Register of Members (ROM)  w

In international wealth and succession planning, the choice of share ownership structure can directly impact the efficiency and continuity of a corporate structure. In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), one of the most commonly used mechanisms for this purpose is Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWRS) . What is Joint Tenancy? Joint Tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more individuals jointly hold title to the same shares. Its key feature is the Right of

In a context of in creasing international pressure for transparency and tax integrity, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) introduced Economic Substance legislation in 2019. The purpose of this framework is to ensure that entities incorporated in the territory maintain real economic presence and activities, aligning the jurisdiction with the recommendations of the European Union and the OECD. The Economic Substance Act directly impacts companies and entities registered in the BV

Every company in the BVI must maintain an authorized Registered Agent (RA) in the jurisdiction. It is not uncommon for a Registered Agent to undergo administrative or corporate changes that may lead to service and support levels falling below expectations — and sometimes even result in excessive, unjustified, or unexpected costs. In such cases, shareholders and/or directors may choose to change their Registered Agent. The process to transfer a Registered Agent with Aurora, fo

The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) has once again ruled on the collection of the Inheritance and Donation Tax (ITCMD) in situations involving assets, donors, or heirs located abroad, reinforcing the understanding that Brazilian states and the Federal District lack the authority to impose the tax in such cases without a prior federal supplementary law. In the judgment of Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) No. 6,838, the STF Plenary struck down provisions of Law

In the British Virgin Islands (BVI) , the role of the Registered Agent is essential for the incorporation and ongoing maintenance of companies. It is a legal requirement established under the BVI Business Companies Act , which mandates that every company incorporated in the jurisdiction must, at all times, retain a duly licensed agent to act as its local representative and to ensure full compliance with all regulatory obligations before the Financial Services Commission (F

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Brazilians seeking to use fiduciary structures abroad to protect their assets and organize family succession. Among these structures, trusts stand out — legal instruments through which a settlor transfers assets to a trustee , who manages them for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries , in accordance with the terms set out in the Trust Deed . The British Virgin Islands (BVI) have become one of the mo

In international wealth structuring, the use of trusts can be a valuable tool—particularly for succession planning, asset protection, and tax efficiency. In simple terms, a trust is a legal instrument through which a settlor transfers assets to a trustee , who manages them for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries , according to the provisions set out in the trust deed (constitutive document). A key decision in this context is the choice between establishing a revocable

In today’s globalized environment, the use of international trusts has gained importance as a tool for estate and succession planning among individuals with assets abroad. However, the complexity of Brazilian tax legislation—particularly following Law No. 14,754/2023—demands careful attention to the tax treatment of these structures. As of January 1, 2024, trusts have been expressly regulated for tax purposes in Brazil, with the adoption of a fiscal transparency regime that d

In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), every company must, by law, be linked to a registered agent duly licensed by the local authority, the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This Registered Agent acts as the company’s legal representative before the government and is responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining mandatory corporate records. The registered agent’s duties include: Incorporation of the company and filing of legal documents; Mainten

A trust is a legal arrangement through which a person (the settlor) transfers assets to a trustee, who manages them for the benefit of third parties (the beneficiaries) or for a specific purpose, as set out in a legal instrument known as a trust deed. Who are the parties in a trust? A trust is essentially composed of three elements: Settlor : the person who establishes the trust and transfers assets into it; Trustee : the person who manages the trust’s assets according to the

In a global environment that increasingly demands transparency, legal certainty, asset protection, and tax efficiency, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) stand out as one of the most attractive jurisdictions for investors seeking to establish offshore companies. Key Advantages Compared to Other Jurisdictions When compared to other jurisdictions, such as Panama, Belize, or the Bahamas, the BVI excel due to their unique combination of: Legal and political stability; Speed and sim