Offshore Foundations

“Foundations are a very important component in family asset protection”

» Foreword » The Panamanian Foundation » Advantages of a Panamanian Foundation » Using Panamanian Foundations » Key Elements of a Private Foundation » The Charter » The Costs

Using Panamanian Foundations

• To own family businesses and thus avoid inheritance taxes
• To guarantee payment of money or individual asset distribution to members of one or more families for their subsistence, education, clothing and other living expenses, or as a mechanism by which their children/grandchildren may partake in their parents/grandparents’ earnings. In Europe, private foundations for the aforementioned purposes are known as “Family Foundations”.
• To make scientific, humanitarian, philanthropic, religious or charitable donations or to manage funds reserved for these purposes.
• To protect disadvantaged persons, at a risk
• For the benefit of family members, other persons or institutions. Multiple purpose private foundations are known in Europe as a “Mixed Foundation”.
• To act as the administrator of employee benefit schemes and employee pension plans.
• As a substitute for a will, thus avoiding complicated inheritance procedures, subsequently explained more fully in detail.
• As a substitute for marriage or pre-nuptial agreements.
• To own shares, interests and stocks of private companies.
• As a vehicle for owning patents and intellectual property and for receiving royalties and other forms of associated income.
• As a vehicle for investing in time deposit accounts, stocks, bonds or other securities.
• As a vehicle for owning real estate or valuable art work.
• To avoid forced heirship rules
• To avoid political or economic instability.
• For any asset protection purpose.

Back to top