About Guernsey
A British Crown Dependency, Guernsey is a leading international financial centre based on its tax neutrality, sound investment-orientated legislation, principles-based regulatory regime, modern infrastructure, strong legal system, professional workforce and proximity to key markets. Guernsey has been at the forefront of pioneering legislation in the fields of companies, trusts, foundations, funds, retirement planning, insurance and sustainable finance, and is an internationally respected jurisdiction for private client, family office, fiduciary and corporate services.
Guernsey – Key Benefits
- A standard rate of 0% applies to most companies tax resident in Guernsey.
- No withholding tax on interest, royalties or service fees.
- No withholding tax on dividends paid by Guernsey companies to non-residents.
- No capital gains tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax or VAT.
- Exemption regime available for collective investment schemes.
- English common law legal framework.
- OECD and EU white-listed for tax transparency, anti-money laundering and economic substance.
- Robust, flexible regulatory regime under Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC).
- Dedicated trusts, foundation and pensions legislation.
- Stable, mature financial services ecosystem.
Why choose Sovereign Guernsey?
Sovereign Guernsey offers fully compliant, cross-border solutions that are tailored for international clients. We assist with the formation, administration and management of trusts, foundations, partnerships and companies, and are highly experienced in handling the legal, tax and compliance issues that can arise with complex structures in multiple jurisdictions. We also provide the necessary ongoing support to assist clients to maximise opportunities and achieve long-term sustainability in line with their objectives. Clients benefit from multi-lingual support and close collaboration with Sovereign offices worldwide, ensuring cross-border efficiency and regulatory peace of mind.
Sovereign Guernsey – Private Client, Fiduciary and Corporate Services
Sovereign Guernsey assists a wide variety of clients, including individuals, businesses, family offices and professional advisers, to establish robust structures that are fully aligned with relevant legal and tax frameworks, as well as international best practice. As an international provider, we are dedicated to offering integrated advice, products and services to clients that have sophisticated and often complex needs.
Corporate & Holding Structures
Sovereign Guernsey provides end-to-end support for the forming, administering and management of companies in Guernsey and elsewhere. Guernsey combines the advantages of pioneering company legislation with the latest online registry technology. Guernsey entities are suited to a wide range of purposes including asset holding vehicles, co-investment vehicles, funds, family offices, property holding, estate and succession planning, and insurance. Guernsey companies can also serve as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Private Trust Companies (PTCs) and Family Investment Companies (FICs). Guernsey is an ideal base for international Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) and incentive schemes. Sovereign also provides comprehensive administrative support including registered office provision, company secretarial assistance, tax and VAT registration, accounting, payroll and compliance in respect of regulatory, tax and economic substance rules.
Private Client and Fiduciary Services
Sovereign’s private client and fiduciary services assist families and entrepreneurs around the world to structure their assets to support personal, family, commercial and charitable interests. We can assist on a broad range of matters, including wealth structuring, tax and succession planning, pensions and asset protection, and the establishment and administration of trusts, foundations and companies with family governance support. Every structure is aligned with privacy, compliance and the client’s long-term objectives. Sovereign can also assist high-net-worth individuals and their families with relocation and immigration, as well as tax registration and real estate.
Retirement Planning
Guernsey is an established centre of excellence for international retirement benefit plans and has a principles-based regulatory regime that conforms to international standards. It also offers a tax neutral environment in which the assets of a scheme can grow free of taxation and, on drawdown, are paid to scheme members gross.
Sovereign offers a full range of retirement benefit solutions from Guernsey, including Qualifying Non-UK Pension Schemes (QNUPS) and International Retirement Plans (IRPs) for non-Guernsey resident individuals, and a Retirement Annuity Trust Scheme (RATS) for Guernsey-resident individuals.
We also offer multi-employer and bespoke occupational pension schemes for non-Guernsey resident employers that qualify for exemption from Guernsey income tax, as well as multi-employer and bespoke occupational pension schemes to meet the legal requirements of Guernsey-based employers. All plans can be tailored to fulfil the objectives of the scheme sponsors and members.
Sovereign Insights: stay updated on Guernsey
The international tax, legal and regulatory landscape is constantly changing. It is our duty to actively seek out and process relevant information to ensure compliance and reduce risk. Explore our latest news, blogs and posts to stay informed on changes impacting your investments, operations and legacy planning in Guernsey and beyond. You can also subscribe to our newsletter.
Sovereign People
Sovereign Guernsey places an emphasis on strong client relationships, technical excellence and a commitment to delivering high-quality service. The office is staffed by highly experienced and qualified lawyers, trust officers, directors, company secretaries and compliance professionals to help you meet your local and global obligations with confidence. Our team is committed to offering efficient, discreet and responsive support that is tailored to client needs in Guernsey and beyond.
Sovereign Knowledge Hub
Sovereign is focused on supporting clients by ensuring they have the knowledge, information and resources they need to stay informed and make confident decisions. From briefings, information sheets and case studies, to videos and Webinars, our Knowledge Hub contains the practical resources to give clients the latest perspectives on the business, legal and wider issues that matter. Browse the library.
Sovereign – Licences and Professional Affiliations
Sovereign’s Global Network
Established in 1987, the Sovereign Group has grown to become one of the largest independent corporate and trust service providers worldwide. Our office network now spans over more than 20 jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, allowing our clients to access a global service from a local point of delivery. Sovereign Trust (Switzerland) works closely with this international network to deliver seamless cross-border solutions to our clients.
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
