Skip to main content
CartClose Cart

Nevis Trusts

If you seek robust asset protection, setting up a Nevis trust offers a time-tested solution. As one of the world’s most respected offshore trust jurisdictions, its constitutional privacy guarantees, unique two-year statute of limitations, and proven track record in protecting assets make it an ideal choice for those seeking exceptional wealth protection.

Explore how a Nevis offshore trust can protect your assets and secure your legacy by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Offshore Broker. Our specialists will assess your situation and show you how a Nevis trust can help you achieve peace of mind at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Whether you open a trust in the Cook Islands or establish a Nevis structure, our expertise ensures comprehensive asset protection. Contact us today!

Book A Free ConsultationContact Us

AS SEEN ON

OVER 450 NEWS SITES AROUND THE WORLD

What Is a Nevis Trust?

This sophisticated legal structure under the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance combines British common law heritage with modern asset protection features. When you establish a Nevis asset protection trust, you transfer assets to a licensed Nevis trustee who manages them according to your specified terms, creating a formidable legal barrier between your wealth and potential threats. The trustee acts strictly according to the terms of the trust deed, which outlines the structure, purpose, and management of the trust. Their primary duty is to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries you designate upon establishment.

The trust’s Caribbean location also offers practical advantages for US clients, operating in similar time zones and providing easier access than more distant jurisdictions. For medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals seeking iron-clad asset protection and financial privacy, this trust provides a proven shield while allowing you to maintain the beneficial enjoyment of your assets under the protection of one of the world’s strongest asset protection frameworks.

Why You Should Consider a Nevis Trust?

A Nevis asset protection trust has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier jurisdictions through its unique combination of legal safeguards, geographical advantages, and constitutional protections.

Cook Islands Asset Protection (1)

The Two-Year Rule

The two-year statute of limitations stands as one of the strongest protective measures in offshore asset protection trust legislation. This rule requires creditors to bring claims within two years of the cause of action and prove beyond reasonable doubt that the trust was established with the intent to defraud them specifically.

This burden of proof is significantly higher than most other jurisdictions and provides three key advantages:

  • Creditors must act quickly or lose their right to claim
  • The high standard of proof creates a formidable barrier to litigation
  • The short timeframe discourages speculative or opportunistic claims

Adding to this protection, Nevis law requires any plaintiff to file a substantial bond of $100,000 with the Nevis Ministry of Finance before bringing legal action against an international trust. This requirement has remained steadfast even after the 2018 amendments to Nevis laws, which modified bond requirements for other structures. The combination of this significant financial barrier and the compressed timeframe forces potential creditors to carefully consider their claims, effectively discouraging speculative or opportunistic lawsuits.

Unlike other jurisdictions with longer limitation periods, this two-year window provides clarity and certainty for Nevis offshore trust holders, effectively limiting the timeline during which assets might face challenges.

Read More
using offshore trusts

Caribbean Accessibility

The strategic location of Nevis in the Caribbean offers practical benefits that many other offshore jurisdictions cannot match:

  • Shared time zone with the US East Coast for real-time communication
  • Direct flights from major US cities
  • English as the primary language
  • Familiar legal system based on British common law
  • Modern telecommunications infrastructure
  • Professional services aligned with US business hours

This accessibility proves invaluable when you need to manage trust affairs, communicate with trustees, or handle time-sensitive matters, offering a significant advantage over more distant jurisdictions in Asia or the Pacific.

Read More

Constitutional Privacy Protection

This protection elevates financial privacy from a simple statutory provision to a fundamental constitutional right. Under this framework, trust information is protected by law from foreign discovery requests, with unauthorised disclosure carrying criminal penalties. Even court proceedings involving trusts maintain strict privacy protocols, while government agencies are bound by constitutional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of trust information. Trustees operate under strict legal requirements to protect settlor and beneficiary privacy, ensuring comprehensive confidentiality at every level of trust administration.

This constitutional-level Nevis asset protection provides an additional layer of security that supersedes ordinary legislation, ensuring your financial privacy remains protected even as laws and regulations change.

For medical professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals concerned about privacy, this constitutional guarantee offers peace of mind that other jurisdictions simply cannot match.

Read More

Modern Applications of Nevis Trust Formation

Cook Islands Asset Protection (1)

Digital Wealth Protection

In the digital age, protecting technological assets requires sophisticated solutions. A Nevis trust offers exceptional protection for your digital wealth through its robust legal framework and privacy provisions.


For cryptocurrency holdings, your trust can secure private keys and digital wallets while allowing for efficient trading strategies. This protection extends to online business assets, including domain names, customer databases, and proprietary software, making it particularly attractive for technology companies and digital innovators.

Read More
using offshore trusts

International Business Benefits

The strategic advantages of Nevis’s Caribbean location make it ideal for international business operations. From its convenient time zone alignment with major financial centres to its established banking relationships, Nevis provides practical benefits for cross-border business activities. Whether through a trust structure or a Nevis LLC, the jurisdiction offers robust protection for international assets.

The structure also supports international trading operations, allowing for efficient management of multiple currency accounts and cross-border transactions. For businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions, a Nevis asset protection trust offers a stable base for asset protection while supporting international growth. The trust’s flexibility allows for adaptation to changing business needs while maintaining strong asset protection features.

Read More

Property and Investment Structure

Modern wealth often spans multiple asset classes and jurisdictions. A trust excels at protecting diverse investment portfolios while providing flexibility for active management, whether managing traditional securities, alternative investments, or private equity holdings.

For multi-generational wealth transfer, Nevis trusts offer unique advantages. The structure allows thoughtful succession planning while protecting inherited assets from future claims. You can establish specific conditions for wealth transfer, ensuring your legacy continues according to your wishes while maintaining the protective benefits of Nevis law.

Read More

What Can a Nevis Trust Protect?

A common misconception about these trusts is that the protected assets must be physically located in Nevis. In reality, you can keep your assets in major financial centres worldwide like Switzerland, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

This flexibility allows you to work with international banks and investment firms in stable financial jurisdictions while maintaining the robust legal protection of Nevis trust law.

Financial Assets

  • Cash and bank accounts
  • Investment portfolios
  • Retirement accounts (certain types)
  • Securities and bonds
  • Cryptocurrency holdings
  • Foreign currency accounts

Business Interests

  • Company shares
  • Partnership interests
  • Business assets
  • Intellectual property
  • Licensing rights
  • Future income streams

Physical Assets

  • Real estate (through holding structures)
  • Precious metals
  • Investment-grade collectibles
  • High-value personal property
  • Commercial equipment
  • Rental properties

Investment Holdings

  • Mutual funds
  • Private equity investments
  • Hedge fund positions
  • International investments
  • Trading accounts
  • Managed portfolios
Book a Free Consultation

Structure of a Nevis Trust

Each role within this trust framework serves a specific purpose, creating a robust system of checks and balances that ensures the protection and proper management of your assets.

1

The Settlor (You)

As the settlor, you initiate the Nevis trust formation by transferring assets into the structure. While you relinquish direct control of the assets, you retain significant influence through careful trust design and appointment of key positions. The trust deed, which you establish, outlines your wishes for asset management and distribution.

2

The Trustee

Your trustee takes legal ownership of your assets and manages them according to the terms of your trust deed. They meet strict licensing requirements and are experienced in international financial matters, understanding the delicate balance between asset protection and practical accessibility. Your trustee ensures ongoing compliance with Nevis regulations by handling administrative duties and maintaining the required records.

3

The Trust Protector

Typically your trusted advisor or representative, the protector serves as an independent third party with specific powers to supervise the trustee’s actions. These powers often include the ability to replace trustees, approve certain transactions, and veto key decisions. This position provides crucial flexibility and control without compromising the trust’s protective features.


Your trust protector can be an individual, such as an attorney, trusted family member, or professional entity, often located in your home country for convenient communication.
Read More

4

The Beneficiaries

As a settlor, you can name yourself a beneficiary while including family members or other chosen individuals. Your trust deed can establish specific distribution conditions, creating a framework that adapts to changing circumstances while maintaining asset protection in Nevis.

Why Work with Offshore Broker

Unlike traditional US law firms that charge high fees for offshore trust formation, our streamlined approach significantly reduces these costs, eliminating unnecessary expenses without compromising quality or security. Whether you’re considering a Nevis structure or a Cook Islands asset protection trust, our expertise ensures you receive the most suitable solution for your needs.

At Offshore Broker, our qualified team has extensive experience in private banking and offshore trust administration. This means that you’ll partner directly with industry experts who understand the technical and practical aspects of trust protection, ensuring your structure effectively meets your needs.

Our modern platform makes document submission straightforward, while our direct relationships with Nevis trustees ensure smooth processing. This means faster formation times and a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

With a strong reputation in Nevis and operating in US time zones, we provide responsive support when you need it. From regular reviews to adapting your Nevis offshore trust as circumstances change, we remain accessible for ongoing guidance.

Contact Us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is The Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance?

Established in 1994, this legislation forms the foundation of Nevis’s respected asset protection framework. It provides exceptional protection through robust provisions like a two-year statute of limitations on claims against trusts. Potential creditors must also post a substantial $100,000 bond before initiating legal proceedings. This combination creates a formidable barrier against frivolous litigation while ensuring genuine cases can still proceed through proper channels.

It also accommodates various asset types, from traditional investments to digital holdings, while maintaining strict privacy standards that make unauthorised disclosure of trust information a criminal offence. With ongoing evolution and updates, the Ordinance remains a premier jurisdiction for those seeking robust wealth protection.

How are Nevis trusts taxed?

Nevis trusts are tax-exempt in Nevis, but individuals setting them up must comply with the tax laws of their country of residence or nationality.

For US persons, these trusts are typically classified as ‘foreign grantor trusts’ for tax purposes. As the grantor, you must report the trust’s income on your personal tax return. The trust’s worldwide income remains taxable in the US, and specific reporting requirements apply.

Given the complexity of international tax law, we strongly recommend maintaining a relationship with a qualified tax professional who can provide specific advice for your situation.

Do I need to visit Nevis to set up my trust?

No. Through Offshore Broker’s streamlined formation process, we can establish your Nevis offshore trust remotely while maintaining the highest security and compliance standards.

We coordinate all necessary documentation, verify your identity through approved remote methods, and work with licensed Nevis trustees who are experienced in handling international client requirements.

For those who do wish to visit, Nevis is easily accessible from major US cities, and our team can arrange meetings with all relevant parties during your stay.

CONTACT US

Please leave us a message, and a member of our team will respond to you shortly.

Alternatively, you can schedule a convenient time slot to discuss your asset protection goals with one of our specialists.

Book A Free Consultation
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Simplified wealth management solutions

Explore

Asset Protection

Our Products

Jurisdictions

Publications

About Us

Shop

Contact Us
Book A Free Consultation

Leave Us A Review

 Offshore Broker is a trading name of Wealth Web Marketing Limited. Before using this website and engaging our services, we strongly recommend that users carefully read and thoroughly understand our Terms of Use, which govern the use of this website and the services provided by Offshore Broker. By proceeding to use this website, you acknowledge that you have read, and agree to our Terms of Use.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy