(NEVIS TRUST & ASSET PROTECTION)
Nevis Trust
A Nevis Trust is a specialist offshore asset-protection structure with a mandatory creditor bond, a demanding fraud standard and non-recognition of foreign judgments. Offshore Broker coordinates formation, trustee and registered-agent onboarding, plus optional Nevis LLC and banking support with fixed, stated fees.
Core jurisdiction
Offshore Broker · Nevis Trust
Caribbean
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Latitude
00.0000° N
Longitude
000.0000° W
Fixed fee from
$10,000
Standalone Nevis Trust formation, quoted in full before any work starts.
Typical formation
3–8 weeks
Subject to trustee and registered-agent due diligence, drafting and document readiness.
Primary use
Asset protection
Frequently paired with succession and long-term wealth planning.
(NEVIS TRUST OVERVIEW)
A Nevis Trust combines strong statutory asset protection with one of the world’s highest procedural barriers for creditors
Established under the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance, it places selected assets under the administration of a qualifying Nevis trustee and registered agent and a trust deed tailored to your protection, succession and governance objectives.
That transfer is what creates the separation: legally, the assets belong to the trust rather than to you. Because of this, a foreign court judgment does not automatically bind the trustee or hand over control of the trust property. A claimant who wants to reach the assets generally has to begin fresh proceedings in the Nevis, meet the local standard of evidence, and act within short statutory time limits.
The trust deed may appoint a protector with defined oversight powers, while a Nevis LLC can provide a practical way to hold bank accounts, brokerage portfolios, business interests and other investments. These protections depend on lawful, proactive implementation, genuine trustee independence and proper ongoing administration, supported by appropriate home-country legal and tax advice.
Statute
Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance
Creditor bond
EC$270,000 (about US$100,000)
Protector
Permitted, with deed-defined powers
Redomiciliation
Foreign trusts may adopt Nevis governing law
Claim periods
Specific one- and two-year rules can apply
Foreign judgments
Not enforceable against the Nevis trust
A general summary of the statute only. How it applies in practice depends on your deed, the transfer history, the specific claim and the governing law.
(WHAT YOUR FEE COVERS)
What our Nevis Trust service includes
A single fixed fee – no hidden extras, and everything included.
The $10,000 starting fee covers the core Nevis Trust formation and provides a clear entry point for clients who need a dedicated asset-protection structure. Some clients choose the standalone trust because they already have suitable banking or investment arrangements, while others add a Nevis LLC to simplify the ownership of bank accounts, brokerage portfolios, business interests or other investments.
The Total Protection option brings the trust, company and banking together where a more complete, ready-to-use structure is needed. Which level suits you depends on what the structure will hold, how those assets will be managed, and whether you need additional banking or corporate administration.
Final services, third-party costs and ongoing trustee fees are set out clearly during onboarding and confirmed in your engagement documents.
Starter
$10,000
inclusive of all first-year fees
A standalone Nevis Asset Protection Trust. Ideal for clients seeking strong offshore protection with a straightforward structure, managed by a licensed Nevis trustee.
Complete application process managed on your behalf
All third-party costs including first-year trustee and government registration fees
Full drafting of all trust documents including the trust deed
Registered and operational Nevis Trust
Professional
$11,000
inclusive of all first-year fees
A Nevis Trust with an underlying Nevis LLC. Retain day-to-day management of your assets as LLC manager while the trust provides the outer layer of protection — the standard Nevis asset protection structure.
Complete application process managed on your behalf
All third-party costs including first-year trustee and government registration fees
Full drafting of all trust documents including the trust deed
Registered and operational Nevis Trust
Registered and operational offshore LLC (Nevis or Cook Islands)
Total Protection
$12,000
inclusive of all first-year fees
A full asset protection and wealth management structure with a Nevis Trust, LLC, and offshore bank account at a partner institution — offshore banks, private banks, Swiss banks, and EMI banks. Maximum protection with full banking infrastructure in place.
Complete application process managed on your behalf
All third-party costs including first-year trustee and government registration fees
Full drafting of all trust documents including the trust deed
Registered and operational Nevis Trust
Registered and operational offshore LLC
Offshore bank account at a partner institution of your choice
Fees are indicative and shown in USD. Your engagement letter and the trustee’s acceptance confirm the exact scope before any formation work starts.
(NEVIS TRUST GUIDE)
A plain-English guide to the Nevis Trust
How does a Nevis Trust work?
A Nevis Trust separates the legal ownership and administration of selected assets from the person who sets the trust up.
The settlor signs a trust deed, appoints a qualifying trustee and completes registration through a Nevis registered agent. Once accepted assets are transferred into the trust, the trustee holds and administers them for the beneficiaries under the deed and Nevis law.
The deed sets out the beneficiaries, trustee powers, distribution rules and any reserved powers, while the trust is registered through its Nevis registered agent. A protector may also be appointed to exercise defined oversight rights without replacing the trustee's independent duties.
- Settlor: sets up the trust and contributes approved assets.
- Trustee: legally holds and administers the trust property.
- Beneficiaries: can receive distributions under the trust deed.
- Protector: can hold limited consent or replacement powers where the deed includes them.
Offshore Broker coordinates the trust deed, qualifying trustee and registered agent, due diligence and formation process.
Discuss your trustWho controls a Nevis Trust?
The structure can keep you practically involved, but it cannot leave every decision under your unrestricted personal control.
The qualifying trustee and registered agent is responsible for administering the trust and must be able to exercise genuine independent judgment. The trust deed may reserve specific powers to the settlor and may appoint a protector, investment adviser or LLC manager for defined functions.
Day-to-day investment or banking activity is often handled through an underlying Nevis LLC, while ownership of that company remains with the trust.
- Reserved powers: can cover limited investment, appointment or advisory matters.
- Protector powers: can include consent rights or the ability to replace the trustee.
- Trustee independence: stays essential to proper administration.
- Emergency planning: can set out how authority changes if legal pressure arises.
What can be placed in a Nevis Trust?
A trust becomes operational once accepted assets are properly transferred in and recorded as trust property.
Common assets include cash, securities, shares in private companies, investment accounts and interests in an underlying Nevis LLC. The trustee and any bank or custodian will review the proposed assets, source of wealth and supporting documentation.
Real estate usually stays governed by the law of the country where it sits. It is often held through a company or coordinated with other planning rather than transferred directly into the trust.
- Cash and deposits held within approved banking arrangements.
- Investment portfolios once accepted by the trustee and custodian.
- Company interests used to bring operating or investment assets together.
- Other property where the trustee accepts it and local legal advice supports it.
Why add a Nevis LLC?
A trust-owned Nevis LLC can provide a practical entity for holding accounts, investments and other approved assets.
The trust owns the Nevis LLC, while directors or managers handle permitted day-to-day activity. This can separate the trustee's ownership role from routine banking, custody and investment administration.
Offshore Broker's Total Protection Package combines the Nevis Trust, a Nevis LLC and coordinated offshore banking support.
- One ownership layer across several bank, brokerage or investment accounts.
- Practical administration handled through authorised directors or managers.
- Continuity because the trust owns the company rather than each asset individually.
- Separate obligations covering company filings, accounting, tax and banking compliance.
The Total Protection Package is built for clients who need both the trust and a practical asset-holding entity.
Explore Total ProtectionWhat are the limits of Nevis Trust protection?
A Nevis Trust is a proactive planning structure, not a way to conceal assets or defeat valid existing obligations.
Transfers may still be challenged where a creditor proves the statutory elements, including principal intent to defraud and the required insolvency conditions, within the applicable time limits. The trustee will also require full disclosure of the people, assets, source of wealth and intended use of the structure.
Protection depends on valid formation, genuine funding, compliant administration and proper advice in every relevant jurisdiction.
- No retroactive protection: existing or foreseeable disputes need immediate legal advice.
- No secrecy from authorities: tax and reporting duties still apply.
- No guaranteed outcome: the facts, the timing and the applicable law remain decisive.
- No substitute for domestic planning: insurance and local structures may still have a place.
When should a Nevis Trust be established?
The strongest planning is usually done while your finances are stable and before any specific dispute, claim or enforcement threat exists.
Formation involves trustee due diligence, drafting, execution and funding. Allowing enough time makes it easier to document the trust's purpose and to coordinate asset transfers, banking and professional advice properly.
A typical formation target is around 3–8 weeks, though complex assets or banking can extend the overall timeline.
- Plan before pressure: don't wait until a transfer becomes urgent.
- Prepare documentation: keep identity, address and source-of-wealth evidence current.
- Coordinate funding: settle which assets will move before execution.
- Review existing obligations: creditors, guarantees and disputes all need to be disclosed.
What tax and reporting obligations apply?
Offshore does not mean unreported. What applies depends on the settlor, the beneficiaries, the trustee, the assets and the countries involved.
The Nevis trustee, registered agent and any bank or custodian will complete KYC and beneficial-ownership checks. Home-country tax, foreign-trust, foreign-account and asset-reporting rules may also apply.
US persons may have Forms 3520 and 3520-A obligations, along with separate foreign-account or asset reporting depending on the structure and the accounts used.
- Trust reporting can apply when the trust is formed, funded or makes distributions.
- Foreign-account reporting can apply to trust or underlying-company accounts.
- Tax treatment depends on residence, control, the beneficiaries and the type of asset.
- Professional advice should be taken before formation and funding.
Who may consider a Nevis Trust?
The structure is usually considered by people with meaningful assets, long-term goals and a genuine need for cross-border protection or succession planning.
Typical users include business owners, professionals, real-estate investors, international families and people whose work carries elevated litigation exposure. The benefits should justify the formation cost, the trustee relationship and the ongoing administration.
It is less suitable where the asset base is modest, the purpose is short term, full disclosure is not acceptable or the settlor is unwilling to share genuine authority with a qualifying trustee and registered agent.
- Business owners separating personal wealth from business risk.
- Professionals who carry elevated liability exposure.
- Investors and families planning succession and cross-border ownership.
- Clients seeking Total Protection through a combined trust, company and banking structure.
We weigh up the proposed assets, your objectives, timing and reporting position before recommending a structure.
Book a consultation(WHY CLIENTS WORK WITH US)
Nevis Trust expertise with direct trustee coordination
Offshore Broker combines years of offshore trust, company, banking and asset-protection experience with direct working relationships in Nevis. We coordinate the trustee, registered agent, trust deed, optional Nevis LLC and banking process through one point of contact rather than passing clients through layers of introducers.
Direct licensed Nevis trustee relationships — not a referral agent
We coordinate directly with Nevis trustees and registered agents familiar with local registration, deed, due-diligence and formation requirements.
Fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs or unexpected add-ons
We work directly with Nevis trustees and registered agents rather than passing clients through layers of introducers, helping reduce delays and unnecessary referral costs.
Honest comparison advice — we tell you when a Cook Islands Trust is the better choice
The formation scope and fees are agreed before any work begins, and trustee charges, third-party costs and ongoing administration are all explained clearly during onboarding.
Operate across 20+ jurisdictions — Nevis, Cook Islands, BVI, Cayman and more
Where the trust also requires a Nevis LLC, banking, brokerage or another jurisdiction, we coordinate the wider structure through one point of contact.
Optional legal and tax advisory to ensure full home-country compliance
Where it is needed, we can add optional legal and tax coordination so the structure is considered alongside your home-country reporting and compliance obligations.
(HOW DOES A NEVIS TRUST WORK?)
Protection that works through legal procedure
A properly established and administered Nevis Trust places several statutory barriers between a foreign judgment and the trust assets. A creditor must begin fresh proceedings in Nevis, post the required EC$270,000 bond, prove principal intent to defraud beyond reasonable doubt and act within the applicable statutory time rules. These protections are strongest when the trust has a genuine purpose, is funded before a dispute becomes foreseeable and is administered with real trustee independence.
Stage 01
Normal operation
Practical management through a trust-owned Nevis LLC
The trust may own a Nevis LLC while you act as manager for routine banking and investment decisions. Everyday administration remains workable, while ownership of the LLC sits with the trust rather than in your personal name.
Protective effectTrust ownership and day-to-day LLC management are separated before the structure is tested.
Stage 02
Protection defined in advance
The deed defines authority before pressure arises
The trust deed can define reserved powers, protector oversight, manager-removal rights and how the trustee should respond to a lawsuit, judgment or compelled instruction.
Protective effectControl and intervention procedures are documented before a creditor dispute develops.
Stage 03
Trustee intervention
Independent control can shift when a threat appears
After a defined event, the independent trustee may remove or replace the Nevis LLC manager and decline directions given under legal compulsion where the deed and its duties require it.
Protective effectOperational authority can move away from the settlor and to the independent trustee or its appointed manager.
Stage 04
Jurisdictional separation
A foreign judgment is not enforceable against the trust
The Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance provides that a foreign judgment against the trust is not enforceable in Nevis and does not by itself transfer control of trust property.
Protective effectA creditor must begin a new Nevis action rather than relying on the foreign order alone.
Stage 05
Creditor procedure
A creditor must post the statutory bond
Before bringing an action against trust property, a creditor must provide the statutory EC$270,000 bond through a Nevis financial institution to secure potential costs.
Protective effectThe bond raises the cost of speculative or weak litigation before the merits are heard.
Stage 06
High proof threshold
Fraud must meet a demanding statutory test
A creditor challenging a transfer must prove principal intent to defraud beyond reasonable doubt, together with the statutory insolvency conditions, and must act within the applicable time rules.
Protective effectThe burden, bond and limitation rules combine to filter out late, speculative or poorly supported claims.
This sequence is educational and describes the intended mechanics of a properly drafted and administered structure. It does not guarantee any particular court, creditor or tax outcome. The deed, trustee powers, funding history and applicable home-country law should be reviewed for each client.
(THE COMPLETE STRUCTURE)
Nevis Trust, Nevis LLC & Banking
A coordinated structure centred on a Nevis Trust, with a registered Nevis LLC and bank-account support where appropriate. This gives the trust an outer protection layer and a practical operating entity through which approved assets can be held and administered.
- Offshore trust application coordinated from start to finish
- First-year trustee and listed third-party formation costs included
- Trust deed, Nevis registration and supporting ownership documents prepared
- Structure established and ready to receive approved assets
(NEVIS EXPERTISE)
Meet the team behind your structure
John Evans
Forbes Business Council Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
More than two decades of experience across offshore banking, asset protection, international companies and trusts.
Melanie Tetuaiteroi
Sales Assistant
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Supports client onboarding, communications, documentation and operational coordination, backed by fiduciary administration experience.
(HOW WE SET IT UP)
01
Start the conversation
We review your assets, existing risks, residency, family objectives, timing and whether a Nevis Trust and optional Nevis LLC are proportionate to your needs.
02
Move through our streamlined onboarding
We coordinate with a qualifying Nevis trustee and registered agent and determine whether a standalone trust, Nevis LLC or banking support is appropriate.
03
Build your trust framework with us
Once your application is received we’ll coordinate between you, the trustee, and any other relevant parties to confirm the key details of your trust and prepare any supporting structures such as a Nevis LLC or offshore bank account. We work for you to ensure the trust is built precisely around your requirements and long-term goals.
04
Finalise and form your trust
The trust is executed and registered, then approved assets, Nevis LLC interests or account arrangements are transferred into the structure.
(NEVIS TRUST INSIGHTS)
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(ABOUT NEVIS TRUSTS)
What exactly is a Nevis Trust?
A Nevis Trust is an international trust registered under the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance and administered through a qualifying trustee and Nevis registered agent. The settlor transfers selected assets to the trust, while the deed identifies the beneficiaries, trustee powers, distribution rules, any reserved powers and the role of an optional protector. International-trust status generally requires non-resident settlors and beneficiaries and excludes land situated in St Kitts and Nevis.
How the structure actually protects your assets
Foreign judgments against the trust are not enforceable in Nevis, so a creditor must commence a fresh local action. Before proceeding against trust property, the creditor must provide an EC$270,000 bond through a Nevis financial institution. A fraudulent-transfer challenge requires proof beyond reasonable doubt of the settlor’s principal intent to defraud that creditor and the applicable insolvency condition, subject to the Ordinance’s one- and two-year rules. These protections do not validate criminal proceeds, concealment or an otherwise unlawful transfer.
Using a Nevis LLC and bank account
Many Nevis Trust structures own a Nevis LLC that holds approved bank, brokerage or investment assets. The settlor may act as LLC manager during ordinary circumstances while the trust remains the ownership layer and the trustee retains the authority required by the deed. The trust, LLC and accounts must be documented consistently, and banking, tax-residence, beneficial-ownership and financial-account reporting continue to apply. US persons may also have foreign-trust filings including Forms 3520 and 3520-A, so independent legal and tax advice should be taken before formation and funding.
(NEVIS TRUST QUESTIONS)
Your questions about Nevis Trusts, answered
A Nevis Trust is established under Nevis law, administered by a qualifying trustee and registered through a Nevis registered agent. The trustee holds transferred assets under the trust deed for the beneficiaries and permitted purposes.
Offshore Broker positions standalone formation from $10,000, with the scope and included costs confirmed before work begins. A Nevis LLC, banking, complex assets and external professional advice may add to the total cost.
Most formations are completed in around 3–8 weeks. The exact timing depends on trustee due diligence, drafting, how quickly the documents come together, the assets involved, and whether you also need banking or brokerage accounts.
Before bringing an action against trust property, a creditor must provide a bond of EC$270,000 through a Nevis financial institution, approximately US$100,000. The bond secures costs if the creditor does not succeed.
The deed can preserve defined reserved powers and may appoint a protector or investment adviser. Practical day-to-day involvement may continue through a trust-owned Nevis LLC, but the trustee must retain genuine independent authority.
No. The Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance provides that foreign judgments against the trust are not enforceable in Nevis. A claimant must commence fresh proceedings locally and satisfy Nevis law, procedure, evidence, bond and timing requirements.
The Total Protection Package combines a Nevis Trust, a registered Nevis LLC and coordinated bank-account support. It provides an outer protection layer together with a practical entity for holding and administering approved assets.
Yes — when it is established and used for lawful purposes. It does not remove any tax, disclosure, court or reporting obligations, and it must never be used to hide assets, evade tax or improperly defeat an existing creditor's claim.
That requires immediate case-specific legal advice because the statutory protections do not validate an improper transfer. Transfers made after a claim has arisen or become foreseeable may face fraudulent-transfer, insolvency or court challenges. The structure is generally stronger when established proactively.
US persons may have foreign-trust reporting obligations, including Forms 3520 and 3520-A, and separate foreign-account or foreign-asset reporting can also apply. Because of this, you should take independent US legal and tax advice before formation and funding.
(CONTACT US)
Speak to a specialist. Let’s build your structure.
Book a confidential, no-obligation consultation with a senior member of our team to discuss your objectives and the services we have available.
