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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about company formation, international banking, ready-made companies and our corporate services.

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Company Formation

Questions about incorporating companies across jurisdictions.

Ready Made Companies

Purchasing existing shelf, aged, VAT and dormant companies.

Banking

Introductions to international business banking.

Registered Office

Registered address and mail-forwarding services.

Company Secretarial & Compliance

Annual filings, statutory registers and secretarial support.

Corporate Governance

Director responsibilities and international structuring.

Fees & Pricing

Costs, renewal fees and accepted payment methods.

General

Everything else about working with Coutts Consultants.

Answers

Questions & Answers

Company Formation 6 questions
Timeframes vary by jurisdiction. A UK company can often be incorporated within one business day, while other jurisdictions may take longer depending on local registry and due-diligence requirements. We confirm the expected timeframe for your chosen jurisdiction before you proceed.
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The most suitable jurisdiction depends on your commercial objectives, tax position, regulatory obligations and where you intend to operate. Our advisers will talk through the options and help you compare them — there is no single right answer for every business.
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In most of the jurisdictions we cover, companies can be owned by non-residents, subject to standard due diligence and the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
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Nominee director and shareholder arrangements are available in certain jurisdictions where permitted by law, and are always subject to full due diligence, disclosure of beneficial ownership and the applicable legal requirements. We will explain what is and is not permitted for your chosen jurisdiction.
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This depends on the jurisdiction. Some require a locally resident director or company secretary, while others do not. We set out the specific requirements for each jurisdiction before incorporation.
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A company is registered in a specific jurisdiction, and moving it elsewhere is only possible where that jurisdiction and the destination both permit redomiciliation. Where that is not available, an alternative is to form a new entity. We can advise on the options.
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Ready Made Companies 5 questions
A ready-made company is a company that has already been incorporated and has not traded, kept available for transfer to a new owner. This includes shelf, aged, VAT registered and dormant companies.
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A ready-made company can provide a faster route to an incorporated business and an established incorporation date, which some businesses prefer for commercial reasons.
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Yes. The company name can usually be changed after transfer by filing with the relevant company registry.
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Yes. Directors and shareholders are updated as part of the transfer to reflect the new ownership.
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Transfer can often be completed quickly once due diligence and documentation are in place, though timeframes depend on the company and jurisdiction. You can browse available companies in our Ready Made Companies marketplace.
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Banking 5 questions
Yes. We can introduce you to banking options through our network. Account opening is arranged with the bank or provider, and is always subject to their own onboarding and due-diligence process.
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No. We cannot and do not guarantee that a bank will approve an account. Approval is entirely at the discretion of the bank or financial institution, based on its own criteria and due diligence.
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There is no single best jurisdiction — the right option depends on your business activity, residency, currency needs and the markets you serve. We help you weigh the options for your circumstances.
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Some banks and payment providers offer remote onboarding, while others require an in-person meeting. Availability varies by institution and is confirmed as part of the introduction.
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Requirements vary by institution but typically include proof of identity and address for directors and beneficial owners, company documents, and information about the intended business activity. We provide a checklist for each introduction.
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Registered Office 3 questions
Most jurisdictions require a company to maintain a registered office address for official correspondence and statutory notices. It must generally be a physical address in the jurisdiction of incorporation.
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Yes. Our registered office service includes handling and forwarding of official mail, so you receive correspondence promptly wherever you are based.
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A registered office is specific to the jurisdiction of incorporation. We provide registered office addresses in the jurisdictions we serve, so international clients can meet local requirements.
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Company Secretarial & Compliance 3 questions
Yes. We can prepare and file annual returns and other statutory filings on your behalf to help keep the company in good standing.
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Yes, where the jurisdiction permits. We can provide company secretarial services and act as your point of contact for ongoing compliance.
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Yes. We can maintain the company's statutory registers and records in accordance with the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
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Corporate Governance 3 questions
Directors generally must act in the best interests of the company, keep proper records, file returns on time and comply with applicable law. Specific duties vary by jurisdiction; this is general information, not legal advice.
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We provide practical guidance on structuring companies across jurisdictions. For complex tax or legal matters, we work alongside independent legal and tax advisers to ensure you receive appropriate specialist advice.
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Yes. We help entrepreneurs and businesses establish and maintain compliant corporate structures across multiple jurisdictions as they grow internationally.
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Fees & Pricing 3 questions
Costs depend on the jurisdiction and the services required, so we provide a clear, itemised quote on enquiry rather than a single headline figure. There are no hidden charges.
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Most jurisdictions have annual maintenance or renewal obligations, such as registered office, filing and secretarial fees. We set these out upfront so you can plan ahead.
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We typically accept payment by card and bank transfer. Available methods are confirmed at the point of engagement.
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General 4 questions
Coutts Consultants Ltd is a UK-based provider of international corporate services, assisting clients with company formation, banking introductions and ongoing corporate support across multiple jurisdictions.
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We work with entrepreneurs, investors, corporate groups and international businesses seeking established corporate solutions and cross-border support.
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The simplest way to begin is to speak with an adviser about your requirements. We will recommend the most appropriate solution and guide you through the next steps.
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Yes. We handle client information in accordance with our data-protection and confidentiality obligations. Due-diligence information is collected and held for regulatory purposes.
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1 How long does company formation take?formation
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4 How much does company formation cost?fees
5 Can non-residents own companies?formation
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10 Can you provide nominee directors?formation
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Coutts Consultants Ltd and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Material on this page has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.