General Information:
The Netherlands Antilles consist of five Islands between Venezuela and Cuba and form part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles have a population of about 200 000. The legal, administrative and political systems are based on the Dutch civil law system, with English common law having an influence on the offshore industry.

Currency:
The Netherlands Antilles Florin, fixed to the US dollar at a rate of 1.78 Florin per Dollar

Language:
The official language is Dutch, but English is widely used.

Characteristics of the Netherlands Antilles Exempt Company

Type of Company:
Private Limited Company (Besloten Vennootschap, BV) for which tax exempt status can be obtained.

Taxation:
Exempt if certain conditions are fulfilled and a request for exempt status is filed with the tax inspector.

Annual License Fee:
Based on the issued share capital of the company.

Directors:
Minimum of one (1) director is required. All directors must be residents of the Netherlands  Antilles in order to obtain and maintain the tax exempt status.

Shareholders:
Minimum one (1).

Registered Agent/Office:
A registered office must be maintained in the Netherlands Antilles.

Annual Reporting:
No annual tax return needs to be submitted. Audited financial statements are required in order to obtain and maintain the tax exempt status.

Confidentiality:
The details of the directors and shareholders appear on public record, but anonymity can be retained by the use of nominee shareholders. Corporate records are protected by the Netherlands Antilles confidentiality laws.

Double Tax Treaty Network:
The tax treaties concluded by the Netherlands Antilles do not apply to a company with exempt status.

Trading Restriction:
In order to obtain and maintain the tax exempt status the activities of the company must be limited to investments in debt instruments, securities and deposits.

Name:
All company names must end with BV (Besloten Vennootschap)

Disclosure of Beneficial Owner:
No

Tax on Offshore Profits:
Exempt if tax exempt status is obtained.

Bearer shares allowed:
Yes

Corporate Directors Permitted:
Yes

Company Secretary Required:
No

Standard Authorised Share Capital:
US $ 6,000

Local Registered Agent:
Yes

Local Directors:
Yes – minimum 1

Disclosure of Directors:
Yes

Disclosure of Shareholders:
No

Annual Return:
No

Submit Accounts:
No