Offshore Companies Incorporation in Lebanon.
A flexible, tax-efficient vehicle for international business, with full banking access and no restriction on foreign ownership.
The Lebanese offshore company is a preferred vehicle for entrepreneurs and groups whose business is carried out outside Lebanon or within Lebanese free zones. It combines negligible taxation, wide latitude of activity, and access to Lebanon's private and commercial banking services.
Key features
- ◆Can be incorporated with a single partner
- ◆Fully owned by foreigners is permitted
- ◆Annual lump-sum tax of only USD 600, irrespective of turnover or profits
- ◆Exempt from income tax on profits realized abroad
- ◆Access to the Lebanese banking sector for corporate and treasury needs
- ◆Eligible, under conditions, to benefit from Lebanon's non-double-taxation treaties
Permitted activities
A Lebanese offshore company may in particular:
- ◆Negotiate and conclude contracts relating to operations executed outside Lebanon or in free zones
- ◆Manage companies and businesses located abroad
- ◆Carry out international trading and re-exportation from bonded warehouses and free zones
- ◆Act as an intermediary or commercial agent for foreign principals dealing with foreign markets
- ◆Hold shares, bonds and other securities in non-resident companies and open credit lines to finance them
- ◆Own and manage real estate located outside Lebanon (subject to local law of the country of situs)
- ◆Own or lease real estate in Lebanon strictly for its own office and operational needs
- ◆Provide consulting and advisory services to non-residents
Formation and governance
The offshore company is a joint-stock company by legal form. Its capital, board composition and reporting obligations follow simplified rules compared to onshore SAL companies. Our firm handles the entire incorporation, from drafting the articles of association and by-laws to registration with the Commercial Registry, tax authorities and NSSF, and to opening the corporate bank account.
Ongoing legal and tax support
Beyond incorporation, we assist offshore companies with annual filings, statutory audits, share transfers, board and shareholder resolutions, contract drafting, dispute resolution and, where necessary, coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors.