About Nevis
Nevis is part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean. Its International Exempt Trust Ordinance and its LLC Ordinance were designed to attract international trust and company business, and both include strong protections against foreign creditors.
Key protections of a Nevis trust
- A creditor bond. Before suing a Nevis trust, a creditor must post a bond with the government, currently EC$270,000 (about US$100,000), to cover potential costs. That alone deters many claims.
- A two-year limitation period on challenges to transfers into the trust.
- A high burden of proof and no enforcement of foreign judgments. The creditor must start over in Nevis.
The Nevis LLC
Many practitioners consider Nevis's LLC statute even more important than its trust law. A Nevis LLC owned by a foreign trust gives the trustee an offshore vehicle that can hold accounts and investments outside the reach of U.S. court orders. It's a common second layer beneath a Cook Islands or Nevis trust.
Choosing a jurisdiction
| Cook Islands | Nevis | |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | International Trusts Act 1984 | International Exempt Trust Ordinance |
| U.S. court history | Most extensive | Less extensive |
| Creditor bond to sue | No fixed statutory bond | About US$100,000 |
| Limitation window | 1–2 years | 2 years |
| Common role | The trust | The trust or, often, the LLC |
The right answer depends on your assets, risk profile, budget, and trustee options. We review each with you before recommending a structure. Learn about Cook Islands trusts →