Choosing a domicile for your fund
One of the first things a fund manager must understand are the structures available in a jurisdiction and the benefits and limitations of each. The domicile choice will have regulatory, tax-structuring and other consequences throughout the life of the fund. To help we’ve compiled a list of available fund structures and related considerations in our most popular destination countries.
Click on a country in the interactive map below to see the structures available and allow you to easily compare jurisdictions and structures by set-up time, regulations, taxes, asset class and more.
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Select a country below to learn more
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Luxembourg
The largest fund jurisdiction in Europe and second-largest in the world (after the US), Luxembourg has a longstanding reputation for political, economic, and social stability. Located in the heart of Europe, it is the headquarters of the EU’s legal and financial operations, with an internationally recognised tax and regulatory framework and easy access to other European financial centres.
Structure Time Line Cost Part II UCI ( Undertakings for Collective Investments)* 3 to 6 months Contact one of our experts SIF (Specialised Investment Fund* 3 to 6 months Contact one of our experts SICAR (Société d´investissement en capital à risque)* 3 to 6 months Contact one of our experts RAIF (Reserved Alternative Investment Fund)* 1 month Contact one of our experts Limited Partnerships (SCS, SCSp, SCA) 1 month Contact one of our experts -
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Cayman
Cayman is the world’s leading offshore mutual fund jurisdiction, specialising in banking, trustee services, company incorporation and limited partnerships. With no tax on income, profits or capital gains, easy set-up procedures, and a flexible regulatory environment, the country is a favourite offshore destination for wealth and hedge fund managers. As an overseas territory of Britain, Cayman’s court system is based on English common law and has enacted legislation to become fully compliant with the latest requirements of the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Structure Time Line Cost Mutual Funds (open ended) - Registered Mutual Fund (inc. Master Fund)
- Administered Mutual Fund
- Licenced Mutual Fund
- Limited Investor Fund
1-3 months Contact one of our experts Private Funds (Close ended) - Private Fund
1-3 months Contact one of our experts Non-Fund Arrangements
Typical Legal Structures available- Unit Trust
- Exempted Company
- Segregated Portfolio Company (umbrella)
- Limited Liability Company
- Exempted Limited Partnership
1-5 business days Contact one of our experts -
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United States
The world’s largest economy, the US offers exceptional political and financial stability. Set-up costs are relatively low, with many uncomplicated regulatory structures available. The country also hosts a majority of the world’s alternative investment managers. New York offers all the advantages of a world-class finance capital, and Delaware is noted for its business- and tax-friendly environment.
Structure Time Line Cost Limited Partnership 1-2 months Contact one of our experts Limited Liability Corporation (mainly used by General Partnerships) 1-2 months Contact one of our experts Non publicly traded Corporation (mainly used by Blockers) 1-2 months Contact one of our experts -
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Canada
One of the world’s top 10 trading nations, Canada has a large oil and gas sector and has become a magnet for technology companies. Toronto, an international centre of business and finance, hosts the world’s seventh-largest stock exchange. The country offers a stable government, a high standard of living, and a highly skilled workforce, as well as close proximity to the US.
Structure Time Line Cost Ontario Limited Partnerships 1-2 months Contact one of our experts -
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Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Its location provides a key link to both Western and Eastern markets, as well as mainland China. What makes it a growing popular fund domicile are: its close proximity to and relationship with China; the ability to hold funds in a range of currencies; and an attractive and simple tax system for foreign investors that has no capital gains, withholding or dividend taxes.
Structure Time Line Cost Open-ended Fund Company (OFC) <1 month Contact one of our experts Hong Kong Limited Partner Fund (HKLPF) <1 month Contact one of our experts -
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Singapore
Singapore is a leading financial services hub strategically located in the heart of South East Asia and has a robust asset management ecosystem in place. Singapore has signed over 90 double taxation agreements and has robust tax incentive schemes for funds and asset managers, all on the base of a flat corporate income tax rate of 17%. Singapore is a common law jurisdiction and offers a variety of fund structures for various purposes.
Structure Time Line Cost Variable Capital Company (VCC) <1 month TBC Limited Partnerships 1 - 2 days TBC Private Limited Company 1 - 2 days TBC -
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Netherlands
Netherlands is an ideal fund domicile due to its stable regulatory environment, strategic location, and robust infrastructure. The Netherlands offers a favorable tax regime, extensive network of tax treaties, and high-quality service providers, making it a prime location for private equity and fund management. Vistra's local expertise and comprehensive services, including fund administration, compliance, and corporate services, ensure efficient and effective fund operations. This makes the Netherlands a preferred choice for fund managers seeking a reliable and efficient domicile.
Structure Time Line1 Cost Besloten Vennootschap (BV) - Private Limited Liability Company 1 week Contact one of our experts Naamloze Vennootschap (NV) - Public Limited Liability Company 3-6 months Contact one of our experts Fonds voor Gemene Rekening (FGR) - Mutual Fund < 1 month Contact one of our experts Coöperatie (Cooperative) <1 month Contact one of our experts Commanditaire Vennootschap (CV) - Limited Partnership < 1 month Contact one of our experts SICAV - Société d'Investissement à Capital Variable 3-6 months Contact one of our experts Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Fiscale Beleggingsinstelling (FBI) 3-6 months Contact one of our experts 1 Timeline reflects time to incorporate a legal entity including drafting by-laws and registering legal entities but excludes time needed to open a bank account or to raise funds with investors
