Foundation Creation Services
Establish a private foundation in favorable jurisdictions for wealth preservation, philanthropy, and effective succession planning.
Private Foundations for Wealth Preservation & Legacy Planning
A private foundation offers a sophisticated alternative to trusts for asset protection, wealth preservation, and philanthropic goals. Unlike trusts, foundations are autonomous legal entities with their own legal personality, combining the benefits of both companies and trusts in a single structure.
At City Traders, we specialize in creating and establishing private foundations in various jurisdictions including Liechtenstein, Panama, and other favorable locations. Our comprehensive foundation creation services ensure that your foundation is properly structured to achieve your specific objectives while adhering to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Why Establish a Foundation?
- Superior Asset Protection
Foundations typically offer enhanced protection from creditors and legal claims compared to other structures.
- Legal Autonomy
Unlike trusts, foundations have their own legal personality, allowing for more direct control over assets and activities.
- Perpetual Existence
Foundations can be established to exist in perpetuity, ensuring long-term wealth preservation and legacy planning.
Our Foundation Creation Services
Comprehensive foundation establishment services designed to create a robust legal structure that achieves your objectives.
Jurisdiction Selection
Expert guidance on selecting the optimal jurisdiction for your foundation based on your objectives, asset types, tax considerations, and privacy requirements.
- Jurisdictional analysis
- Regulatory assessment
- Privacy evaluation
Foundation Charter & Bylaws
Development of custom foundation documents including the charter (foundation deed) and bylaws that establish the foundation's purpose, structure, governance, and operational rules.
- Custom document drafting
- Governance provisions
- Purpose definition
Foundation Council Setup
Establishment of the foundation council with appropriate members who will govern the foundation and ensure its operation according to its charter and regulations.
- Council structure design
- Member appointment
- Operational guidelines
Beneficiary Provisions
Careful structuring of beneficiary designations, rights, and distribution rules to ensure the foundation fulfills your wishes regarding who benefits from the foundation's assets.
- Beneficiary designation
- Distribution rules
- Rights specification
Asset Transfer Planning
Strategic planning for transferring assets to the foundation in a manner that maximizes protection and minimizes tax implications while ensuring proper ownership transition.
- Transfer strategy
- Documentation preparation
- Compliance coordination
Registration & Compliance
Complete handling of the foundation registration process with relevant authorities, including preparation of all required documentation and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Registration filing
- Regulatory compliance
- Initial reporting setup
Premier Foundation Jurisdictions
We specialize in establishing foundations in jurisdictions known for their robust legal frameworks, asset protection capabilities, and favorable regulatory environments.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's private foundation (Stiftung) offers exceptional privacy, asset protection, and long-term wealth preservation with a sophisticated legal framework based on civil law.
- Strong privacy protections
- Established legal framework
- Political and economic stability
Panama
Panama's private foundation offers a flexible structure with strong asset protection features, recognition of foreign law, and favorable tax treatment for international assets.
- No taxation on foreign-source income
- Strong confidentiality provisions
- Flexible operational framework
Malta
Malta offers private foundations with EU membership benefits, strong legal protections, and attractive tax benefits, combining civil law foundation features with common law influence.
- EU member state advantages
- Extensive double tax treaty network
- Robust regulatory framework
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about foundation creation and advantages
What is the difference between a foundation and a trust?
Unlike a trust, a foundation is a legal entity with its own legal personality. It owns assets in its own name rather than through trustees, and is governed by a foundation council rather than trustees. Foundations are established by registering with authorities, whereas trusts are typically created by private agreement. Foundations often provide stronger asset protection and can offer more control to the founder.
How long does it take to establish a foundation?
The timeframe varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from 2-6 weeks. The process includes drafting foundation documents, appointing council members, preparing registration applications, and completing the formal registration process. More complex structures or those with extensive assets may require additional time for proper planning and implementation.
What types of assets can be held by a foundation?
Foundations can hold virtually any type of asset, including cash, securities, real estate, intellectual property rights, art collections, business interests, and investment holdings. The foundation can also own subsidiary companies or other legal entities, making it highly versatile for complex asset structures and international investments.
How much control can I retain over a foundation?
As the founder, you can retain significant influence through carefully structured foundation documents. Options include serving on the foundation council, creating a separate protector or advisor role with specific powers, establishing detailed regulations for operation, or providing a letter of wishes to guide the council. The degree of control must be balanced with the foundation's independence to maintain its legal benefits.
Begin Your Foundation Planning Today
Whether for wealth preservation, succession planning, or philanthropic objectives, a properly structured foundation offers significant advantages. Contact our team to discuss how a custom-designed foundation can support your long-term goals.