A Nevis trust is definitely one of the best offshore options if you want to protect your assets or streamline your estate planning. If you are seriously considering the structure, you need to know how much it really costs to set up a Nevis trust. In this article, we will break down all the costs and what value you can expect to get in return.
What Is a Nevis Trust?
Before we look at the figures, it is important to understand what a Nevis trust is and why it has become a tool that global investors and high-net-worth individuals highly appreciate.
Legal Definition and Purpose
A Nevis trust is a legal structure that you set up under Nevis law. It helps you protect your assets, plan your estate, and ensure financial stability in the long term. If you use this structure, you can transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee. The latter will manage them according to your wishes, which you set out in a special document called the trust deed. High-net-worth individuals, investors, and business owners worldwide resort to trusts to protect wealth from creditors and legal claims and maintain privacy at the same time.
Key Features of a Nevis Trust
The trust is structured based on strong legal principles. Nevis trusts are protected by the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance of 1994, offering one of the strongest asset protection frameworks worldwide. They allow for:
- Unlimited duration
- High confidentiality (no public records)
- Asset protection from foreign court judgments
- Tax-neutral status
- Customizable trust structure (revocable or irrevocable, with protectors or corporate trustees)
You remain in control during setup while we handle every detail, from documentation to trustee appointments.
Why Set Up a Nevis Trust?
Now that we’ve laid out the foundation, let’s look at the practical advantages. Why do individuals and business owners choose this specific jurisdiction for their offshore trust?
Asset Protection from Creditors
The number one reason clients choose a Nevis trust is to protect their assets. Nevis offshore trusts are designed to repel foreign court judgments and shield your wealth from lawsuits and aggressive creditors. Claimants must pay around $100,000 before filing any action in Nevis, and they must meet a high burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt). Setting up a trust in Nevis is an enhanced asset protection strategy that is definitely worth considering.
Tax Efficiency Benefits
Of course, protection isn’t the only priority. For many, reducing tax exposure is just as important.
Nevis is a tax-neutral jurisdiction. That means your Nevis trust will not incur income, capital gains, or inheritance tax locally. This makes it easier for you to grow and distribute assets without fear of double taxation. Nevis offshore trusts are ideal if you’re looking to keep your global tax liability low.
Estate Planning & Inheritance
Asset protection and tax benefits go hand in hand with another core function: estate planning.
If you’re focused on estate planning, a Nevis trust gives you the tools to transfer assets to your heirs without going through probate. You decide how and when the beneficiaries receive distributions. Whether you’re preparing for succession or protecting family wealth, we make the process seamless.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Last but not least, let’s talk about discretion.
Nevis law guarantees confidentiality. Your trust deed is not part of any public registry. All parties—settlor, trustee, protector, and beneficiaries—remain confidential unless a Nevis court demands disclosure.
Nevis hasn’t faced any data breaches in recent years, even during global leaks that affected other offshore jurisdictions. This makes Nevis trusts a top choice if privacy is a priority.
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Full Cost Breakdown of a Nevis Trust
Let’s now shift to the financial side of things—what you actually pay and what you get in return.
What is important to understand is that, if you choose to set up a trust in Nevis with us, the prices may vary from those featured here; these are approximate figures. There are factors based on your specific circumstances that may not be accounted for in this article. However, we will explain the costs you should expect as an individual before proceeding, so there are no hidden surprises. What’s more beneficial is that because we have an all-in-one cost, multiple individual costs you would incur if you set up a trust alone are included.
Initial Setup, Trustee and Management Fees
The base cost of setting up a Nevis trust is $9750 (USD, $ going forward).
Once your trust is up and running, it needs to be professionally managed.
Trustee fees are essential to the trust’s ongoing operations. The fees are approximately, $5,000. These fees cover fiduciary duties, document handling, and communication with beneficiaries. Premium services (like nominee protectors or complex investment reviews) may increase the fee.
Government and Compliance Fees
Maintaining compliance is mandatory, and these are the approximate expenses you should anticipate annually:
- Annual register renewal: $540
- Legal address renewal: $700
- Due diligence: $200
Optional Services and Add-ons
Depending on your setup, you may choose to add on the following (prices are approximate):
- Notarization: $50–$200
- Apostille: $75–$250
- Power of attorney: $100–$799
- Nominee director/shareholder (per role): $1,399 annually
- Professional protector: $3,000 (setup) + $1,125/year
Total Annual and One-Time Costs
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs that you’ll likely spend upfront and each year:
| Cost Item | One-Time ($) | Annual ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Trust setup (base) | 7,000 | – |
| Due diligence | 200 | 200 |
| Legal opinion | 1,000 | – |
| Register filing | 540 | 540 |
| Legal address | 700 | 700 |
| Bank fee | 180 | 180 |
| Accounting (10 txns) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Trustee fee | – | 5,000 |
| TOTAL | 10,620 | 7,620 |
What Factors Influence the Cost?
You may be wondering—why do these costs vary so much? It turns out that several key factors play into the final bill for your Nevis trust.
Jurisdictional Rules
Different jurisdictions have different regulations, so choosing the right one is essential. Nevis law is more protective and cost-effective than most, but it still requires full compliance. If your trust requires international recognition, we ensure it complies with relevant laws globally.
Type and Number of Assets
A trust holding only cash will cost less to manage than one holding multiple types of assets like bank accounts, IP, real estate, and shares. Each asset class can add legal and administrative complexity.
Choice of Trustee and Law Firm
Premium trustees charge more. Choosing a licensed Nevis IBC or law firm impacts trustee fees. We can serve as your administrative trustee, keeping costs predictable.
Level of Customization
If your trust structure includes multiple protectors, tiers of beneficiaries, or specific payout conditions, the setup and management will cost more. But we tailor everything to your goals.
Nevis Trust Structure Overview
Let’s take a moment to understand the people and elements that make up the foundation of your trust.
Settlor, Trustee, and Protector Roles
A Nevis trust includes:
- Settlor: the one who creates and funds the trust
- Trustee: holds the legal title to the assets and manages them
- Protector: oversees the trustee and has powers like removing the trustee
- Beneficiaries: individuals or entities benefiting from the trust
Each role is defined in the trust agreement. The trustee acts in the best interest of beneficiaries and must follow the law strictly.
Irrevocable vs Revocable Trusts
Nevis trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. Irrevocable trusts offer more asset protection, while revocable ones provide more flexibility. We help you pick the right one based on your goals.
Asset Types Typically Included
You can protect assets such as:
- Foreign real estate
- Shares in companies
- Cash and securities
- Intellectual property
- Offshore bank accounts
We assist you in valuing and transferring these assets securely.
How to Set Up a Nevis Trust in 3 Steps
Feeling ready to act? Here’s what the process actually looks like from start to finish.
Step 1 – Select a Qualified Provider
We start by understanding your goals—asset protection, estate planning, or tax neutrality. Then we propose the right structure, choose a trustee, and verify documents.
Step 2 – Drafting the Trust Deed
The trust deed outlines your intentions. We write, review, and finalize this document with the highest legal precision. All clauses are tailored to your asset strategy.
Step 3 – Funding and Registration
Once the deed is signed, assets are transferred. We handle bank account setup, document submission, and ensure the trust is fully registered under Nevis law.
Is a Nevis Trust Worth the Cost?
Let’s weigh the benefits against the price tag. Does a Nevis trust truly deliver more than you pay for?
ROI: Comparing Benefits vs Expenses
At ~$12,500 setup and ~$7,620 per year, the Nevis trust cost is far outweighed by the legal protections, tax neutrality, and peace of mind you receive. It’s an ideal tool if you want to protect your assets in a low-risk legal environment.
Case Examples & Use Scenarios
- A U.S.-based tech entrepreneur with multiple intellectual property holdings uses a Nevis trust paired with a Nevis LLC to protect company profits from litigation and to securely license patents worldwide.
- A retired investor residing in Europe transfers a portfolio of global real estate and offshore bank accounts into a Nevis trust to simplify inheritance and legally avoid foreign probate complications.
- A multigenerational family from Latin America establishes a Nevis trust to pass down a diversified asset base (including equity stakes, antique collections, and international bonds), ensuring seamless estate planning for their grandchildren and beyond.
Take a look at the comparison of trusts in Nevis and the Cook Islands to make a choice.
When It’s Not the Best Option
If your estate is small or your assets are entirely local, a Nevis trust may be more than you need. Domestic trusts or wills might suit simpler estates better. If you’re unsure, we offer a complimentary consultation!
Final Thoughts: Is a Nevis Trust Right for You?
If you want to protect your assets from legal risk, avoid probate, and keep wealth private, a Nevis trust is one of the most powerful tools available. The structure, the legal protections, and the tax-neutral benefits all combine to give you security for decades to come.
While the cost of setting a trust is real, the long-term value is far greater. Our team can help you build a Nevis offshore trust that matches your goals, combining simplicity, safety, and full legal compliance.
Ready to move forward? We’re here to manage the entire process for you. From trustee selection to legal compliance — we do it all.
01 July 2025 