Offshore Trust Setup for Australian Business Owners
Consider offshore trusts as an advanced layer of wealth protection and succession planning – when the timing and circumstances genuinely justify them.
- Find out if you’re at the point where an offshore trust is appropriate
- See what a layered protection plan (onshore + offshore) could look like
- Understand what should be planned now, what may need to happen later and whether an offshore trust is appropriate at all
As Seen on
Introducing The Wealth Safe System
Why some Australians use offshore trusts
Once you’ve built up real wealth, your problems change. You’re no longer worried about “getting ahead”; you’re worried about keeping what you have – and what happens to it if things go wrong.
Offshore trusts are one of the tools used at the outer ring of a protection and succession plan. For the right people, they:
- Consider whether selected wealth should be held through additional structural or jurisdictional layers;
- Separate different risk, ownership and succession considerations within a broader plan; and
- Support structured long-term governance and succession planning across jurisdictions and generations.
They are not for everyone, and they are not a magic solution. Used at the appropriate time and for clearly defined purposes, they may form an advanced layer within a broader wealth protection and succession plan.
This work is prospective and lawful. It is not designed to conceal assets, defeat existing or reasonably foreseeable creditors, or avoid legitimate legal obligations.
Who this service is for (and who it isn’t)
Best suited for:
- Australian business owners and investors with significant assets, complex risk profiles or longer-term international and succession planning objectives;
- People who already have, or are developing, basic structuring and want to understand whether an offshore trust may have a role now or in a future international position;
- Owners considering how part of their wealth may be governed, held or passed on across jurisdictions and generations.
Not a fit if:
- You’re still in the early accumulation phase with a relatively modest balance sheet;
- You mainly want to hide money or dodge legitimate obligations rather than protect what’s legitimately yours;
- You’re looking for a quick, cheap trust in a famous jurisdiction with no broader strategy.
If you are considering how your existing wealth, future wealth and succession objectives should fit together, this service can help you assess whether an offshore trust belongs in that position.
What an offshore trust actually is
An outer shell around part of your wealth
In simple terms, an offshore trust is a legal structure set up in another country that owns certain assets instead of you personally. It typically has:
- A trustee – often a professional firm based in that jurisdiction
- A trust deed – the rules for how the trust operates
- One or more beneficiaries – usually you, your family, and/or entities you control
You generally do not use an offshore trust to run day-to-day business. Its role is to hold or govern selected interests within a broader structure, with the appropriate legal, tax, trustee and governance arrangements considered in advance.
How offshore trusts work with your existing structure
An offshore trust does not automatically replace or sit above your Australian companies and trusts. Its role, ownership, administration and relationship with other structures must be designed around your circumstances.
Depending on the agreed strategy, an offshore trust may:
- Hold selected assets or interests where that is appropriate;
- Interact with Australian or international companies, trusts or other structures where relevant advisers determine that this is suitable; and
- Include governance, trustee and decision-making arrangements aligned with the intended position and followed in practice.
We help coordinate advice on the trust’s intended role, potential assets, beneficiaries, governance and relationship with your broader Australian and international position.
We help coordinate advice on the trust’s intended role, potential assets, beneficiaries, governance and relationship with your broader Australian and international position.
When offshore trusts are usually considered
Offshore trusts tend to be considered when:
- You have substantial wealth and a higher-risk profile (e.g. complex businesses, guarantees, exposure to litigation or regulators);
- Your family and assets are spread across countries – children studying or living overseas, multiple passports, foreign property or investments;
- You’re already partway through a move offshore and want a more resilient long-term structure for wealth and estate planning; or
- You want to develop a structured long-term plan for how certain assets may be held, governed and passed on across changing family, business and international circumstances.
They are not usually the first move. Often, the future role of the trust is considered well before establishment, with implementation timed to the client’s circumstances and broader plan.
Benefits and risks for Australian business owners
Potential benefits
Different Risk And Governance Layers
An offshore trust may create additional structural and jurisdictional layers around selected interests, depending on the trust terms, trustee arrangements, timing and surrounding position.
Structured Succession And Legacy Planning
A properly designed trust may support long-term governance and succession planning, subject to the trust deed, trustee powers, governing law, family circumstances and other relevant rules.
Jurisdictional diversification
Part of your wealth is governed by a different legal system, which can be valuable in certain long-term or high-risk scenarios.
Key Risks
Complexity and cost
Offshore trusts are not simple or cheap. Using them too early, or for the wrong assets, is a waste.
Wrong jurisdiction or trustee
Picking a jurisdiction or trustee based on marketing rather than fit can create ongoing friction and risk.
Buying the tool before the plan
A trust with no clear role in your bigger picture is a structure you’ll pay to fix or unwind later.
We only recommend considering offshore trusts where they have a clearly defined role and the additional complexity is justified by the client’s circumstances, objectives and timing.
How the offshore trust setup process works
Clarify whether a trust belongs in your plan
On your free suitability call we get a top-line view of your assets, risks, family situation, current structures, international plans and timing to assess whether an offshore trust may be relevant now, later or not at all.
Design the role of the trust in your structure
Through strategic advice, we consider the trust’s potential role, assets, beneficiaries, governance, trustee arrangements and relationship with your Australian and international structures.
Set up the trust with the right partners
If implementation is appropriate, we coordinate with suitable overseas trustees, legal advisers and other specialists to establish the agreed trust arrangements and any related entities or accounts.
Integrate the trust into your tax, estate and offshore plans
We coordinate the trust’s intended role with your broader tax, residency, estate and international planning, subject to advice from the relevant specialists.
Suitability Assessment (15 Min)
Stage 1
Suitability Assessment (Free – 15 Minutes)
Note: We will not provide advice on this call.
Offshore trusts are advanced tools. This short call exists to understand whether one may be relevant to your current or future position, and whether you’re a fit for our broader strategic work.
What Happens
We review your income, asset base, current structures, risks and family goals to see whether an offshore trust is something to consider now, later, or not at all.
No advice is given at this stage. You simply receive a clear, top-line sense of whether this is the right conversation for you.
What You Gain:
- Clarity on whether an offshore trust is relevant now, later or not at all;
- Confidence that you won’t rush into something too early; and
- A sensible next step, either way.
“From our first Zoom to every follow-up, Virna and the team have been prompt, clear, and professional. We’re excited to have them guiding our financial future.”
Trevor Johns
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Strategy Advice: Offshore & International Positioning Strategy
Your Strategic Blueprint considers whether an offshore trust belongs in your current or future international position, what role it may perform and when implementation may be appropriate.
What Happens
We review your balance sheet, risk profile, family and succession objectives, current structures, international plans and timing. We then consider whether an offshore trust belongs in the broader position, what role it may perform and whether simpler tools are more appropriate at this stage.
Why It Matters
Offshore trusts should never be bought off a brochure. The Blueprint lets you see, on one page, how a trust would (or would not) fit into your life and business before you commit.
Inside Your Strategy Report:
- Recommendation on whether an offshore trust belongs in your current or future position;
- Considerations around its potential role, assets, beneficiaries and governance; and
- How it may interact with your companies, existing trusts and broader international plans.
Stage 2
Strategic Blueprint
“Virna quickly set up tax minimisation strategies with clear guidance throughout. I look forward to leveraging her support over the next year.”
Ben Smith
Full Setup & Implementation
Our team can coordinate offshore trust implementation as part of your broader asset protection and international structuring work, or work seamlessly with your existing advisers and appropriate specialists.
What Happens
Once the Strategic Blueprint is agreed and trust implementation is confirmed as the appropriate next step, we:
- Coordinate with chosen overseas trustees and legal teams to draft and settle the trust deed;
- Set up any required holding companies and accounts the trust will use; and
- Coordinate any necessary adjustments to existing structures with the relevant tax, legal and other specialist advisers.
Why It Matters
Trust implementation should follow the strategy and involve the appropriate specialists. Our role is to coordinate the agreed arrangements so the trust is properly integrated into the broader plan.
Your Options:
- We implement directly under our supervision;
- We coordinate with your existing accountant and lawyer;
- We provide oversight while your internal team executes against our plan.
Stage 3
Full Implementation
“Virna and the team made complex processes simple and saved us significantly in taxes. Their attention to detail and positivity make them worth every cent.”
Haley
Compliance Certificate: Trust And Structure Documentation
Once implementation is complete, we can provide a Compliance Certificate or structure summary as part of the agreed engagement, documenting the trust’s role and relationship with the relevant structures.
What Happens
We document the trust’s intended role, relevant assets or interests, governance arrangements and relationship with other structures.
Why It Matters
If something happens to you, or you change advisers, you don’t want the trust to be a mystery. A clean summary makes it easier for the right people to follow the plan you’ve put in place.
What You Receive:
- Compliance Certificate or structure summary covering the agreed scope;
- A reference for you, your family and your advisers; and
- Documentation of the trust’s intended role and relationship with the broader position.
Stage 4
Compliance Certificate
“The WealthSafe team listened closely, gave tailored advice, and delivered thorough results. I searched a long time for this level of professionalism—highly recommended.”
Jeromie
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
We can support periodic review of your trust and related structures as your circumstances, plans and relevant rules evolve, in accordance with the scope of the ongoing engagement.
What Happens
As your assets, family circumstances, residency position or international plans change, we can review whether the trust continues to perform the role it was intended to perform and whether further advice should be considered.
Why It Matters
A trust that suited one stage of your plans may need to be reconsidered as your circumstances change. Periodic review helps keep the position understood and aligned with your broader objectives.
How We Support You:
- Review of relevant changes affecting the agreed position;
- Guidance when your circumstances or objectives change; and
- Clear next steps where further advice or adjustment is appropriate.
Stage 5
Concierge Monitoring & Protection
“Virna and the WealthSafe team have been instrumental in helping us set and achieve our financial goals. We’re thrilled to have their support for the next year.”
James Oversy
Why work with Wealth Safe instead of generic offshore trust promoters?
Most “offshore trust” marketing is one-size-fits-all: pick a trendy jurisdiction, buy a package, and hope it works. That might sell trusts, but it doesn’t build good plans.
With Wealth Safe you get:
- Strategy before structures
We start with what you’re protecting, from what, and over what horizon – then decide whether a trust belongs at all. - Trusts as part of a ladder, not a standalone trick
Offshore trusts sit on top of solid onshore and offshore company structuring, not instead of it. - Integration with your existing world
We work with (or help you upgrade) your current advisers so everyone understands the trust and how it fits your tax, estate and business plans. - Ongoing support, not one-off paperwork
As your life and the world change, we help you keep your structure – including any trust – working for you.
If you only want to buy a “famous offshore trust” and hope for the best, we’re not the right fit. If you want to assess whether an offshore trust is warranted and coordinate its role within a broader international position, that’s what we do.
Introducing The Wealth Safe System
How The Wealth Safe System Fits Together
Moving yourself and your wealth out of the Australian tax net is not one decision. It is a chain of moves that all have tax, legal and lifestyle consequences.
The Wealth Safe system is built to cover that whole journey end to end: from deciding if you should leave, to choosing where to live, designing your offshore structures, managing departure tax and keeping everything compliant as rules change. Every major milestone in your offshore journey is handled inside one integrated plan, so nothing critical slips through the cracks.
Exit Australian Tax Residency
Stop being taxed as an Australian resident with a clear, compliant exit that won’t invite avoidable ATO attention later.
Departure Tax & CGT Planning
Understand the tax impact of leaving – what you’ll owe, on which assets, and how to lawfully minimise that exposure before and after you move.
International Company & Offshore Structure Design
Put the right entities in the right places so more of your profits stay offshore – and your structure still holds up under Australian rules.
Strategic Residency Planning
Choose a residency path that supports your business, family and wealth plan, while keeping your position clear under Australian tax law.
Personal Residency Jurisdictions
Compare realistic residency options so you can choose a country that fits your lifestyle and long-term tax objectives, not just the headlines.
Offshore Compliance Review & Monitoring
Have your current setup checked – and kept up to date – so you’re not caught out by law changes or assumptions that no longer hold.
Customer Success
Hear Successful Australians Explain The Wealth Safe Difference
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Small Business Owner
Client Testimonial
"Access This Hidden Gem While You Still Can!"
Business Owner
"I Couldn't Be Happier With Their Amazing Service..."
Investor
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Competitor Comparison
Wealth Safe vs Others
Wealth Safe’s role extends beyond establishing a trust. We assess whether an offshore trust is warranted, consider how it fits within the client’s broader position and coordinate implementation with the appropriate trustees, advisers and specialists.
Features
Standard Accountants
Generic Offshore Trust Promoters
Strategy Before Trust Establishment
Offshore Trust Role And Purpose Assessed
Timing And Sequencing Considered
Governance, Trustee And Beneficiary Arrangements Considered
Broader Australian And International Position Considered
Comparison With Simpler Alternatives
Coordination With Existing Advisers And Specialists
Implementation Sequencing Considered
Ongoing Strategic Support Available
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About Us
About WealthSafe
WealthSafe exists to give successful Australians access to the same elite tax and asset protection strategies used by the rich and famous. These individuals pay top-dollar for advisors with deep insider knowledge, and until now, that level of advice has been out of reach for most.
We’re changing that.
Our team includes experts with rare insight into how tax, legal, and political systems actually operate, not just what’s written in theory. We turn that insider intelligence into practical, personalised strategies that reduce tax, protect assets, and keep you 100% compliant.
We’re not here to replace your accountant; we work with them. Our role is to lead the strategy, bring in best-in-class experts across every domain, and ensure that every piece fits together without contradiction or confusion.
Most importantly, we take responsibility for ensuring you and your team fully understand how to operate and maintain your structure today, and as the law or your financial situation evolves.
We’re here so you can move forward with confidence, and build a legacy that lasts.
5 Star Customer Reviews
We’ve Helped thousands of Wealthy Australians
Legally Protect Millions in Assets
Hear about the positive experiences of real clients.
“They set up trusts to protect our wealth and minimize tax liabilities. The process was seamless, and I highly recommend WealthSafe for discerning business owners.”
Joe Catalano
“WealthSafe provided an in-depth strategy refined perfectly to our needs. Every question was answered promptly and thoroughly. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
Liberty and York
“WealthSafe always asks ‘how can we make this work?’ rather than ‘it can’t be done.’ Their resourcefulness and efficiency have exceeded our expectations.”
Liberty and York
“Virna and the team explained offshore structures clearly, guiding me step by step. The process has been smooth, and I look forward to working with them long-term.”
M
“Virna and the team deliver professional, efficient work with systems that run smoothly. Their client education is a huge bonus, and I highly recommend them.”
OCE Comms
“The team set up the perfect trust for my forex trading needs. Virna was professional, responsive, and exceeded expectations from start to finish.”
Neil Roberts
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FAQs
Offshore trust setup for Australian business owners
Is using an offshore trust legal for Australians?
It can be, where the structure is lawfully established, commercially and strategically appropriate, properly documented and operated consistently with its legal arrangements. It is not intended to conceal assets, defeat existing or reasonably foreseeable creditors or avoid legitimate obligations.
How is an offshore trust different from an Australian family trust?
In simple terms, an offshore trust is generally established and administered under the laws and trustee arrangements of another jurisdiction, while an Australian trust is generally established and administered within an Australian legal and administrative framework. The relevant distinction is not simply where the assets are located. Trustee arrangements, governing law, administration, intended role, tax treatment and succession objectives all need to be considered. Either type of trust may hold domestic or foreign assets depending on the circumstances.
Do I have to report an offshore trust in Australia?
If you are an Australian resident and have interests in or distributions from an offshore trust, there are specific tax and reporting rules that can apply. We design your plan with this in mind and coordinate with your tax adviser so you’re not left guessing what needs to be disclosed.
Is an offshore trust only for very wealthy people?
In practice, yes – they usually only make sense once your asset base and risk level reach a certain point. For many business owners, Australian companies and trusts, and sometimes offshore companies, are enough. We’ll be upfront about whether you’re in the range where a trust is worth considering.
Can you review an offshore trust I already have?
Yes. We can review your existing trust, what it owns, how it’s run, and how it fits your current goals and risk. From there, we’ll tell you whether to keep it as-is, adjust it, or consider a different approach.
Do I have to move overseas to benefit from an offshore trust?
Not necessarily. An offshore trust may be considered while you remain in Australia or as part of a future international transition, particularly where succession or international asset-holding objectives are relevant. However, your Australian residency, trustee arrangements, governance, control, beneficiaries, distributions, underlying entities and assets can all affect the outcome. Establishing a trust offshore does not automatically create an offshore tax or asset-protection result.
Will an offshore trust eliminate tax on my investments?
No. An offshore trust is a protection and structuring tool, not a magic tax eraser. How income and gains are taxed depends on your overall structure, where you live, where assets sit, and how distributions are made. We coordinate with your tax adviser so the implications are understood before anything is implemented.
First Step
Book Your Free Assessment
Book Your Free Suitability Assessment
Protect More. Pay Less. Stay 100% Legal.
This 15-minute Zoom call is designed to determine whether Wealth Safe and the Complete Wealth Control System may be suitable for your circumstances. No documents required. No sales pitch. Just a straightforward conversation to assess fit and value.
What You’ll Gain:
- Clarity on whether your circumstances are suitable
- A clear understanding of how our system works
- Confidence in whether moving forward makes sense
We don’t offer advice in this call — but we’ll help you understand if Wealth Safe can offer the edge you’ve been looking for.
What You’ll Need to Share:
- We won’t ask for documents — just a top-line overview.
- The asset classes you hold
- Where your income flows from
- Who owns key assets (personally, in trusts, companies, etc.)
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