A Cypriot or Dubai Shell Company: When Is a Foreign Company Legal?

A Cypriot or Dubai Shell Company: When Is an Offshore Company Legal? In Highgate Talks #52, Peter Varga and Tomáš Demo discuss the use of offshore companies by Slovak entrepreneurs. They explain why Cyprus has historically been a popular holding company jurisdiction, what “substance” means, and why today it’s not enough to simply have a foreign registered office, a bank account, or a nominal director.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • when can a foreign company be a legal part of a business structure,
  • What role do non-tax considerations, regulation, and corporate law play,
  • why the requirements for substances are becoming stricter,
  • which jurisdictions might be of interest to Slovak entrepreneurs,
  • How does a company in another EU country differ from a company in Dubai,
  • when a challenge to the structure may result in an additional tax assessment,
  • and under what circumstances a criminal liability risk may arise.

 

We will also address topics related to foreign entities, asset protection, and doing business in Slovakia at the conference“Why and How to Stay in Slovakia?”

► November 25, 2026 | Bratislava
► EARLY BIRDS discount | last 50 tickets
► More information about the program, speakers, and registration: https://highgate.sk/konferencie/preco-ostat-na-slovensku/

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CONTACT

Need help or advice? Reach out to us.

Law & Tax
Tomas Demo
tomas.demo@highgate.sk

Accounting
Peter Šopinec
peter.sopinec@highgate.sk

Crypto
Peter Varga
peter.varga@highgate.sk