CSC - International Services

International FAQ's
Why does Corporation Service Company® only provide services in English common law countries?
English common law is the basis of the law in the United States. Countries that base their law on the English tradition are therefore similar to the system in the United States. This makes it easier for us to file and retrieve corporate documents. These jurisdictions also use registered agents and for the most part have standard corporate forms and good standings.

What forms do we have for jurisdictions outside the U.S.?
We have a large library of forms and questionnaires for Non U.S. work. Currently, we have over 300 forms for many English common law jurisdictions. These forms are maintained and updated on a regular basis and we may be able to obtain additional forms at a client's request.

Do we prepare documents for the jurisdictions outside of the U.S.?
No. However, we may be able to assist you by gathering information required for a filing which we will submit to our correspondent/agent covering the requested jurisdiction.

Why does the International filing process take longer than domestic work?
There are many variables when processing international work. There are different time zones, different corporate cultures, and different governments. We have made efforts to decrease process length by just servicing the English common law countries, which has greatly improved our turn around times.

What is a tax haven?
Certain jurisdictions, including many Caribbean countries, have enacted statutes that have made it possible to incorporate a company in the jurisdiction and not be taxed by that jurisdiction. In general, there are two types of entities:International Business Companies and Exempt Companies. It is important to note that the company can not transact business in the jurisdiction and maintain its tax-exempt status. The jurisdictions that have enacted these statutes in order to increase corporate business are called tax havens.

Which countries are tax havens?
The countries, which have International Business Company statutes, are:
Antigua
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands

The countries with Exempt Company statutes include:
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Gibraltar
Guernsey
Isle of Man
Jersey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands

Do all jurisdictions have status searches?
No. Status search is a term that we use here. To us it has a meaning, but to most jurisdictions outside of the United States, it does not. Many countries have company searches, which include more information than a status search (as we know it), would include.

Where in the world do UCC searches and filings exist?
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) exists only in the United States and its territories and no where else in the world. The United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Northern Marianas have adopted Revised Article 9 and uses the Standard National UCC forms. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States and the remaining jurisdictions are territories of the U.S.

Does CSCSM provide services equivalent to UCC searches and filings in other jurisdcitions?
Yes, in Canadian provinces and territories, financing statements may be registered by secured parties under the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA).

What service can CSC provide if the jurisdiction you're inquiring about is not on the list of English common law countries?
Sometimes we can provide a reference to other filing sources or to a government agency website. If we have a reliable correspondent in a jurisdiction, we will provide the name and number. That does not mean that the correspondent will agree to provide the service requested or is it one CSC endorses.

Do all jurisdictions provide certified copies of all documents on file?
Many jurisdictions provide all documents, however, some jurisdictions (particularly the tax havens) have either limited access to documents or discretionary access. Most tax havens are also considered high privacy jurisdictions. As a result, they do not have to file many documents to incorporate or file documents to remain incorporated, i.e. there are annual filings, and the documents are not public; however, the registered agent has the discretion to allow the documents to be released.

The 33 islands that comprise the Marshall Islands are:
Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik, Wotho, Wotje

What is the Hague Convention for the Legalization of Foreign Public Documents?
The Hague Convention, originally ratified in 1961, is an agreement among countries to abolish the requirement of legalization of public documents. An apostille is used to certify the documents for use in the countries party to the agreement.

What is an Apostille? (a-pos-teal)
An Apostille is the certification required for a document intended for use in a country that's party to the Hague convention..

What is the difference between legalization and authentication?
Legalization is the certification by the foreign embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used. An Authentication is the official signature certification process of the U.S. Department of State. Some state and county offices also refer to their certification process as an authentication. Authentication can be accomplished by a Notary, Clerk of the Court, and/or the Department of State, depending on what the foreign country requires.

What types of public documents can be authenticated?
All documents being used outside of the U.S. including:state issued (e.g., good standing certificates, certified copies, etc.) and commercial documents (e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits, etc.). Legalized documents must go through a series of authentications, depending on the state and the foreign country. All legalized documents must be notarized and certified by the clerk of the county and possibly certified by the Department of State. The authentication step by the Department of State will depend upon whether the consulate/embassy has jurisdiction over the state where the documents originated.

What's the difference between "members of Hague Conference" and "parties to Hague Convention""?
Countries can be members of the Hague conference but NOT a party to Hague convention for the abolishment of the requirement of legalization of foreign public documents. States which have participated in one or more of the earlier Sessions of the Conference may become Members of the Organization by accepting the Statute. Other States must be admitted by vote: admission is decided upon by a majority of Member States voting on a proposal made by one or several of them.