What Is a Nevis Trust?
A Nevis Trust is an offshore asset protection trust created and administered under the Nevis International Exempt Trust Ordinance of 1994. This founding legislation established Nevis as one of the world's premier trust jurisdictions, providing unparalleled protection from foreign creditors and legal challenges.
Nevis law does not recognize foreign judgments, prohibits asset freezing orders, and imposes a two-year statute of limitations on fraudulent transfer claims. Combined with the requirement that creditors must post a $100,000 bond before even initiating litigation, a Nevis Trust is one of the most secure ways to protect assets globally.
Why Choose a Nevis Trust?
- Non-Recognition of Foreign Judgments: Court orders from the U.S. and other countries cannot be enforced in Nevis. Creditors must start their case from scratch in a Nevis court.
- $100,000 Bond Requirement: Plaintiffs must post a $100,000 cash bond before bringing any case against a Nevis Trust, serving as a powerful deterrent against frivolous lawsuits.
- Beyond Reasonable Doubt Standard: Nevis uses the highest standard of proof in civil cases, making it extremely challenging for creditors to prevail.
- No Asset Freezing Orders: Nevis does not allow injunctions or asset freezing orders against trust assets.
- Two-Year Statute of Limitations: After two years, assets transferred to a Nevis Trust cannot be challenged on fraudulent conveyance grounds.
- Strict Confidentiality: Nevis has strong privacy laws ensuring your assets and personal information remain private.
- Tax Benefits: Nevis imposes no income, estate, or inheritance taxes on offshore trusts.
What Can a Nevis Trust Protect?
A Nevis Trust can hold and protect a wide array of assets, including:
- Offshore bank accounts in jurisdictions like Switzerland, Luxembourg, or the Cayman Islands
- Real estate, both on the island and abroad
- Stocks, bonds, and other financial investments
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Cryptocurrency and digital assets
- Cash and other liquid assets
Why Work with Blake?
Attorney Blake Harris is a seasoned asset protection attorney with deep expertise in offshore trusts, including Nevis Trusts. Before founding Blake Harris Law, Blake worked for one of the largest wealth management firms in the United States, helping high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients protect their personal assets.
Blake maintains an extensive network of legal and finance professionals in Nevis, the Cook Islands, Belize, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and other key jurisdictions -- enabling him to handle the most complex and sensitive asset protection matters.
"I have known Attorney Blake Harris for over a decade, and I can say that he is an incredibly smart, talented, and trustworthy attorney. I recommend him for asset protection planning and offshore trust formation."Contact Blake Harris Law
-- Attorney Robert Gravios, Atlanta, GA
How a Nevis Trust Works
A Nevis Trust works by legally transferring ownership of your assets into the trust. The trust is managed by a licensed Nevis-based trustee, with you (the settlor) as the original owner and potentially a beneficiary. Key legal safeguards include:
- Foreign court orders, including those from U.S. courts, cannot be enforced in Nevis
- Creditors face a $100,000 bond requirement plus substantial legal hurdles to even bring a case
- The "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard of proof applies, which is the highest evidentiary threshold available
- A two-year statute of limitations bars stale fraudulent conveyance claims
The Nevis Trust Setup Process
Setting up a Nevis Trust does not require you to be physically present on the island. The process includes:
- Choose a Trustee: A licensed, professional trustee based in Nevis will manage the trust. Blake Harris Law helps you find the right trustee.
- Define Beneficiaries: Designate the individuals or entities that will benefit from the trust.
- Transfer Assets: Bank accounts, LLCs, real estate, investments, and other assets are transferred into the trust.
- Due Diligence: The trustee will verify your identity and legal standing with standard documentation.
The process typically takes a few weeks and can be expedited depending on your needs.
What Does It Cost?
The full initial cost of setting up a Nevis Trust with Blake Harris Law is $30,000, with no hidden hourly billing. This includes:
- Legal drafting and registration of the trust
- Trustee onboarding and first-year trustee fees
- IRS and FinCEN reporting
- Offshore bank or brokerage account setup
- Ongoing support without additional hourly charges
An annual fee of $6,000 covers trustee maintenance, legal compliance, and year-round advice from our team.
Nevis Trust vs. Domestic Trusts
- Foreign judgment recognition: Nevis does not recognize foreign judgments; U.S. courts can enforce foreign judgments domestically
- Asset freezing orders: Not allowed under Nevis law; possible in U.S. courts
- Fraudulent transfer claims: Two-year statute of limitations in Nevis; can be challenged indefinitely in some U.S. states
- Privacy: Strict confidentiality protections in Nevis; limited privacy protection domestically
- Tax treatment: No income, estate, or inheritance taxes in Nevis; subject to U.S. taxation domestically
Recent Legislative Developments
- Nevis Limited Partnership Ordinance (September 2025): Created a comprehensive legal regime for limited partnerships with strong asset protection features, reinforcing the charging order as the sole creditor remedy.
- Nevis LLC Amendment Bill 2025: Strengthened record-keeping requirements while maintaining core protections including the $100,000 bond requirement and charging order as sole creditor remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Nevis Trust legal for U.S. citizens?
Yes. Nevis Trusts are entirely legal for U.S. citizens and residents. They are established under Nevis law and offer offshore asset protection that domestic trusts cannot provide. You must comply with U.S. tax reporting requirements, which Blake Harris Law handles as part of the setup.
Can I transfer existing assets into a Nevis Trust?
Yes. You can transfer real estate interests, LLCs, bank accounts, investments, cryptocurrency, and other assets into a Nevis Trust. This is a key component of the asset protection strategy.
How does a Nevis Trust differ from a Nevis LLC?
A trust holds assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries, while an LLC is a business entity that limits liability. Both provide strong asset protection, and many clients use them together in layered structures for maximum security.
How long does it take to establish a Nevis Trust?
The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the assets and paperwork required. It involves selecting a trustee, preparing trust documents, and transferring assets.