It well known within the offshore services industry that a major step forward was taken by the Principality of Liechtenstein with the adoption of the Law on Persons and Companies of January 20, 1926 which created the Family Foundations (for the private benefit of members of one or more families) and the Mixed Foundations (for the benefit not only of family members, but also of other persons or institutions). The family foundation as a legal entity also exist in Austria without much international recognition, however, due to the fact that this country is not deemed as an offshore centre. Additionally, there are the Luxembourg foundations with substantial differences to Liechtenstein and also of reduced international recognition.

The Republic of Panama inspired in the laws of Liechtenstein adapted the European model to create a Private Interest Foundation more modern and flexible, with clear advantages for the protection of assets and international tax planning and empowered to carry on transactions in an effective fashion. Pardini & Associates has prepared this document to assist our clients in the evaluation of alternatives offshore structures for the better planning of their assets, estate and business transactions.