Nevis Trust Cost in 2025: Full Breakdown of Setup & Annual Fees

When considering a Nevis Trust for asset protection, the first question you might ask is: what will it actually cost me? In the world of offshore trusts, where hidden extras can turn an apparently simple setup into a financial headache, transparency around pricing has become more important than ever. 

This page provides a breakdown of the cost of setting up and maintaining a Nevis Trust and an explanation of what you can expect. The truth is, costs can vary specifically based on your needs and goals, but we will try to explain as much as we can so you can consider if a trust is worth it for you. 

To learn exactly what you can expect, consult with us in a complimentary, confidential consultation. From the initial setup to annual fees, you’ll see exactly what you’re investing in and why. With Offshore Pro Group, you can save time, cover every step, and avoid surprises. Think of the trust formation process with us not as a cost, but as an insurance premium on your wealth: a reliable way to protect your assets for the long term.

What Is a Nevis Trust?

A Nevis Trust is essentially a legal setup that comes out of Nevis, a small Caribbean island, part of St. Kitts and Nevis, part of the British Commonwealth, known for having tough laws that protect your assets and keep things private. Here, you can set up “bulletproof trusts”. 

Many individuals from different parts of the world use these trusts, especially if they’re trying to keep their wealth safe from lawsuits, or if they want to make sure their family’s taken care of without going through courts. Compared to what most get in their home countries, Nevis gives you a stronger legal shield and a lot more privacy.

Here’s what makes a Nevis Trust stand out:

• Strong asset protection: When you move assets into the trust, they’re no longer tied directly to you. That separation is what makes it so tough for someone to make a legal claim on them. Nevis courts have some of the strongest protections, such as non-recognition of foreign court judgments and high bonds for claimants, plus, your assets are exempt from taxation if derived outside of Nevis. 
• Confidentiality: Nevis doesn’t keep a public list of who created the trust or who benefits from it. So your name (and your family’s) stays out of searchable records.
• Estate planning benefits: If you’re thinking long-term, a Nevis Trust helps you leave assets to your family without dealing with probate or other delays.

Something else worth mentioning is the irrevocable trust structure. If you opt for an irrevocable trust, once it’s set up, it’s not something you can easily change or cancel. But the assets are protected from threats coming your way, as the assets are technically no longer yours (rather, they’re guaranteed to go where you want them to go, but administered by the trustee). That makes it way harder for anyone else, like creditors or courts, to come after the assets. Revocable trusts can be amended, giving you more control, yet with less detachment, and are often chosen for estate planning. You can talk to us about your specific goals.  

Individuals worldwide, from business owners with high-value assets to professionals seeking to protect assets against claims, use Nevis trusts because of their reliability, privacy, and legal security.

The Short Answer: Typical Nevis Trust Cost Ranges

If you’re looking for a ballpark figure, here is an estimate of the cost:

• Initial Setup Cost: The initial setup cost usually ranges from $10,000 to $35,000.
• Annual Maintenance Cost: Typically from $5,000–$10,000 annually, depending on complexity and services required.
  

These ranges reflect a robust trust structure managed by professionals. Below, we’ll break down exactly what’s included in these costs, what influences them, and why a Nevis Trust offers one of the strongest forms of asset protection available.

Breakdown of Initial Setup Costs

Setting up a Nevis Trust involves several interconnected professional and government services. While the costs involved vary depending on complexity, most packages cover the following:

Legal and Drafting Fees

At the heart of every trust is the trust agreement. An experienced legal professional drafts this document based on your specific goals. Offshore Pro Group ensures your trust is structured correctly from day one, covering everything from beneficiary terms to asset transfer clauses.

Trustee Acceptance Fees

Every Nevis Trust requires a licensed trustee. These trustee fees cover the professional acceptance of responsibility, including compliance checks and initial setup of administration.

Government Registration Fees

To exist as a recognized legal entity, the trust must be registered with the Nevis government. This includes official filing fees and certificates, ensuring your trust structure is legally valid under Nevis laws.

Overall, depending on the complexity, the total setup cost with us usually starts from $9,750, though it can be higher when adding additional services for more complex situations, to add extra security with an LLC, and/or a corporate bank account.

Breakdown of Annual Maintenance Costs

Once established, a Nevis Trust requires professional management and annual upkeep to remain compliant.

Annual Trustee Fees

The largest recurring expense, these trustee fees cover the professional administration of the trust—everything from managing documents to ensuring that the trust provides ongoing compliance with Nevis law.

Government Renewal Fees

Each year, the government charges a renewal fee to keep your trust structure in good standing. Offshore Pro Group includes these in its annual renewals, so you’re never caught off guard.

Compliance & Administrative Fees

Ongoing costs include record keeping, preparing resolutions, responding to legal claims, and liaising with regulators if needed. These fees ensure your trust always meets both local and international obligations.

Depending on the trust size and activity, annual maintenance costs generally start from $4,000–$5,000, with variations based on complexity.

Key Factors That Influence Your Nevis Trust Cost

Not all Nevis trusts are alike; the cost of setting one up varies depending on several factors.

• Complexity of the Trust Deed: A simple structure for one beneficiary is less expensive than a multi-tiered trust agreement with provisions for companies, foundations, or multiple family branches.
• Type and Value of Assets: A trust holding real estate or high-value assets, such as operating businesses or bank accounts, requires more active management, increasing maintenance fees.
• Choice of Trustee: Costs vary depending on whether you use a boutique firm or a larger institutional trustee. 

Offshore Pro Group balances personalized service with professional rigor, keeping trustee fees competitive and predictable.

Is the Cost Worth It? The ROI of True Asset Protection

Think of a Nevis Trust as financial insurance. For a one-time setup and predictable annual fees, you gain protection that could save you millions.

Without a trust, a lawsuit could wipe out 50–100% of your wealth. With a trust, assets held are shielded by law. The costs involved are minimal compared to the potential value of assets preserved.

For individuals seeking certainty, a Nevis Trust is not an expense; rather, it’s a safeguard, a way to protect your assets against unforeseeable risks.

The Nevis Trust Setup Process in Brief

Offshore Pro Group makes the setup process straightforward, guiding you through every step:

Step 1: Consultation and Strategy

The process begins with a conversation about what you want to achieve. Whether your focus is estate planning, shielding assets, or finding tax efficiencies, we start by mapping out a clear strategy.

Step 2: Drafting the Trust Deed

From there, experienced professionals put together a trust document designed specifically for your situation. Every clause is tailored to reflect your personal objectives rather than relying on generic templates.

Step 3: Appointing a Trustee

Next, a licensed trustee is formally appointed. This ensures the structure complies not only with Nevis legislation but also with broader international regulations.

Step 4: Funding the Trust

Finally, you move selected assets—this might include business shares, investment portfolios, or bank accounts—into the trust. Once transferred, they are legally distinct from your personal estate, giving you stronger protection and greater peace of mind.

Conclusion: Understanding the True Value of a Nevis Trust

Creating a Nevis Trust isn’t only about covering the initial setup fee. At its core, it’s a way to safeguard everything you’ve built, maintain discretion, and ensure your loved ones are looked after in the future. At Offshore Pro Group, we focus on keeping the process straightforward and transparent—you’ll always know what each step costs, whether it’s the documentation or the ongoing administration. Over the years, we’ve guided clients from across the globe in building reliable asset protection strategies. If securing your wealth is high on your list of priorities, establishing a Nevis Trust is one of the wisest decisions you can make.

Opening a Nevis Trust is an investment in unparalleled security and peace of mind. We’re happy to talk it through. Book a private meeting, and we’ll put together a quote that fits what you actually need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)