Chances are we’ve all sat there at some point, huddled up inside looking at the rain splashing against the window thinking ‘wouldn’t it be nice to be somewhere warmer?!’  Indeed, for many professionals the dream becomes a reality.  There has been much in the news in recent years about the possibility of governments imposing stricter controls and guidelines on international tax havens which kind of only adds to the mystique of these locations but the likelihood is that legitimate business activities in these jurisdictions will long continue to offer excellent opportunities for accountants and lawyers to combine an expat lifestyle change with genuine career development.  Throw in the tax advantages and it becomes even more attractive.

After all, sun, sea, a good salary with a low tax rate and a social expat lifestyle isn’t to be sniffed at.  Many professionals will spend a 2-5 year stint on one of the islands, while others love the lifestyle so much they decide to stay there.  Typical opportunities are for qualified auditors and restructuring/forensic/insolvency professionals with opportunities from newly qualified to Director level. Island locations include Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Isles and Cayman as well as Mediterranean hotspots such as Gibraltar and Malta and for those who don’t like it quite so there’s always the likes of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

While island life might not be for everyone the offshore alternative is a viable option for such-minded individuals, either as a transient or a permanent career step.