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Nominee Services 

Protect Your Privacy and Meet Local Requirements with UCI’s Nominee Services 

At UCI, we offer professional nominee director service solutions to protect the privacy of business owners and ensure compliance with local legal requirements in jurisdictions worldwide. Whether you’re expanding internationally or establishing a presence in a market that mandates a regional director, our discreet and legally compliant nominee services offer peace of mind and flexibility. 

What Is a Nominee Director Service? 

A nominee director service involves appointing a third party to appear as the director of a company in official records. Although the nominee is listed publicly, they do not play any operational or decision-making role in the business. The beneficial owner retains complete control, usually through a Power of Attorney (POA) and private agreements. 

This arrangement is fully legal and widely used by entrepreneurs who wish to: 

  • Protect their identity and maintain privacy 
  • Satisfy local residency or directorship requirements 
  • Navigate restrictive business environments with expert assistance 

Nominee Director and Shareholder Service Explained 

Our combined nominee director and shareholder service enables you to appoint third-party professionals to both roles for maximum confidentiality and convenience. This is particularly useful when: 

  • The jurisdiction requires a local resident as director or shareholder 
  • You wish to keep your name off public registers 
  • You’re holding assets or forming a structure for strategic or estate planning 

We provide a Declaration of Trust for nominee shareholders, ensuring that all shares are held strictly on your behalf. 

When Do You Need a Nominee Director Service? 

You may require a nominee director in scenarios such as: 

  • Expanding into a country that mandates a resident/local director (e.g. UAE, Singapore, India) 
  • Setting up a holding company structure and wanting anonymity 
  • Launching in a jurisdiction with high compliance monitoring 
  • Securing intellectual property or assets through a special purpose vehicle 

UCI’s global network ensures we can match you with vetted nominee professionals in all key jurisdictions. 

Our Nominee Services Include: 

Appointment of a qualified nominee director 
Optional nominee shareholder agreements 
Preparation of Power of Attorney and Declaration of Trust 
Annual compliance and KYC checks 
Full legal documentation and transparency 
Confidentiality assured under a robust service agreement 

Benefits of Using UCI’s Nominee Director Service

  • Privacy & Anonymity: Protect your identity in public corporate registries 
  • Legal Compliance: Meet local regulatory requirements without delays 
  • Fast Setup: Avoid hurdles with pre-vetted local professionals 
  • Trusted Control: Maintain complete control via legally binding agreements 
  • Multi-Jurisdictional Reach: Access nominee services across Europe, the UAE, Asia, and more 

Nominee Services Across Key Jurisdictions 

UCI provides nominee solutions in: 

  • France 
  • Germany 
  • UAE (including local sponsor arrangements) 
  • Singapore 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Netherlands 
  • Malta 
  • Hong Kong and more 

Wherever your business goes, we ensure local compliance and protect your strategic interests. 

How It Works? 

  1. Initial Consultation  
    We assess your goals, jurisdiction, and privacy needs  
  2. Documentation Drafting  
    POA, Declaration of Trust, and Service Agreement prepared 
  3. Nominee Appointment 
    We appoint the nominee director/shareholder as needed 
  4. Ongoing Support  
    We handle renewals, filings, and legal updates annually 

Is It Legal to Use a Nominee Director? 

Yes. Using a nominee director service is entirely legal as long as: 

  • The arrangement is properly documented 
  • The true beneficial owner is disclosed to the service provider (for KYC/AML compliance) 
  • The nominee does not engage in illegal activities or misrepresent the business 

UCI follows strict compliance protocols in every nominee engagement. 

How to Avoid Risks When Appointing a Nominee? 

While nominee services are fully legal and commonly used, it’s essential to manage them properly to avoid regulatory or reputational issues. At UCI, we implement strict due diligence and documentation to protect your interests. 

Here are keyways to reduce risk when appointing a nominee: 

  • Use Legally Binding Agreements 
    Always ensure there is a signed Power of Attorney and, if applicable, a Declaration of Trust that clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and limitations. 
  • Work with Reputable Providers 
    Avoid low-cost or unregulated providers offering anonymous services without due diligence. UCI conducts full KYC and AML checks on every nominee. 
  • Maintain Full Operational Control 
    Never transfer business decision-making authority to a nominee. At UCI, you the beneficial owner retain 100% control through legal arrangements. 
  • Ensure Jurisdictional Compliance 
    Some countries have strict rules around nominee use, especially for tax or ownership disclosures. We guide you through local regulations to ensure compliance. 
  • Avoid Misuse of Nominee Services 
    Nominee services should never be used to conceal illegal activity or evade taxes. UCI strictly refuses any arrangements that do not comply with global financial regulations. 

When you appoint a nominee through UCI, you get a transparent, secure structure that protects your identity without compromising legality or control. 

What to Pay Attention to When Appointing Nominees 

While nominee arrangements are legal and beneficial, they must be approached responsibly. An improperly selected nominee can become an obstacle especially when opening a bank account or fulfilling regulatory checks. 

To reduce risks: 

  • Always verify the nominee’s background (check for litigation, public disputes, or exclusions from corporate registries). 
  • Ensure your nominee is not involved in any restricted or suspicious activities. 
  • Understand that once a nominee’s name is entered into an official company register, it cannot be retroactively removed in many jurisdictions. 
  • Work with a registered agent like UCI to ensure accurate and legally sound incorporation from the outset. 

UCI thoroughly vets all nominees and ensures their eligibility in your target jurisdiction. 

Nominee Director for Bank Account Opening 

Opening a corporate bank account with a nominee director service can be more complex than a typical company setup. Some banks may restrict account creation if the nominee is not a resident or doesn’t meet compliance standards. 

There are two common scenarios: 

  • Full Access Scenario: Some banks require the nominee to act as an authorised signatory. In such cases, UCI will draft proper agreements to ensure security and access while meeting banking requirements. 
  • Limited Role Scenario: Other institutions may only require the nominee to confirm their passive role. This reduces complexity and nominee fees. 

In countries like the UK, banks often require a resident director for account approval. UCI can appoint a locally based nominee director to meet such jurisdiction-specific requirements. 

Why Choose UCI for Nominee Director and Shareholder Services? 

  • Fully compliant and transparent nominee structures 
  • Jurisdiction-specific expertise 
  • End-to-end setup and documentation 
  • Confidential and secure client management 
  • Dedicated account managers and legal support 

Whether you’re setting up a subsidiary, SPV, or international holding structure, UCI ensures your interests are protected with discreet, efficient, and compliant nominee services. 

Get Started Today 

Looking to appoint a nominee director or nominee shareholder? Let UCI guide you through the process with clarity, compliance, and confidence. 

📞 Contact us today or click below to request a free consultation. 
🔗 www.uci-ltd.com/services/nominee 

FAQs

Is it legal to use a nominee director service?

Yes, using a nominee director service is legal in most jurisdictions, provided the arrangement is fully transparent and complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. UCI ensures all nominee structures are documented, compliant, and ethically managed. 

What’s the difference between a nominee director and a nominee shareholder?

A nominee director is listed in public records as the company’s director but does not have control over business operations. A nominee shareholder holds shares in name only, on behalf of the beneficial owner, with a legally binding Declaration of Trust. Both services aim to protect privacy and ensure compliance. 

Will I still control my company if I appoint a nominee director?

Yes. As the beneficial owner, you maintain full control of your business operations through a Power of Attorney (POA) and internal agreements. The nominee acts only in a legal, non-operational capacity and cannot make decisions on your behalf without consent.  

When do I need a nominee director and shareholder service? 
You may need this service if: 

  • The country you’re operating in requires a resident director or shareholder 
  • You want to protect your identity in public records 
  • You’re setting up a holding or investment structure that requires confidentiality 

In which countries do UCI provide nominee services?

UCI offers nominee director and shareholder services in major global business hubs including the UK, UAE, France, Singapore, Germany, Malta, Netherlands, and more. We ensure compliance with local laws and provide ongoing support in every jurisdiction.