Where Do Companies Based in Tax Havens Operate?

It’s not just where a company is headquartered that matters, but where it actually does business. What happens when a company's home is a "tax-friendly" location? We followed the data.

The Big Picture

Our latest analysis of over 28,800 companies headquartered in 20 well-known tax havens reveals a fascinating global footprint. These aren't just brass-plate operations; they have a tangible digital presence and conduct business far beyond their registered borders.

On average, for every company headquartered in a jurisdiction like the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, or the Netherlands, there are secondary operations in 3 other countries.

Where in the World? The Top 5 Hotspots

So, where is the activity concentrated? The data points to some of the world's largest economies. Here’s a look at the top 5 countries hosting the most secondary operations from these companies:

• United States: 10,180 operations
• United Kingdom: 6,890 operations
• Netherlands: 6,366 operations
• Hong Kong: 6,092 operations
• Singapore: 5,842 operations

(Interestingly, some jurisdictions like the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Singapore appear on both our tax haven list and the list of top operational hubs, highlighting their dual role in the global financial system.)

Beyond the HQ: A Look at Subsidiary Strategy

It's crucial to understand that a headquarters is just one piece of the puzzle. Global corporations often use a complex web of subsidiaries.

For example, a single well-known brand might have its main HQ in the USA, but dozens of its subsidiaries that hold valuable intellectual property or manage intra-company finances are based in tax havens. This strategy can significantly impact a company's global effective tax rate.

Our Method

This analysis is based on Veridion's proprietary data. We identified companies with a digital footprint (like a website or social media) that are headquartered in one of the top 20 jurisdictions listed in the Corporate Tax Haven Index. We then mapped the locations of their secondary operations globally.