Quick answer — Lebanese diaspora founders. Lebanese founders living abroad usually structure their business through a company in their country of residence or an international hub such as the UAE, Cyprus or a US LLC, rather than a Lebanese entity, mainly because of restrictions in the Lebanese banking system since 2019. Lebanon taxes income on a largely territorial basis, so income earned abroad is generally outside Lebanese tax, but the rules for your situation should be confirmed with a Lebanese adviser.
The Lebanese diaspora is one of the largest and most entrepreneurial in the world, with founders, freelancers and consultants across the Gulf, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Since the 2019 financial crisis, many have faced the same question: where should my business live, if Lebanese banks can't reliably hold or move my money?
For most location-independent Lebanese founders, the answer is a company in a jurisdiction with reliable banking that matches where they actually live — and a clear understanding of how Lebanon and their country of residence treat their income.
It is not for residents running a purely local business in Lebanon, or for employees of a single foreign employer.
For other countries and the general framework, see our guide to relocating your business abroad.
Your country of residence usually taxes your worldwide income. Lebanon taxes income on a largely territorial basis, so income from work performed and sourced abroad is generally outside Lebanese tax. If you split time between Lebanon and another country, check both countries' rules and any tax treaty between them.
Since 2019, Lebanese banks have applied informal capital controls and restrictions on dollar deposits. New accounts with "fresh" funds exist but carry their own risks. Most diaspora founders keep business accounts outside Lebanon.
If you manage a foreign company from Lebanon for long periods, Lebanon or your country of residence may take an interest in where it is managed. Keep management where the company is meant to be resident.
Costs depend on the jurisdiction you choose; see the relevant country guides. The economic model is driven by where you live: a UAE resident with a UAE company may pay little or no tax, while a resident of a European country with a foreign company is usually taxed at home.
The Diaspora Structuring Guide sets out the questions to answer before choosing a jurisdiction — get it when you check your structure with Heavnn.
Lebanon taxes income on a largely territorial basis, so income earned from work performed abroad is generally outside Lebanese tax. Confirm your situation with a Lebanese adviser.
Usually in the country where they live, or in a hub with reliable banking that matches their residency, such as the UAE or Cyprus.
Often yes, for USD banking and payment processors, but your country of residence decides how its profits are taxed.
Since 2019, Lebanese banks have applied restrictions on deposits and transfers. Most diaspora founders keep business funds outside Lebanon.
It depends on whether you have Lebanese-source income or activities. Check with a Lebanese adviser.
For diaspora founders, the right company follows where you live, not where you're from. Heavnn checks both.
Check your structure with Heavnn →
Also relevant: Ethiopian diaspora founders and the French SASU for founders abroad.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules are summarised as of October 2026.
