The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you paid in. Laws and tax rules may change in the future. Your own circumstances and where you live in the UK also have an impact on tax treatment.

What are Offshore Bonds?

Offshore Bonds are also known as International Bonds. They're a tax-efficient way for you to invest money over the medium to long term. This is usually over five years or more.

With an Offshore Bond you can invest a lump sum or invest regular payments. Investing your money means it could potentially grow tax efficiently over time because you won't normally pay tax on investment growth, which could give you more savings for the future.

When you feel ready, the money you've saved can be taken as a regular income to pay for life in retirement. Or you can choose to pass it on to your family. An International Bond can be fully or partially surrendered at any time.

Why choose an International Bond?

Offshore investing can be a tax-efficient way to plan for your future, as you normally won’t pay any tax until you decide to take money out of the bond. The amount of tax you’ll have to pay will be based on your situation at that time.

Offshore bonds can be a useful if:

  • You’re looking for a tax-efficient way to save for the future
  • You’ve used up your pension allowance, as a bond can offer tax advantages
  • You’re thinking about protecting your estate against inheritance tax
  • You’re planning to gift money to your family or friends.

How are International Bonds invested?

You can choose from a wide range of investments to help you meet your goals, including funds, discretionary investment managers and bank deposits. You can also switch investments whenever you like.* You may also be rewarded with discounts for investing more money.

*You can switch in and out of investments at any time, although conditions may apply depending on the type of investment.

Your International Bond options

Standard Life International offers two different options for the International Bond.

You can choose for your bond to be set up on either a Life Assurance or Capital Redemption basis. Before you decide to buy you need to understand the different options available to you, and the risks and commitments involved.

You should speak with a financial adviser to understand which option would best suit your needs. There's likely to be a cost for this.

For more information on offshore investing please check out our guide:

 

Read our Offshore investing guide (738KB)

 

We have more information on the funds you can invest in with an International Bond. You can learn more in the Supplementary Information Documents (insured funds) and Key Investor Information Documents (mutual funds) on our check your funds tool page.

Apply for an International Bond

To apply you need to speak with a financial adviser. We can help you find one here.

Find a Standard Life adviser Go to Unbiased.co.uk

Acorn

More savings options

We offer other savings and investment options to help you reach your goals.

  • Father and daughter on bouncing ball with funfair in background

    Tailored Investment Bond (Onshore)

    This Bond can help you build up money for the future in a tax-efficient way. Find more information and how to apply here.

    See how Onshore Bonds work

  • Mother with daughter on her knee outside laughing together

    Stocks & Shares ISA

    Individual Savings Accounts help you save and invest money in the long-term. Choose from two investment options and apply here.

    Compare your ISA options

  • Mother helping son get ready to leave for school

    MoneyPlus

    Get regular savings guides, market news and analysis from our team of MoneyPlus experts. Read their latest articles here.

    Read MoneyPlus savings articles