When you wake up tomorrow, things could look completely different. Life just can't be predicted.

While we don't presume to know what your priorities will be next year, next month or even next week, we do know that as life goes on, different things and different people will become more important. And we don't think you should be penalised because your life changes. With an offshore bond you can plan for your future and you have the flexibility to adapt your plans should your needs change.

Investing offshore can help you meet a range of needs including tax efficient saving, planning to move or work abroad, estate planning and retirement planning.

With an offshore bond you won’t normally pay tax on any growth. Tax is paid when you cash in the bond and will be based on your circumstances at that time. This may give you extra flexibility and control over the tax you pay. However, it is important to remember that investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you paid in. You can also choose from a wide choice of investment options, with the freedom to move your money between them when you wish to increase or decrease the level of investment risk you're taking.

There may also be withholding tax payable on certain investment funds. This is a tax that some countries deduct from dividends and interest payments to foreign investors. It is not possible to reclaim withholding tax. Also, in some circumstances, if you invest in a net fund, where tax is paid on returns within the fund, where possible Standard Life International will reclaim tax within the fund and return this to you. We may not be able to reclaim tax if there are changes in HM Revenue & Customs practice. A charge may also apply for switching investments. Please refer to the Key Features Document (IB17) for more information.

You should view your bond as a medium to long term investment, which means it should usually be held for at least five years.

If you have a lump sum to invest, you may wish to find out more about how offshore investing could help you with your own ambitions and circumstances.

All information on this website relating to taxation is based on our understanding of law and practice in Ireland and the UK at November 2009. The future tax position of the bond or your own tax position may alter. The tax information given only applies if you are resident in the UK for tax purposes. If you are no longer resident in the UK for tax purposes, please contact your financial adviser for more information.

Please choose an option from the right to find out more about our offshore investment offering - the Standard Life International Bond.