Well this differs per jurisdictions so there is not one answer.We see so many threads with suggestions to make sure you have "substance" for your company!
Is there a bulleted list you could use to specify all the requirements?
And what does it cost to set it up in the most popular offshore jurisdictions?
do they make an exception for small business run by local residents? not all small companies can meet such requirement re salaryWell this differs per jurisdictions so there is not one answer.
For example the Netherlands recently adjusted it's substance requirements because of the huge amount of shell companies registered there, the new requirements are as followed..
Pay a minimum of 100K in wages in the Netherlands and have an office at your disposal for at least 24 months.
If those criteria's are not met you will not be able to benefit from tax treaties and all kinds of other benefits the Netherlands has or used to have setting up a company there for example.
So you can just google substance requirements "your jurisdiction" and you will find out, it's not rocket science. And most tax havens don't have any substance requirements to begin with and if they have them there is a big chance they will not apply to you.