Belize

Company Formation in Belize

Belize

Formation Time

1–2 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum (USD 50,000 standard authorized)

Corporate Tax

0% (foreign income) / 1.75–3% (local business tax)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Belize is a premier English-speaking common-law offshore financial centre located on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Governed by the modernized Belize Companies Act, an International Business Company (BC / IBC) can be formed in just 24–48 hours with minimal red tape and full 100% foreign ownership. Belize operates under a territorial taxation principle where income derived outside Belize is subject to 0% corporate tax, zero capital gains tax, and zero withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties paid to non-residents. Regulated by the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC), the country provides high levels of statutory privacy for directors and beneficial owners (non-public registry of shareholders), no requirement for paid-in capital, and flexible corporate governance. Belize is especially prized for holding structures, intellectual property management, international consulting, and e-commerce.

1–2 day formation

0% foreign income tax

English common law

Non-public registers

Low annual maintenance

Why Choose Belize

1–2 business day incorporation with fast online registration

0% tax on all income derived outside Belize

English-speaking common-law jurisdiction with stable democracy

Regulated by Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC)

No minimum paid-up capital requirement

Non-public register of directors and shareholders (strict confidentiality)

Cost-effective annual maintenance compared to Caribbean peers

100% foreign ownership with single director/shareholder allowed

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Business Company (BC / IBC)	100%	1 (individual or corporate)	No minimum (standard authorized USD 50,000)	0% on foreign income; 1.75% to 3% business tax if local receipts	International trading, intellectual property, consulting, wealth holding
Limited Liability Company (LLC)	100%	Managed by members or managers	No minimum	Pass-through tax status — 0% Belize tax on foreign income	Asset protection, joint ventures, US counterparty operations
International Foundation	100%	Foundation Council (min 1)	USD 10,000 endowment recommended	Complete exemption from Belize income and estate taxes	Family wealth preservation, succession planning, charitable endowments

Step-by-Step Formation Process

KYC & Name Check

1 day

Verify beneficial owners and check proposed company name availability with Belize Companies Registry.

Drafting & Statutory Filing

1 day

Lodge Articles of Association and Memorandum with the Registrar of Companies.

Certificate of Incorporation

Same day

Receive Certificate of Incorporation, corporate register, and share certificates.

Corporate Kit & Apostille

2–3 days

Prepare legalized apostille set of statutory documents for international banking.

Bank Account Setup

2–6 weeks

Introduce entity to suitable international or EMI banking partners.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	USD 200+
Our Service Fee	USD 1,200+
Annual Renewal	USD 950+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Belize commercial banks (such as Belize Bank and Heritage Bank) offer multi-currency offshore accounts, though international fintech platforms and EMIs (such as Wise Business and Airwallex) provide the fastest account opening for international operations.

Account Opening Time

2–6 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Belize Bank InternationalHeritage Bank BelizeCaye International BankWise BusinessAirwallexSwissquote (via introduction)

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on foreign-source income; 1.75%–3% Business Tax on gross receipts for local operations

Personal Income Tax

0% for non-resident directors and shareholders

VAT / Sales Tax

0% (exempt on offshore supplies and exports)

Capital Gains Tax

0% — no capital gains tax in Belize

Withholding Tax

0% on outbound dividends, royalties, and loan interest

Double Tax Treaties

15 countries

Economic substance requirements apply only to entities engaged in regulated 'relevant activities' (banking, insurance, fund management, shipping, headquarters).

Visa & Residency

Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program

Permanent residence status

For individuals aged 45+ with USD 2,000/month foreign pension or income — provides 100% tax exemption on all international income and capital gains

Permanent Residency

Permanent

Available after 1 year of continuous legal residency in Belize

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–4 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belize blacklisted by the EU or OECD?

No. Belize was fully removed from the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions after enacting comprehensive reforms to the Belize Companies Act and modernizing its economic substance and exchange of information framework. It is currently rated 'Largely Compliant' by the Global Forum on Transparency.

Can a Belize company hold property and bank accounts anywhere in the world?

Yes. A Belize Business Company has full legal capacity to hold real estate, bank and brokerage accounts, intellectual property, and shares of subsidiaries in any country worldwide.

Are director and shareholder identities publicly accessible in Belize?

No. The register of directors and beneficial ownership details are maintained strictly with the licensed registered agent in Belize and are not accessible on any public database, ensuring maximum lawful privacy.