Full-Service Support for
Your Belize Business,
Start to Scale
Belize provides strong privacy protections and flexible corporate structures for global entrepreneurs. From initial setup to registered agent services, we deliver end-to-end support for your Belize company.
International Recognition & Compliance
Belize continues to strengthen its international compliance framework, with ongoing reforms to meet evolving global standards for transparency and information exchange.
OECD Standards & Progress
Belize is working to address OECD Global Forum recommendations and has committed to implementing enhanced transparency measures.
Why Choose a Belize Company
Belize offers one of the most accessible offshore jurisdictions, combining English-speaking simplicity with Central American cost advantages and strong privacy protections.
No Tax on Foreign Income
Belize IBCs conducting business outside the country pay zero corporate tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on international earnings.
Low Setup Costs
Belize offers some of the most competitive incorporation and annual maintenance fees among offshore jurisdictions, ideal for startups and small businesses.
Simple Formation Process
Incorporate your Belize IBC in as little as 24 hours. Minimal documentation and no requirement for local directors or shareholders.
Privacy Protection
Belize maintains strict confidentiality laws protecting beneficial ownership information from public disclosure.
Common Law Foundation
As a former British colony, Belize operates under English common law, providing familiar legal structures for international business.
Minimal Reporting
Belize IBCs have no audit requirements and limited annual filing obligations, reducing administrative burden and costs.
Privacy Score
Strong privacy, information protected by law
Belize IBCs benefit from the IBC Act's confidentiality provisions, with disclosure of company information to unauthorized parties being an offense. Beneficial ownership information is maintained by registered agents and accessible to authorities upon legitimate request, but is not publicly searchable. Bearer shares were abolished in 2017. Belize maintains stronger privacy than many modern IFCs.
Director Anonymity
Not filed on public register
Director details are maintained by the registered agent but are not filed on any public register in Belize. Only the Memorandum and Articles (without director names) are filed with the Registry. This provides strong director privacy compared to jurisdictions with public registers. Nominee director services are available. Score reflects genuinely private director information.
Beneficial Ownership
Maintained by registered agent, authority access
Beneficial ownership information must be maintained by the Belize registered agent and is accessible to competent authorities for law enforcement and tax purposes through proper legal channels. The information is not publicly available or searchable. This approach meets international standards while preserving meaningful privacy for legitimate structures.
Information Exchange
CRS/FATCA participant, automatic exchange
Belize participates in the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and has a FATCA agreement with the United States. Financial account information is automatically exchanged with partner jurisdictions. As a CFATF member, Belize adheres to international AML/CFT standards. Information exchange is effective but less extensive than larger financial centers.
Banking Acceptance
Moderate acceptance, enhanced due diligence possible
Belize IBCs are accepted by many international banks, though less universally than BVI or Cayman entities. EU Annex I listing may trigger enhanced due diligence at European banks. Banks in the Caribbean, Americas, and Asia generally service Belize companies. The jurisdiction's smaller profile means less familiarity at some institutions. Score reflects adequate but not premium acceptance.
Financial Reputation
Cost-effective option, EU blacklist affects perception
Belize is known as a cost-effective IBC jurisdiction, popular for holding companies and trading structures. However, the EU Annex I listing creates perception challenges with European counterparties. Belize is not on the FATF grey list. The financial sector is smaller than premier Caribbean IFCs. Score reflects the trade-off between affordability and reputation.
Currency Freedom
BZD pegged to USD, no exchange controls for IBCs
The Belize Dollar is pegged 2:1 to USD, providing currency stability. International Business Companies are exempt from exchange controls and can operate in any currency without restrictions. There are no capital controls or repatriation limitations for IBCs. Multi-currency banking is available through international banks serving the jurisdiction.
Banking Partnerships
Limited local banking, offshore banking required
Belize has a small domestic banking sector with limited international banking options onshore. Most Belize IBCs bank through international institutions in other jurisdictions such as Cayman, Bahamas, or Panama. This is typical for smaller IFCs but means additional banking arrangements are usually required. Correspondent banking relationships are more limited than major centers.
Regulatory Framework
English common law, established IBC framework
Belize operates under English common law, inherited from its history as British Honduras. The International Business Companies Act (Chapter 270) provides the corporate framework, with oversight from the Belize Financial Services Commission. The legal system, while functional, has fewer resources than larger jurisdictions. Appeals can reach the Caribbean Court of Justice or Privy Council.
OECD Compliance
Working toward full compliance
Belize has been working with the OECD Global Forum to improve its compliance status. The jurisdiction has made progress on transparency and exchange of information, though it has not achieved the 'Largely Compliant' rating of top-tier IFCs. Belize participates in peer review processes and continues to address recommendations.
EU Recognition
Listed on EU Annex I (blacklist)
Belize is currently listed on the EU Annex I list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. This listing relates to tax governance criteria and can affect transactions with EU entities, potentially requiring enhanced due diligence and triggering withholding provisions. Score of 4.5 reflects significant impact, though this is manageable for non-EU focused structures.
FATCA/CRS Compliance
Compliant with reporting standards
Belize has a FATCA agreement with the United States and participates in CRS automatic exchange. The Financial Intelligence Unit manages AML compliance. As a CFATF member, Belize adheres to regional anti-money laundering standards. Reporting infrastructure is functional though less sophisticated than major financial centers.
Incorporation Speed
1-2 business days, fast processing
Belize IBC incorporation is notably fast, typically completing in 1-2 business days. Same-day service is available. Minimal documentation is required: memorandum and articles, registered agent appointment, and KYC documents. The streamlined process is one of Belize's competitive advantages. This is among the fastest incorporation times globally.
Tax Efficiency
0% corporate tax, no capital gains tax
Belize IBCs enjoy zero corporate income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero withholding tax on dividends/interest/royalties, and zero inheritance tax. There is no stamp duty on share transfers. Only annual government fees and registered agent costs apply. Economic substance requirements are lighter than in some jurisdictions. This represents excellent tax efficiency.
Political Stability
Stable democracy, some economic challenges
Belize is a stable parliamentary democracy with peaceful transitions of power since independence in 1981. The country faces economic challenges including debt management and development needs, but political stability is maintained. As a Commonwealth member and CARICOM participant, institutional frameworks support governance. Political risk is moderate-low.
Legal System
English common law, Caribbean Court of Justice
Belize's legal system is based on English common law. The Supreme Court handles commercial matters with appeals to the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Caribbean Court of Justice (or Privy Council for some matters). The legal profession is smaller than major centers, with limited specialist offshore practitioners. The framework is adequate but resources are constrained.
Global Reputation
Cost-effective option, lower profile
Belize is known primarily as an affordable, privacy-focused IBC jurisdiction. It has a smaller international profile than BVI, Cayman, or Bahamas. The jurisdiction is popular for holding companies, forex trading, and e-commerce structures. Score reflects lower brand recognition offset by specific use-case popularity and cost advantages.
Treaty Network
Very limited treaty network
Belize has minimal Double Taxation Agreements—only a handful with Caribbean nations. The jurisdiction has Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) with various countries. For businesses requiring DTA benefits to reduce withholding taxes, Belize is not suitable. Score reflects this significant limitation for treaty-dependent structures.
Trade Relations
CARICOM member, Central American ties
Belize is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and has trade relationships with Central American neighbors. Its unique position straddling Caribbean and Central American spheres provides some trade access. For active trading companies, Belize offers limited advantages compared to Singapore or EU members, but more than pure holding jurisdictions.
Diplomatic Status
Independent Commonwealth nation
Belize is an independent nation (since 1981) and Commonwealth member with full diplomatic capacity. The country maintains relationships with major economies and participates in international organizations. However, its small size limits diplomatic influence. The relationship with neighboring Guatemala (territorial claim) is an ongoing diplomatic issue being resolved peacefully.
Belize Corporate Services
Complete Belize corporate services from IBC formation to ongoing compliance. We manage every aspect of your Belize International Business Company.
Company Formation
Establish your Belize International Business Company through the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). Fast incorporation with streamlined documentation requirements.
Complete Belize IBC incorporation through the IFSC. We prepare all documentation, handle government filings, and provide your corporate kit ready for business operations.
Mandatory Belize registered agent with professional Belize City address. All government correspondence and statutory communications managed on your behalf.
Access international banking partners for your Belize IBC. We prepare applications, compile KYC documentation, and facilitate the account opening process.
Compliance & Filing
Maintain full compliance with Belize IFSC requirements. We manage annual filings, government fees, and regulatory obligations to keep your IBC in good standing.
Comprehensive annual compliance management including deadline tracking, government fee payments, and good standing maintenance with Belize IFSC.
Preparation and payment of annual fees to the Belize IFSC. We handle timely renewal to maintain your company's active status and good standing.
Management of beneficial ownership information as required by Belize regulations. Proper maintenance through licensed registered agents.
Professional bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliation, and financial record maintenance meeting international standards.
Document Retrieval
Obtain official corporate documents from Belize authorities. Fast processing with authentication and apostille services available.
Official document confirming current directors, shareholders, and registered office. Verifies corporate structure for banking and commercial purposes. Apostille available.
Confirms your Belize IBC is active with no outstanding fees. Essential for banking relationships and international transactions. Apostille available.
Certified copy of your original incorporation certificate from the Belize IFSC. Apostille available for international recognition.
Corporate Administration
Professional Belize company administration and nominee services. Maintain proper governance with qualified professionals managing your entity requirements.
Professional nominee director services with appropriate documentation and indemnity arrangements. Maintains confidentiality while meeting Belize corporate requirements.
Nominee shareholder services with declaration of trust arrangements. Handles all shareholder responsibilities while protecting beneficial owner information.
Complete corporate secretarial support including board minutes, shareholder resolutions, statutory register maintenance, and document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information about Belize as a jurisdiction for international business
Belize operates under English common law, a legacy of its history as British Honduras. The Supreme Court handles commercial matters, with the Caribbean Court of Justice serving as the final appellate body. This common law foundation provides familiar corporate law principles for international business while the English language simplifies documentation.
Belize International Business Companies are exempt from all local taxation on income derived from outside Belize. There is no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, or stamp duty for qualifying IBCs. Only annual government license fees apply. This tax exemption is guaranteed for the life of the company under Belize law.
Belize is currently listed on the EU Annex I (blacklist) for certain tax governance criteria, which may trigger enhanced due diligence with European counterparties. Belize is not on the FATF grey list. The jurisdiction continues working with international bodies to address listing criteria while maintaining its offshore financial services sector.
The International Business Company (IBC) is the primary vehicle for international business in Belize, governed by the International Business Companies Act. IBCs offer flexibility with no minimum capital requirement, ability to issue bearer shares (though immobilized), and simple corporate structure. Limited Liability Companies, trusts, and foundations are also available.
Belize maintains beneficial ownership information with registered agents, accessible to authorities upon legitimate request but not publicly disclosed. Director and shareholder information is not filed on any public register. Bearer shares, while still issuable, must be held by a custodian. This framework provides privacy within modern compliance standards.
Yes, non-residents can own 100% of a Belize IBC with no local ownership or director requirements. There is no minimum capital requirement, and shares can be issued in any currency. The company can be managed entirely from abroad, and there are no restrictions on the nationality of directors or shareholders.
Belize offers one of the most cost-effective offshore incorporation options with relatively low government fees and straightforward annual compliance. The English-speaking environment, simple formation process, and minimal ongoing requirements make it accessible for entrepreneurs. The jurisdiction is particularly popular for holding companies, e-commerce, and consulting businesses.
Explore Belize Structures
Considering an English-speaking Central American base? Let's discuss how Belize's IBC and trust frameworks align with your requirements.
