An excellent Latin America and the Caribbean option for international trade.
IBC free from any tax to the Government
Meetings of Directors held anywhere
Bookkeeping not mandatory
Why Register a company with us?
Looking to Open a Company? We make incorporating a company as easy as possible, so you can focus on the important things.
We have a full suite of startup services, like banking, bookkeeping and tax planning consultancy, which means Eurofinanzza not only helps you get started, but supports you in your continued success as your one-stop shop. Start your Company set up today!
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business
We’ve taken the complexity out of forming your business company. Our online form can be completed in less than 10 minutes.
We take care of the
paperwork
Based on the information you provide, we prepare all required documents and file them directly to the appropriate entity.
Receive your
documents
Once your incorporation documents have been approved by the state, you’ll receive your completed company package by email.
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How To Register Offshore Company in Belize?
Belize (formerly British Honduras) is a scenically beautiful, independent country located on the Caribbean seaboard of Central America. Belize has an area of approximately 23,026 sq. km and is bounded by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.
Belize became a British Crown Colony in 1862 and became independent in 1981. Belize is now a parliamentary democracy.
The government of Belize is fully committed to the ongoing development of Belize as a leading offshore jurisdiction. Through regular consultations with the private sector, the government ensures that its policies and legislation continue to meet the needs and interests of the international financial community in an environment that engenders trust and confidence. It clears the way for the company set up in Belize.
The Belize International Business Company (IBC) is the most popular form of offshore corporate structure. It allows you to open offshore company in Belize.
International Business Corporation (IBC)
The Companies Act of 1990 is law based in modern legislation which provides IBC Companies with extended privileges and guarantees absolute confidentiality. The Act was patterned after the best features of legislation adopted in other “Offshore” jurisdictions.
A Belize IBC incorporated in Belize must have a registered office and agent in Belize. An IBC may not actively engage in business or trade in Belize. It can maintain a staff and facilities and conduct business incidental to its existence.
The features of the IBC make it an excellent vehicle. It is designed for the international flow of capital, tax planning, real estate holdings, international financing, asset protection and investment. So, you can plan for offshore company formation in Belize.
Key Corporate Features
General
- Type of Company – IBC
- Type of Law – Common
- Shelf company availability – Yes
- Time to establish a new company – 1 day
- Minimum government fees (excluding taxation) – US$200
- Corporate Taxation – Nil
- Double Taxation Treaty Access – No
Share capital or equivalent
- Standard currency – US$
- Permitted currencies – Any
- Minimum paid up – No minimum required
- Usual authorized – US$50,000
Directors
- Minimum number – One
- Local required – No
- Corporate Directors Permitted – Yes
- Publicly accessible records – No
- Location of meetings – Anywhere
Shareholders
- Minimum number – One
- Publicly accessible records – No
- Location of meetings – Anywhere
Company Secretary
- Required – Optional
- Local or qualified – No
Accounts
- Requirements to prepare – Yes
- Audit requirements – No
- Requirements to file accounts – No
- Publicly accessible accounts – No
Other
- Requirement to file annual return – No
- Change on domicile permitted – Yes
Compliance
Authorized Shared Capital
Classes of shares permitted
Registered shares, shares of no-par value, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights; bearer shares no longer permitted.
Bearer shares prohibited
New amendments have been made to the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011. In accordance to the Act, the amendments and new provisions passed on July 21st, 2017 are set out as follows:
Bearer Shares Prohibited – The company is prohibited by this or any other enactment from issuing bearer shares, and that the company is not authorized to (a) issue bearer shares; (b) convert registered shares to bearer shares; or (c) exchange registered shares for bearer shares. Issuance of bearer shares in an international business company is now prohibited.
Taxation
Double Taxation Agreement
In 2010, aiming to be removed from the OECD grey list, Belize signed tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) with the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Portugal. Since then, Belize has signed TIEAs with Mexico (2011) and Poland (2013).
Government License Fee
Financial Statement Requirements to set up an offshore company in Belize
Following the weaknesses identified by the OECD in relation to the regulatory framework of certain offshore jurisdictions, the relevant amendments were introduced in the legislations of Belize, BVI and the Seychelles whereby proper accounting records must be kept for all companies registered in this jurisdiction.
As per the Accounting Records (Maintenance) Act No. 18 of 2013, all Belize Companies to keep accounting/ transaction records for a period of at least five (5) years. There is no requirement of submission of such records to any Belize authority but upon request such records must be available at all times.
Based on the location where the accounting records of each company are held, such company shall provide to its “Registered Agent” a written record of the physical address of the location and notify of any change on the location of the records and underlying documentation within fourteen (14) days from the change.
Any Belize Company that fails to comply with these requirements will be liable to be struck off from the registry and/or a fine not exceeding US$10,000. In addition, the certificate of incorporation or the license of such entity may be revoked by the relevant authority.
Directors
The minimum number of directors is one. Directors may be natural persons or bodies corporate. They can be of any nationality and need not be Belize residents. Directors’ names are not required to be filed with Belizean registrar of Companies. This makes it easy to register a company in Belize.
Company Secretary
Shareholders
The minimum number of shareholders is one. Shareholder’ names are not required to be filed with Belizean registrar of Companies.
We can help you to open a company in Belize. Get in touch with us.
Legislative Changes Impacting Belize IBCs
We wish to update you on key legislative changes in Belize that directly affect International Business Companies (IBCs). These
revisions have reclassified IBCs as Business Companies (BCs), introducing new legal frameworks and obligations, especially in
areas such as business taxes, economic substance requirements, and changes to company fees.
Summary of Key Changes
Shift from IBCs to Business Companies (BCs)
In January 2019, Belize amended the International Business Companies Act, eliminating the preferential tax advantages previously enjoyed by offshore entities. This reform aligns Belize's regulations with international standards set by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), focusing on eliminating harmful tax practices.
Introduction of Economic Substance (ES) Regulations
In January 2020, Belize enacted new Economic Substance rules that apply to Business Companies (BCs). These regulations impose the following requirements:
Companies must demonstrate a significant economic presence in Belize.
They must conduct core income-generating activities (CIGA) within the country.
They are required to maintain sufficient personnel, physical premises, and operational expenditures proportional to the size and nature of their business.
ES Reporting Requirements
BCs must submit an Annual Economic Substance Report to comply with these regulations. The Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC) has released the official Economic Substance Forms (B, C, and D), which must be completed and filed within nine months after the conclusion of the company’s fiscal year to verify compliance with the ES rules.
Exemptions from ES Reporting
Certain companies are exempt from filing Economic Substance reports, including:
Companies not involved in any relevant activities.
Non-resident companies.
Pure holding companies, provided they do not engage in significant business operations in Belize.
However, businesses participating in relevant activities such as banking, insurance, or intellectual property management are required to comply with these regulations and submit the necessary reports.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet the Economic Substance requirements can result in:
Substantial penalties or fines.
Potential removal from the company registry.
Legal and reputational risks for the company and its directors or stakeholders.
How We Can Assist You
Our team specializes in helping your company stay compliant with all applicable regulations, including:
Preparation and submission of Economic Substance Reports.
Assistance with business tax filings.
Guidance on resolving compliance issues and restoring company status.
For any questions or further assistance with these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to offer the support
you need.
Register your Company today!
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