Belize Overview

Belize is a country situated in Central America. Guatemala lies to the south and to the west. Mexico lies to the north and the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. When it was still under British rule, Belize was named the British Honduras. It was renamed Belize in 1973. It gained its independence on the 21st September 1981.

It is the only country in Central America where English is the official language as it was a former British Colony, however English is not the first language of the majority of the population. Other languages spoken are Belize Kriol, Spanish and various Maya dialects.

Belize Entities are an excellent vehicle for International Financial Transactions and Trading Companies. Belize Entities are widely favoured to act ads Holding companies for trusts and Foundation and can also hold assets such as aircraft’s, ships, and other movable properties.

Belize IBC Companies Key Facts

• It takes approximately 1- 2 days to incorporate a company with a requested name.
• There is no income tax in Belize. No tax is applicable on foreign profits.
• The minimum authorised share capital is US$1.00 however the optimum authorised share capital is $50,000, which attracts the minimum state duty. This minimum issued share capital is the same as the authorised share capital or less.
• The standard currency is the United States Dollar, but any other convertible currencies are permitted.
• Minimum paid up share capital is not required.
• The minimum number of Shareholders is 1.
• A Register of Shareholders must be kept by the Registered Agent. The Register of Shareholders is not available on public record.
• Meetings of Shareholders can take place anywhere in the world. Meetings of Shareholders can also take place by proxy.
• Bearer shares are NOT permitted
• The minimum number of Directors is 1. Corporate Directors are allowed.
• Meetings of Directors can take place anywhere in the world. Meetings of Directors can also take place by proxy.
• A Register of Directors must be kept by the Registered Agent. The Register of Directors is not available on public record.
• The appointment of a Company Secretary is not required.
• There is no requirement to file annual returns for Belize IBCs.
• Filing accounts and auditing of companies are not required in Belize however you must maintain financial records of all transactions internally to determine the financial position of the company at all times.
• Company Seals are compulsory and an imprint of the company seal must be retained by the Registered Agent.
• Beneficial owners are not disclosed to the Registrar.
• Corporate Minutes and Resolutions must be kept by the Registered Agent.
• Continuation/migration of IBCs to or from Belize is permitted.