Belize Company Incorporations - Guidance

The IBC Act was introduced in 1990 to implement competitive offshore legislation for Belize IBC's which was subsequently amended to reflect the changes required to provide efficient Belize offshore services.

Can you re domicile to Belize?

Yes.

How long does it take?

Belize incorporation is very efficient and a Belize IBC can be incorporated in two days.

What are the rules on Confidentiality?

The documents for Belize offshore Incorporation do not carry the name or identity of any shareholder or director. The names or identities of these persons do not appear in any public record.

Shareholder(s) and/or director(s) nominee services are allowed to ensure confidentiality.

Share Capital

  • Shares may be issued in any recognizable currency. The minimum paid in and issued capital may be one share which is fully paid.
  • Shares may be paid up in cash or through the transfer of other assets or for other consideration.
  • The bearer shares may be issued.
  • Shares can be issued with or without par value.
  • The register of the shares of Belize corporations must be kept up to date anywhere in the world as per directors' decision and make it available for inspection by the shareholders.
  • The standard share capital is US$50,000 or an equivalent in another recognizable currency.

Shareholders and Directors

  • There is no requirement for meetings of shareholder(s) and/or director(s).
  • If meetings of shareholder(s) and/or director(s) are desirable these meetings can be held by telephone or any other electronic means of communication providing that all participants can clearly hear each other.
  • Meetings, if thought necessary, can be held anywhere in the world.
  • There is no requirement for a secretary, resident or otherwise.
  • Only one director or shareholder is required for the company formation.
  • Shareholder(s) and director(s) may be the same person.
  • The shareholder(s) and director(s) can be a natural person or a corporate body.
  • There is no requirement for appointing local shareholder(s) and director(s).

Taxation on IBC Profits

The IBC Act of 1990 - offshore companies are exempted from all taxes and stamp duties.

Financial statements and other records

  • There is no requirement for any financial statements, accounts or records to be kept for a Belize IBC.
  • IBC records and accounts do not have to be held or filed with the authorities. If the shareholders, directors or officers decide to maintain such records or accounts, these may be held anywhere in the world.
  • If it is found to be desirable or necessary by the director(s) or shareholder(s) these records may be held anywhere in the world.

Doing business with Belizean companies and residents

Belize IBC is restricted from doing business with Belizean residents or Belize corporations except where:

  • It makes or maintains professional contact with solicitors, barristers, accountants, bookkeepers, trust companies, management or secretarial companies, investment advisors, or other similar persons or entities carrying on business within Belize.
  • It prepares or maintains books and records within Belize (if it decides to keep such books and records).
  • It holds within Belize, meetings of its directors or members (if it so desires).
  • It holds a lease on property for use as an office from which to communicate with members or where books and records of the company are prepared or maintained (if so decided).
  • It holds debts obligations, shares or other securities in a Belize IBC or any other locally incorporated Belizean corporation.
  • Shares, debt obligations or other securities; in the company are owned by any person resident in Belize or by any Belizean IBC or any other locally incorporated company.

Business activities outside Belize

There are no restrictions for Belizean IBCs to carry on any legitimate business and investment activity whatsoever, with the exception of bank, insurance or trust businesses which require a special license.