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Belize Company Registration

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See detailed price list for belize

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a captivating Central American gem nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. The country has a population of 400,000. Belize’s local currency is the Belizean dollar, tightly linked to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of $2.00 BZ to $1.00 US. Both Belizean and US currencies are widely accepted throughout the country. Not only is Belize a tropical paradise covered in lush forests providing breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, but it is also a sought-after destination for company registration. The nation presents numerous tax advantages for offshore companies, making Belize company registration a strategic option. Explore SFM's services to streamline the process of company registration in Belize.

5 simple steps are needed to incorporate your company in Belize

 
Complete our application form - Belize
Complete our order form and make the payment for your chosen services. You will then be assigned a client manager to assist you through the incorporation process.
 
Upload your documents
Your account manager will ask you for official documents which are required for your company formation.
 
Incorporate your company successfully
Once your documents have been processed your company will be successfully incorporated subject to local authority approval.
 
Process any additional services
Your account manager will guide you through the steps of completing your request of additional services such as bank accounts.
 
Manage Your company via our client portal
Our client portal will give you immediate access to all your documents as well as display your company structure.
 
 

Belize Offshore Banking Options

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Belize Offshore Company Formation

Good to Know
Belize is the first offshore jurisdiction in Central America, partly thanks to its fast registry which allows incorporation in 24 hours.

Main Characteristics of a Belize Offshore Company

Company type
Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Governing corporate legislation
The Belize Financial Service Commission is the governing authority and LLCs are regulated under the LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES ACT, 2011 and any amendments thereto.
Information published relating to company officers
There is no public register of company officers. Managers, Members and Ultimate Beneficial Owners are filed with the LLC Registry after a 2023 amendment. Additionally, an Annual Attestation must be filed providing information on the current status of the Managers, Members and UBOs.
Accounting requirement
LLCs incorporated in Belize are required to maintain the accounting records for the last 5 Financial Years at the Registered Office’s address.
Taxation
According to the Belize International Limited Liability Companies (Amendment) Act, 2023, an LLC in Belize is required to pay taxes and file annual tax returns.
Taxation rates vary from 0% to 19% depending on which activities the revenue comes from.
Legislation
Modern legislation accessible by both residents and non-residents. Flexible with asset protection provisions.
Standard currency
US$
Time to form
Belize has a fast and efficient registry: company registration takes only 1-2 days (upon validation of your identification documents).
Stability
Stable jurisdiction with a very good reputation.
Communication
Efficient communication means.
Time zone
Convenient world time zone: GMT-6
Secretary required
No
Paid up capital requirement
No paid up capital requirement.
Renewal Date
Anniversary date of the company / Each Year
Basis of legal System
Under Common Law.
Minimum managers/members
Minimum of 1 manager/member who may be the same person and may be a legal entity. The LLC may be manager-managed or member-managed.
Bearer shares
Bearer instruments are not permitted and the ultimate beneficial owners must be identified.
Documents Required
for the Creation of a Belize Company
A certified copy Certification of a passport can be made by a notary, an attorney-at-law, a bank, a public officer, or in accordance with SFM indications. Kindly consult your dedicated account manager at SFM to obtain precise information. of your passport, a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months, a curriculum vitae, as well as last 3 months' bank statement. All in original.**






Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore Company Formation in Belize

  • What is the difference between an International Business Company (IBC) and a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize?

    • The owners of an IBC are known as “shareholders” whose ownership percentages reflect the number of shares they own.
      It is relatively easy for a corporation to authorize additional shares, or for shareholders to transfer their shares to someone else.
    • The owners of an LLC are called “members”. Each member owns a percentage, or “membership interest” in the business.
      The ownership of an LLC is outlined in the operating agreement—other details include the percentage each member owns, how the business is run, and how the company will deal with a new or departing member. Without an operating agreement, the LLC operates according to the International Limited Liabilities Act.
  • Is there any obligation to file accounts while registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize?

    Yes, accounting records must be kept in Belize or the location where accounts are kept must be declared.
  • Do you assist to register an International Business Company (IBC) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize?

    Generally speaking, we assist in registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize.
    However, if you are interested in registering an IBC in Belize, we recommend you to contact us and our team will assist you accordingly.
  • Do I need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for my Belize Offshore Company?

    Following the adoption of the Economic Substance Act, IBC companies incorporated in Belize need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Belize International Corporate Affairs Registry. However, if you setup your company as an LLC, then a TIN number is not required in Belize.
  • Will my Limited Liability Company (LLC) be subject to Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) in Belize?

    The Economic Substance Act, was enacted to ensure improved provisions for substantial economic presence to be fulfilled by IBC companies that are registered and/or conduct business in Belize. However, if you setup your company as an LLC, then your company is not subject to ESR requirements in Belize.
  • Will my liability be limited if I register my company as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize?

    An LLC limits the liability of its members to the extent of the contributions made by them to the Company.
  • Do I need to travel at any stage to form a company or to open a bank account in Belize?

    No, everything can be processed remotely.
  •  
  • Do I need to open a bank account in Belize?

    In general, a Belize bank account is not required to register your company.
  • How do I register a company in Belize? How long does it take to open a company in Belize?

    A Belize company registration is a very swift process, which usually takes no more than a couple of days. If you’re looking for a jurisdiction where your new business can be set up very quickly, Belize could be the ideal match for you.
  • What are the costs of registering a company in Belize?

    Belize company registration fees can vary based on the type of business you wish to set up (IBC, LLC, etc.). And since Belize companies are required to have a registered agent with a physical address on site, the need of working with a corporare service provider such as SFM is crucial. At SFM, we believe in providing personalized support to help our clients get all the assistance they need without any unnecessary additions. Let us know how we can create the ideal experience for you and your business.
  • Will my company be subject to taxes if I setup my company in Belize?

    Yes, LLCs in Belize are required to file tax returns every year.
  • Is there any obligation to file accounts while registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Belize?

    Yes, accounting records must be kept in Belize at the Registered Office’s address.
  • Do I need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for my Belize Offshore Company?

    Yes, it is necessary to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for your Belize Offshore LLC Company. This identification number is required for fulfilling tax obligations, including paying taxes and filing annual tax returns. It ensures compliance with tax regulations and facilitates proper documentation and reporting of financial activities.


Belize Offshore Jurisdiction News


European Council: Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles and Turks and Caicos Islands removed from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes

28 February 2024
On 20th February 2024, the European Union (EU) made significant updates to its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, notably removing Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles, and Turks and Caicos Islands from the list. [..]

Enactment of the Belize Companies Act, 2022

26 September 2022
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize announced the passage of the Belize Companies Act, 2022 (No. 11 of 2022) (the Act). The Act is now law, however, only its administrative provisions are currently in force.[..]

Top 4 Best Offshore Bank Account Jurisdictions

25 May 2021
When it comes to setting up a business there are lots of things you need to consider, including choosing the right banking jurisdiction[..]



* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.

Our Client Reviews

Our Testimonials Are Verified By Feefo, A Third Party Company

4+ out of 5 stars customer rating
Overall Rating
96% Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com
07-Nov-2024
Mrs. Madina is great. REally helpful
16-Oct-2024
Helpful, proactive and good communication and very fast delivery of the requested service. Excellent!
26-Sep-2024
It was really a professional service
18-Sep-2024
Brilliant assistance, always swift and professional replies, generally speaking... happy with SFM
09-Aug-2024
I was particularly well received by Christelle, the Managing Partner of the Dubai branch. SFM demonstrated great agility in their quotation process, which was crucial as I was leading a nascent structure in Dubai. The support provided during the administrative procedures for establishing my company in the UAE, along with the responsiveness of the service—especially from one of their team members, Oksana—truly reassured me and gave me confidence during a stressful period of establishing a professional presence abroad. I highly recommend SFM to any professional looking to set up in the UAE or even just to benefit from their advice.
02-Aug-2024
The service renderade was proactive, engaged and well excecuted.

Why choose Belize for Your Company Registration?

Why choose Belize to register your company? Belize offers a favorable business environment and significant tax benefits. The country offers a straightforward and efficient registration process, which allows companies to establish themselves quickly.

Advantageous Taxation System

In terms of tax, it is important to know that Belize has implemented a favorable corporate income tax system applicable to IBCs and LLCs for an income tax rate between 1.75% and 3%.

Stable Legal System

The legal system is based on English common law, providing stability and predictability.

High Level of Privacy

Companies in Belize benefit from an extremely high level of confidentiality. Confidentiality is prioritized, as Belize does not disclose company information publicly, enhancing privacy for businesses, however, company information and accounting records are to be submitted and maintained at a registered agent office in Belize.

Strategic Location

Additionally, Belize boasts a strategic location in the Caribbean and the Americas. Its geographical proximity to the United States is a notable asset. The country offers access to global markets and a diverse range of business opportunities. The government actively encourages foreign investment. The cost of maintaining a company in Belize is relatively low. Overall, the combination of low tax advantages, legal stability, and a business-friendly environment makes Belize an appealing choice for company registration.

Business-Friendly Environment

A fast set-up: under normal circumstances, an IBC or an LLC can be registered in Belize in no more than two working days.

A Belize-registered Company offers advantages for various purposes, including but not limited to: business ventures, consultancy and counseling services, real estate holding, e-commerce activities, and facilitation of expatriates' financial matters. Additionally, it serves as an optimal solution for inheritance planning.


Belize Company Registration with SFM: A Quick and Efficient Process

Belize distinguishes itself as a prominent offshore jurisdiction in Central America, largely due to its swift registration process. A Belize company registration can be done within 24 - 48 hours, in just a few simple steps:

  1. Complete the application form for Belize
  2. Fill in SFM application form for Belize. After the payment is made, you will be assigned an SFM designated account manager to help you and answer all of your questions through the incorporation process.
  3. Upload the required documents
  4. Once your documents have been properly processed, our compliance team will verify the documents and validate them for submission to Belize Registrar. Following our submission, the company will be successfully registered, subject to approval by the local authorities.
  5. Manage your company via SFM’s client portal
  6. On your client portal, you will find all your company’s documents easily accessible on your phone through our application.


Characteristics of a Company in Belize

What are the types of companies in Belize and what are their characteristics?

The International Business Companies (IBC) Act

In 1990, the International Business Companies (IBC) Act was created in Belize. The IBC status attracts many international companies. Its benefits include:

  • Keeping accounting records and filing for an IBC is mandatory. With an IBC, you can also open bank accounts almost anywhere in the world, provided it complies with the relevant legislation;
  • Belize IBC company information is not disclosed publicly;
  • Flexibility of company structure;
  • No secretarial requirements;
  • Only one manager or shareholder is required for the creation of the company; The shareholder and the manager may be one and the same person;

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Belize Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers numerous advantages, such as favorable tax system , limited liability for members, asset protection, and privacy:

  • The registration process is swift, requiring only one member with no minimum authorized capital. Foreign entities and individuals worldwide can be members;
  • The information of the company members is not disclosed publicly however it is submitted to the registrar and kept at the registered agent address;
  • Annual meetings, accounting and filing are obligatory and therefore company records are to be kept at the registered agent address.
  • Registering a Belize LLC is efficient, typically taking two business days or less.

At SFM, we’re here to make your Belize company registration successful. Our team helps you leverage all the benefits the jurisdiction has to offer and launch your new venture with complete peace of mind. From putting your application together to opening a bank account for your new business, we can be with you every step of the way. And if you’re unsure whether Belize is the right match or if a USA company registration would work better for your project, we can help with that too!

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