Belize Offshore
- Registration
- €1,500
- From year two
- €1,100 / year
Legislation
The International Business Companies Act (IBC Act) was introduced in 1990 to provide competitive offshore legislation for Belize international companies; it was subsequently amended to reflect the changes needed to ensure efficient offshore services in Belize.
Registration
- An international company can be registered in Belize within a few days.
Flexible company structure
- There is no requirement to have a company secretary.
- Only one director or shareholder is required to form a company.
- The shareholder(s) and director(s) may be the same person.
- The shareholder(s) and director(s) may be an individual or a legal entity.
- There is no need to appoint a local resident as director or shareholder.
Information on the identity of the beneficial owner
The documents of a Belize international company do not contain the names of the director or shareholder.
The names of these persons do not appear in any public record.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is guaranteed to the shareholder(s) and/or director(s).
Shares and charter requirements
- The share register of a Belize corporation must be kept anywhere in the world and be accessible to shareholders;
- Shares may be issued with or without par value;
- Shares may be issued in any recognised currency;
- Shares may be paid for in cash or with other assets.
- Bearer shares are issued.
- The standard authorised share capital is 50 000 USD or the equivalent in another recognised currency. At least one share must be issued, and it must be fully paid.
Meetings of shareholder(s) and director(s)
There is no requirement for meetings of shareholder(s) and/or director(s)
If meetings of shareholder(s) and/or director(s) are desired, they can be held by telephone or any other electronic means of communication, provided that all participants can hear each other well.
If a meeting needs to be held, it can be held anywhere in the world.
Belize taxation of international company profits
Under the IBC Act 1990, offshore companies are exempt from all taxes and government duties.
Annual financial statements and meetings
An offshore company does not file reports with any authorities.
If the shareholders or directors decide to keep such records, they can be kept anywhere in the world.
If any of the directors or shareholders consider it necessary to hold a meeting, it can be held anywhere in the world.
Doing business with resident companies and residents of Belize
A Belize offshore company is prohibited from doing business with resident companies or citizens of Belize, except in the following situations:
- If the offshore company requires the services of a local lawyer, accountant, secretary, trust company or other individuals or legal entities providing assistance within Belize.
- If records are kept or stored within Belize (if it has been decided to keep and store such records).
- If the directors or shareholders wish to hold a meeting in Belize.
- If there is an office lease agreement for holding meetings of directors or shareholders and storing records there (if you so decide)
- Keeping promissory notes, shares, securities or other valuables belonging to the Belize offshore company in Belize.
Types of business activity outside Belize
Belize international companies face no restrictions on conducting any lawful business and investment activity whatsoever, except for banking, insurance or trust business, which require a special licence.
Company registration timeframe: Shelf companies are always available; registering a new company takes 1 month.