Company Registration in Belize– An Overview

Aspect Details
Fees The cost for Belize company formation starts from $2500
Timeline It usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks for company registration in Belize.
Benefits

Benefits of company registration in Belize for foreigners are as follows:

  • Tax Benefits
  • Tax Haven
  • Ease of Doing Business
  • Strategic Location
  • Skilled Workforce
  • Privacy
  • Startup friendly
Types of Structures

Types of business structures for Belize company formation are as follows:

  • International Business Company (IBC)
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • International Trust
  • International foundation
  • Sole Proprietorship
Documents Required

Documents required for company registration in Belize for foreigners are as follows:

  • Approved company name as per the BCCAR guidelines
  • Principal Address of Company members
  • Details of shareholders - Identification proof and share allocation
  • Social Security, Passport copies, and other valid Identification proofs
  • Important information of director and managers
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA)
  • Articles of Association (AoA)
  • Details of bank account
  • Necessary business licenses and permits
  • Other necessary documents (if any)
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Some of the top businesses for foreign entrepreneurs applying for company registration in Belize are as follows:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Business
  • Healthcare Service Business
  • Retail Business
  • Fashion and Cosmetic Business
  • Agriculture Business
  • Consulting Business
  • Real Estate Business
  • Financial Service Business
  • Food and Beverage
  • Franchise Business
Procedure

The procedure for company registration in Belize is as follows:

  • Choose a Unique Company Name
  • Choose a suitable Business Structure
  • Preparation of necessary documents
  • Filing of Applications
  • Issuance of Certificate of Registration in Belize
Why global entrepreneurs consider us for Belize business registration?

Given below are the reasons why global entrepreneurs prefer us for Belize business registration-

  • 10+ Years of Experience in Consulting for Online Company Registration in Belize
  • 100% Transparency in Fees, No Hidden Costs
  • 24/7 Dedicated Support Services for Business Setup in Belize
  • End-to-end Assistance in Company Registration in Belize
  • Help you understand the Tax Benefits for Business in Belize
  • Guaranteed Continuous Post-Registration Assistance
  • Expert Aid in Belize offshore company formation

Start a Business in Belize with Enterslice Consultants

Let our Enterslice consultants help you start a business in Belize and offer endless profitable business opportunities for you.

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Understanding Company Registration in Belize for Foreigners

Company registration in Belize is an excellent choice for foreigners because it is considered a tax haven. The country offers various tax exemptions and incentives. It has strategic locations and a diverse consumer market. The best part of company registration in Belize is the country’s legal rules about privacy and asset protection.

Are you tired and bored because of the complex process of foreign business setup in Belize? Don’t worry because we’ve got your back here at Enterslice. Let our consultants at Enterslice help you kickstart your Business.

Low Corporate Tax Tate Slabs (1.75% - 19%)

Tax Haven

Start-up Friendly Environment

Flexible International Business Laws

Less Paperwork

Youth Population (27% of Total Population)

No Capital Gains Tax

Independent Country Near Mexico

Types of Structures for Business Setup in Belize

Setting up business structures for business setup in Belize offers unique features, benefits, and flexibility to entrepreneurs looking to cater for their specific business needs. Take a look at the below-mentioned different types of structures for Belize company incorporation.

ibc

International Business Company (IBC)

It’s a private company formed as per the Belize rules and regulations. The International Business Companies are exempt from capital gains tax and all local taxes. The names of directors and shareholders don’t appear on any public documents. There’s no minimum paid-up capital requirement for this type of business structure. Primarily used for international trade and asset protection. This type of structure is mostly recommended to global entrepreneurs.

llc

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited Liability Company is owned by its members. It is in between a partnership and a company. The members are solely responsible for their liabilities. It is a flexible business structure regulated under the Belize International Limited Liability Companies Act (2011).

llp

Limited Liability Partnership

Each partner of this business structure has limited personal liability for debts of the partnership. Partners aren’t held responsible for other partners. This business structure is open to all Belizean citizens, permanent residents of Belize, and non-resident foreigners.

International Trusts

International Trusts

International Trusts are known as one of the most famous asset protection structures available on the international market. It is good for global entrepreneurs who want to safeguard their wealth against lawsuits, creditors, or any other financial risks. The applicant can only incorporate an International Trust with the help of a Licensed Registered Agent. The Trust Act of Belize, 1992 governs this type of business structure.

An International Foundation

An International Foundation

The entrepreneurs forming this type of business structure are mostly foreigners who don’t reside in Belize. Nor do they own any land in Belize except for an office, which is used for the administration of the foundation. Just like an international trust, the applicant can only incorporate an International Trust with the help of a Licensed Registered Agent.

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship

This type of business structure is run by a single entrepreneur. The sole proprietor is responsible for all assets and liabilities. It is an unlimited liability business type.

Process for Belize Business Registration

Before starting a business in Belize, understanding the process is essential. The steps for Belize business registration are as follows:

Choose a Business Structure

The applicants must select the best suited business structure as per their individual preferences for Belize company incorporation.

Choose a Unique Company Name

The next step for applicants is to choose a unique company name for business name registration in Belize that is best suited for their business goals with the Belize Companies & Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR) as per their rules and regulations.

Preparation of Documents

The next step requires the applicants to prepare and submit all the necessary documents, such as identification proofs, the company constitution, and shareholder details.

Application Filing with BCCAR

The applicants must file an online application for company registration with the Online Business Registry System (OBRS) portal of the BCCAR. All Foreigners without a Social Security ID must utilize the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to register a Business Entity in Belize.

Issuance of Certificate of Registration by BCCAR

After the submission of the documents and registration fees, the BCCAR issues a certificate of registration, officially incorporating the company in Belize.

Timeline for Belize Company Formation

The process for Belize company formation takes around 1 to 2 weeks, which depends upon additional approvals and banking requirements as follows:

Name Approval: 1 to 2 days

It usually takes around 1 to 2 working days to obtain approval from the BCCAR. The applicants also have a name reservation option, which they can access through the OBRS portal. Reservation for up to 10 days is free of cost. However, the applicant can make a reservation for up to 90 days for a fee.

Document Preparation: 2 to 3 days

The time to prepare and submit the company incorporation documents like the company constitution, director, and shareholders details takes around 2 to 3 working days.

BCCAR Submission: 1 to 3 days

It takes around 1 to 3 working days to process the incorporation application, depending upon other approvals.

Incorporation Approval: 2 to 3 days

The BCCAR usually validates and approves the registration within 2 to 3 working days if all the documents meet the statutory requirements as prescribed by the Belizean laws.

Post- Incorporation Process: No specific time limit

There’s no specific time limit for post-incorporation processes, such as opening a bank account, obtaining various licenses and permits, and registration for tax purposes.

Documents Required for Foreign Company Registration in Belize

The list of documents required for foreign company registration in Belize are mentioned below-

Approved company name as per the BCCAR guidelines

Principal Address of Company members

Details of shareholders - Identification proof and share allocation

Social Security, Passport copies, and other valid Identification proofs

Important information of director and managers

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Articles of Association (AoA)

Details of bank account

Necessary business licenses and permits

Other necessary documents (if any)

Can a Non-Resident Start a Business in Belize?

Yes, Foreigners without a Social Security ID can start a business in Belize by using the services of a Registered Licensed Agent to register a Business Entity in Belize. The investor-friendly business environment of Belize welcomes foreign company registration in Belize, allowing 100% foreign ownership after proper compliance with the statutory obligations of the law. Following are some key points for company registration in Belize for foreigners.

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100% Foreign Ownership Allowed

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99% Success Rate

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A Local Registered Agent is a Must

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Register from Anywhere

Benefits of Online Company Registration in Belize

Online company registration in Belize offers several benefits to entrepreneurs. The key benefits of Belize company formation are as follows:

Tax Benefits

Company registration in Belize offers competitive tax benefits like tax incentives and exemptions. Furthermore, low tax rates are good for foreigners seeking entry into the Central American markets. Tax exemptions on capital gains, interest, and offshore earned revenues.

Tax Haven

Belize is a tax haven that allows corporations to legally reduce their tax liabilities. It doesn’t share information with international taxing authorities, providing corporations and individuals with utmost confidentiality.

Ease of Doing Business

A haven for global entrepreneurs, online company registration in Belize is easy and smooth. Its investor-friendly climate, streamlined regulations and simple registration processes simplify the ease of doing business in Belize.

Strategic Locations

Belize has a strategic geographical location situated in different areas that are ideal hubs for company registration within and beyond the Central American boundaries.

Skilled Workforce

The entrepreneurs seeking online company registration in Belize have access to a highly skilled and well-educated workforce, having a strong emphasis on English proficiency.

Privacy

Details of directors and shareholders are protected under the Belize Companies Act, which further helps in bringing various investments from offshore companies.

Startup Friendly Environment

A low-income tax rate system that provides various tax incentives such as exemptions, deductions, tax-free dividends is a motivator for newly formed businesses and established ventures.

Tax Benefits for Belize Company Incorporation

Specific tax benefits for Belize company incorporation are as follows:

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Tax Rates

A 1.75% rate for radio and television industries, a 19% rate for companies providing telecommunication services, a 6% rate on income from vacation services; a 3% rate on income from rents, royalties, and premiums from real estate development, a 15% rate for companies that are licensed under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 2012, real estate commissions, and gaming and casino industries, an 8% rate for financial companies that are under a Public Investment Company (PIC) group, and a 6.5% rate for electricity companies.

Tax Exemptions

Tax Exemptions on income less than BZ$75,000 per annum, interest from debentures, treasury bills and notes, or bonds by the Belizean government, rental invoices that are less than BZ$1650, and income from Export Processing Zones (EPZ).

Tax Deductions

Deductions on excise duty and donation contribution between BZ$500 up to BZ$30,000 per annum.

Tax-Free Dividends

No tax on dividends paid by offshore companies incorporated in Belize is available to both citizens and non-residents.

Tax Benefits for foreigners and non-residents

A 15% tax rate on dividends and interest on loans and a 25% tax rate on insurance premiums, machinery rentals, technical services, and management fees.

Legal Requirement for Foreign Company Registration in Belize

The legal regulatory requirements for foreign company registration in Belize are as follows:

  • Paid-up Capital :- There’s no minimum capital requirement for Belize company formation.
  • No. of Shareholders and managers :- Only 1 shareholder and manager are enough for company registration in Belize because there’s no minimum requirement limit. Also, there’s no restriction on the Shareholder’s and manager’s nationality or residency.
  • Auditors :- Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint a team of auditors to comply with the annual filing of returns and other financial reports of the Belize Register Company.
  • Company Secretary :- Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint a company secretary to ensure internal governance of the registered company.
  • Local Agent :- Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint a local registered agent to represent them for Belize company formation.
  • TPhysical Visit :- Foreign entrepreneurs don’t have to visit the country in person for Belize company formation.

Industries and Businesses for Company Registration in Belize

Following are the top industries and businesses for company registration in Belize-

Industries for Company Registration in Belize for Foreigners

  • Tourism and Hospitality Industry
  • Healthcare Industry
  • Retail Industry
  • Fashion and Cosmetic Industry
  • Agriculture Industry
  • Consulting Industry
  • Real Estate Industry
  • Financial service Industry
  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Business Industry

10 Profitable Ideas for Belize Business Registration

  • Tourism and Hospitality Business
  • Healthcare Service Business
  • Retail Business
  • Fashion and Cosmetic Business
  • Agriculture Business
  • Consulting Business
  • Real Estate Business
  • Financial Service Business
  • Food and Beverage
  • Franchise Business

Post Setup Compliance for Belize company incorporation

Post incorporation compliance is an important step for Belize company incorporation. Key points are as follows:

  • Open a Corporate Bank Account
  • Registration of a physical address
  • Appointment of company secretary and auditors
  • VAT registration
  • Book-keeping
  • Annual Return obligations
  • Annual income tax obligations
  • Adoption of company seal
  • Furnish Share Certificates
  • Acquire various local as well as state wise necessary business licenses
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Why Trust Enterslice for Company Registration in Belize?

Enterslice brings 10+ years of company registration in Belize consulting expertise, which secures a streamlined company formation in the business-friendly environment of Belize. Connect with our expert consultants working to provide on-time approvals for your business setup in Belize. Given below are the key reasons why Enterslice is the best choice for company registration in Belize-

  • 10+ Years of Experience in Consulting for Company Registration in Belize
  • 98% Success Rate with Belize Offshore Company Formation
  • Successfully Helped 1000+ Entrepreneurs with Belize Company Formation
  • 100% Transparency in Fees for Belize Company Formation
  • Quick Turnaround Time Ensured for Belize Company Incorporation
  • 24x7 Dedicated Support for Company Registration in Belize
  • End-to-end Assistance in Company Registration in Belize
  • Guaranteed Continuous Post-Registration Assistance
  • Expert Guidance for Tax-friendly Company Registration in Belize

FAQs on Company Registration in Belize for Foreigners

Kindly take a quick look on the answers to the most asked questions on company registration in Belize for foreigners-

The cost of company registration in Belize depends on the following factors such as the business structure of the company, registration fees, and any other consultants' professional fees. It usually starts from $2500.

Depending on the different needs and business requirements, entrepreneurs can choose from different types of company registration in Belize. The following are the different types of business structures for Belize company formation:

  • International Business Company (IBC)
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • International Trust
  • International foundation
  • Sole Proprietorship

Belize company formation requires businesses to comply to regulatory obligations, such as filing annual returns with the Belize Companies & Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), taxation obligations such as filing corporate income tax returns with the Belize tax service. They must also maintain their records and update financial statements and transactions regularly.

This depends on the type of business structure such as: a hotel business must obtain a license from the local food inspection authorities.

The most profitable businesses for company registration in Belize are as follows:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Business
  • Healthcare Service Business
  • Retail Business
  • Fashion and Cosmetic Business
  • Agriculture Business
  • Consulting Business
  • Real Estate Business
  • Financial Service Business
  • Food and Beverage
  • Franchise Business

Belize company incorporation offers various features that make it ideal for worldwide investment destinations. Important features include a business-friendly environment, multiple types of business structures, 100% foreign ownership, a quick and easy registration process, various tax benefits like low tax rates, tax exemptions, tax deductions, and tax-free dividends, government support through privacy laws that protect directors and shareholders and asset protection.

Company registration in Belize offers various benefits such as a low tax rate regime, tax exemptions, tax deductions, tax-free dividends, a Tax haven environment, a stable legal system for business registration and operation, investment policies that offer tax free regimes in areas specific to Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and Commercial Free Zones (CFZ), which aim to further increase the production of the export market. The laws in Belize provide protection through its Privacy laws that attract foreign investors.

Company registration in Belize is a good investment concept because it is a stable and peaceful democracy in the heart of Central America. The country has a modern infrastructure, low taxes, a skilled workforce, a business-friendly environment, and investor-friendly regulations. The country offers various lucrative benefits that position it as one of the most preferred business destinations in the world.

Belize company incorporation is a stepwise process, where each step must be completed as per the regulatory norms of Belize for hassle-free approvals and operations. Mostly, the overall process takes 3 to 10 days; however, this timeline can change depending on the approval status and discrepancies, which may delay the final approval from the concerned authority.

Yes, foreigners are allowed 100 % ownership of the business in Belize after proper company registration and various license acquisitions.

The best regions to invest in Belize are as follows:

  • Orange Walk District
  • San Pedro
  • Caye Caulker
  • Placencia
  • The inland regions of San Ignacio
  • Cayo District
  • Corozal
  • Hopkins
  • Ambergris Caye
  • Punta Gorda
  • San Ignacio

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