Belize (formerly British Honduras) is a scenically beautiful, independent country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Belize has an area of approximately 23,026 square kilometers and is bounded by Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the west and south.
The administrative capital of Belize is Belmopan, but the major commercial center is Belize City, located on the east coast close to the major international airport.
Population
The total population of Belize is approximately 314,000, of which around 70,000 live in Belize City. Much of the population of the country is ethnically diverse and includes descendants of the original Mayan culture and the people of the Caribbean, Caucasian, Chinese and Indian descent.
Political Structure
Belize has a long history of peace, stability and democracy. It was a British crown colony in 1862 and achieved full autonomy in 1981. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Belize is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which recognizes HM Queen Elizabeth II as head of state represented by a Governor General who must be a Belizean national. The National Assemby consists of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Senate has 12 members and House of Representatives consists of 29 members, directly elected at intervals of no longer than five years. Prime minister and the cabinet have executive power.
There are two main political parties and both parties are committed to the economic development of the country and the encouragement of foreign investment.
Infrastructure and Economy
Unspoilt nature with cays and Belize Barrier Reef is a popular destination for eco-tourists, while the clear unpolluted waters are excellent for swimming, diving, fishing and other water sports. The country also offers a unique mix of unspoiled woodlands, caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and jungle, alongside a wealth of Mayan archaeological sites. There are also forest reserves, wildlfe parks, marine resort areas and the world's only jaguar reserve.
Major exports are sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, fishery products, garments and timber and wood products. The offshore finance industry generates an increasing share of national income.
Language
The official and spoken language is English, but Spanish is often spoken.
Currency
The Belize Dollar (BZ$).
Exchange Control
Offshore activities are exempted from exchange control.
Type of Law
Common Law. Based on English Company Law.
Principal Corporate Legislation
International Business Companies Act 1990, amended 2000.
Procedure to Incorporate
Registered Agent to deliver the memorandum and articles of association to the Registry together with the appropriate fee.
Restrictions on Trading
Can not trade within Belize or own real estate there. Can not run the business of banking, insurance, assurance or reinsurance, management or registered office facilities for Belizean companies.
Powers of Business
A company in Belize has the same powers as a natural person.
Language of Legislation and Corporate Documents
English.
Shelf companies available
Yes.
Time to incorporate
One day.
Name Restrictions
All names that have already been incorporated in Belize, or are so similar as to cause confusion. Any name which in the opinion of the Registrar is considered undesirable, obscene or offensive. Names such as royal or imperial and a name that suggests the patronage of Belize Government.
Language of Names
A Belize IBC can be incorporated using any language. Chinese language Incorporations with Chinese documentation are very popular.
Registered Office Required
Yes, must be maintained in Belize at the address of a licensed management company.
Names Requiring Consent or a License
Banking, building societies, savings, loans, insurance, security, reassurance, trust, trustee, chambers of commerce, universities, municipalities, or their foreign counterparts, language or any name in English or a foreign language that may suggest cooperation with banking or the insurance industry.
Suffixes to Denote Limited Liability
Limited, Corporation, Incorporation, Société Anonyme, Sociedad Anónima, Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung or the relevant abbreviations.
Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership to State Government
No
Authorised and Issued share capital
Usual authorized capital is US$ 50,000 divided into shares with nominal or no value. The share capital may be expressed in any currency. The minimum issued capital can be a part of no par value or one share of par value.
Share Classes Allowed
Registered shares, no par value, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights.
Taxation
A International Business Company does not have to pay tax on its worldwide profits to Belize authorities.
Double Taxation Agreements
Belize is not a party to any double tax treaties.
License Fees
Companies with a registered capital up to $50,000 pay the sum of $100 per year.
Companies with a registered capital of $50,001 or more, pay the sum of $1,000 per year.
Companies with some or all of its shares without par value, pay an amount of $350 per year.
Financial Statement required
Although there is no requirement to file audited financial statements to the authorities, a company must offer the financial records that reflect the financial position of a firm hold.
Directors
The minimum number of Directors is one. Board of Directors may be natural or legal persons, they can be of any nationality and need not be a Belize resident.
Company Secretary
A company secretary is not required by law, but a secretary is normally appointed to facilitate signing obligations.
Shareholders
The minimum number of shareholders is one.
How can I get more information on company formation in Belize?
Please contact us if you wish to open a company in Belize and we will be pleased to discuss your Belize company formation matters in greater detail.
We specialise in the following Belize company services:
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Office Information
The Fairmont Dubai
6th Floor, Office 605
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
PO Box 75671
Tel: +9714 311 6547
Fax: +9714 332 8810
Sun - Thurs: 08:30 -17:30





