Background and General Outline

Belize along with the Seychelles, Delaware/Oregon and the British Virgin Islands  is one of our top recommended locations for offshore company formation.

Belize (formally known as British Honduras) is a scenically beautiful, independent country located on the Caribbean seaboard of Central America. It has an area of approximately 23,026 sq km and is bounded by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.

The administrative capital is Belmopan, but the major commercial centre is Belize City.

Political Structure and Legal System

Belize has a long history of peace, stability and democracy. It became a British Crown Colony in 1862 and achieved complete self rule in 1981. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, The United Nations and the Non Aligned Movement. Executive authority is exercised by the cabinet under the leadership of the Prime Minister, subject to approval by a 28 member senate with the majority appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Common law is based on English Common Law.

Currency

The Belize Dollar (BZ$)

Language

The official and spoken language is English.

Disclosure of the Beneficial Owner

It is not required to disclose details of the beneficial owner to any Belize based or other government authority. Bearer shares are permitted although we do not recommend them. In the event you issue Bearer shares they must be held by an approved custodian. Our local agent is a recognized custodian for these purposes.

Taxation

Provided that the company activities are conducted out side of Belize, the company will be exempt from any tax.

Double Tax Treaties

None

Exchange Control

None

Name Restrictions

Any name that has already been incorporated, or is so similar as to cause confusion. Any name which in the opinion of the registrar which is considered undesirable, obscene or offensive. Names such as Royal or Imperial and any name that suggests the patronage of the Belize government.

Trading Restrictions

A Belize IBC cannot trade within Belize or own real estate there. A Belize IBC cannot undertake the business of banking, insurance, assurance or reinsurance.

Summary and Features

Like Costa Rica, Belize has strict rules on non disclosure of bank accounts. Belize's corporate structure has similar rules and allows any person to control a company without their name appearing on any public records. This can be achieved through the use of Bearer shares, Nominee directors and a power of attorney or combinations of these ingredients depending on the usage of the company.

You may choose from a newly formed IBC which takes around 1-2 weeks to incorporate and deliver or alternatively you can buy off the shelf. This option is ready and delivered in around 4 days although anywhere in Europe 48 hour service is not a problem - here in Switzerland we offer guaranteed next day delivery. A Belize IBC is free to engage in many types of business activities in other countries and it pays no tax in Belize.

Our Belize IBC's include:

             Resident registered agent

             Registered office

             Company Seal

             Share Issuence

             Agent status

             Original documentation         

Belize's legislation has long created favourable tax conditions for offshore operations but the countries population as such has only caught on over the last few years. Information given to local Attorneys/Notaries is protected by professional privilege and secrecy.

All the above for only USD 995.00 / EUR650.00 / GBP 595.00 for a newly formed company or USD 895.00 / EUR 625.00 / GBP 550.00 for a ready formed off the shelf company.

The annual cost's to keep the corporations in good running are  USD625/ EUR450 / GBP395.00

All inclusive of Government fees, registered agent and office and is due in January following the date of incorporation.