Belize Company Formations
Belize is an independent country with a population of 330,000 people, located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth and the United Nations. English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken as the major ethnic group of Belize is now Latino. The city of Belmopan is the capital. Belize is parliamentary democracy with two major political parties: the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party.
For further information, please visit the government website.
Law and Taxation
The principal corporate legislation governing international business companies (IBCs) is the International Business Companies Act Chapter 270, enacted in 1990. IBCs are exempt from taxation on business activities or transactions outside of Belize.
Corporate Requirements
An IBC must have at least one director and one shareholder, which may be a natural person or corporate entity.
Neither directors nor officers need to be shareholders. Shareholders, directors, and officers may be any nationality and residents of any country. A company secretary is not mandatory; if one is appointed, the person may be any nationality and a resident outside Belize. The language of legislation and corporate documentation is English. If any other language is used, it must be accompanied by a translation in English.
Both the English and Chinese company name can be included on a company’s Certificate of Incorporation. IBCs are permitted to issue various types of share, including registered shares, shares of no par value, preference shares, redeemable shares, and shares with or without voting rights. There is no requirement to hold annual general meetings; if meetings are held, they can take place outside Belize, by telephone or by other electronic means. IBCs do not have to file any accounts or financial statements, and there is no requirement to register initial or ongoing changes in directors or officers.
Local Infrastructure
Belize has a strong community of accounting firms, law firms and several international banks, offering a variety of products especially catered for international clients. Belize has excellent satellite and fiber optic telecommunication services, including international roaming with its GSM network. Internet access is readily available through satellite, cable, and DSL.
International courier services for express delivery are well established.
Our Services
Vistra can incorporate an IBC company with your choice of name and confirm the availability of names in advance. All IBCs are provided with a complete company kit, including share certificates, two copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, statutory registers, a common seal, a company chop, and a Certificate of Guarantee of Quality. In addition, we can assist you in obtaining Certificates of Good Standing and other certificates of corporate existence as well as other relevant post-incorporation services.
