| IBC | International LLC | Local LLC | Free Zone Company | LLP | Rep Office | Branch Office | Trust | Foundation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company Setup Time | 5 days | 5 days | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 3 weeks | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Government Grants Available | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Legal Liability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
The Belize Offshore Company (Belize IBC Company)
- The requirements to register an International Business Company in Belize are as follows;
- Minimum 1 shareholder
- Appoint 1 director
- Minimum capital of USD 1.
- The director(s) and shareholder(s) can be a resident of any country and are not required to be citizens of Belize. A minimum of one registered agent is required.
- An IBC is legally exempt from all tax in Belize. However, these IBCs are not permitted to conduct business with residents of Belize. These entities are required to prepare corporate financial statements but there is no requirement to file these with the Registrar. Additionally, no public record of the directors or shareholders is required.
- The Belize international business company is one of the best entities for trading purposes. It is frequently utilized as a holding vehicle. This entity does not have access to double taxation avoidance treaties.
The Belize International Pass Through Company (Belize International LLC)
- The Belize Pass Through Company has similarities with the United States limited liability company. An LLC is not considered a distinct corporate structure for all tax matters. Therefore, all profit is directly distributed among the partnership. As with a partnership deed, in the case of a loss all partners are liable to pay the debts. This is not the case with a Belize LLC, where the members of the company are not liable for any losses incurred.
- The incorporation process and all the relevant rules and regulations of the Belize LLC are the same as those for a Belize IBC.
- Establishing a Belize LLC is a better choice for delivering contracts of the business and can provide professional amenities to foreign clients.
The Belize Limited Liability Company (Belize 250 Company)
- Foreigners starting a business in Belize may incorporate a local entity, which must have;
- 1 shareholder
- 1 director
- Advance capital of just USD 1.
- The registering entity do not need to appoint local directors, though a resident registered agent will be required. Foreign shareholders must proceed clear an approval process through the Belize Central Bank.
- After setup is complete, the company financial statements must be submitted with the tax authority and a corporate tax of 25% will be charged.
- The greatest benefit of a Belize LLC is that it enables the entity to conduct business contracts and trade with residents of Belize.
The Belize Free Zone Company (EPZ Company)
- Our Clients may incorporate up to 250 companies in the export processing zones of Belize. Some of the benefits of this option are;
- Exemption from Custom duties
- Income tax breaks of up to 20 years
- General Sales tax exemption
- Authorization to open foreign currency bank accounts
- Enterprises involved in manufacturing and processing activities are permitted to register in the export processing zone. It requires value addition of at least 60 percent for goods sold in the local market. For further details please click on Export Processing Zone Registration Requirements.
- Export processing zone registration is only open to manufacturing and processing activities for export-oriented businesses. A minimum of 60% of the value addition must also be completed locally.
- EPZ Companies are ideal for repacking or minor production improvements and re-exporting to Mexico, USA, Canada and other regional markets.
The Belize Limited Liability Partnership (Belize LLP)
- Belize LP are comprised of general and limited partners. At least one out of these general partner(s) shall be a Belize resident. It is not a requirement for any of the limited partners to be a Belize resident. All operations of the entity must be approved by the general partner(s).
- Although we provide services in assisting clients for registration of the Belize LP, we suggest our customers to set up Belize IBCs or Belize international LLCs for the majority of the corporate and holding applications.
The Belize Branch of a Foreign Company (Branch Office)
- International organizations may incorporate a branch office in Belize. They will be required to appoint a Belizean representative. This person may be a foreigner, but they must have a work permit. We can offer nominee services for professional passive resident representatives.
- The benefit of a Belize branch is that this branch office can create consolidated accounts. Otherwise, it is better to incorporate a subsidiary office in Belize.
The Belize Representative Office of an International Company (Liaison Office)
- Registration of representative office in Belize requires appointing a resident representative. This person may be a foreigner, but they must have a work permit. We can offer nominee facilities for professional passive resident representatives.
- The benefit of a Belize branch is that this branch office can create consolidated accounts. Otherwise, it is better to incorporate a subsidiary office in Belize.
The Belize Offshore Trust (Belize International Trust)
- A Belize offshore trust may be registered by foreigners provided all the assets, settlors and beneficiaries are nonresidents although the trust must have a qualified trustee facilitation provider registered in Belize.
- One of the benefits of a Belize offshore trust is that it is an attractive facility for wealth management and asset protection. These are frequently used as a special purpose vehicle for investment operations in America.
The Belize International Foundation
- A minimum of 1 founder is required to incorporate a Belize foundation and they shall hire;
- A management council
- A minimum of 1 qualified agent, who should be licensed through the International Financial Services Commission as a trustee services provider
- The identities of the founders, council members and beneficiaries are not required to be disclosed publicly
- Establishing a Belize foundation is a beneficial business structure for management of wealth. Our professional team generally recommends this entity to decrease corporate and personal taxes.