Introduction

Located on the Caribbean seaboard of Central America, Belize is an independent democratic Commonwealth. Since its independence from Britain in 1981, it has enjoyed a stable and democratic Government. With the introduction of the International Business Companies Act in 1990, Belize is one of the newest Caribbean jurisdictions to the offshore market. Flexible legislation modelled from the British Virgin Islands has enabled Belize to steadily become a popular offshore corporate domicile.

By virtue of the IBC Act 1990, International Business Companies are exempt from all taxation. The incorporation procedure of an IBC is extremely cost effective and speedy. An IBC in Belize has minimal filing requirements and is not subject to exchange or currency controls. Due to legislation changes, the Registered Agent in Belize or their intermediary must retain bearer shares.

Incorporating requirements

Directors

Minimum of 1 directors required, of which 0 must be residents.
Corporate directors are permitted.
Director's meetings are not required
There is not a public director's register
Other notes: none

Secretaries

Minimum of 0 secretaries required, who need not be residents.
Corporate secretaries are permitted.
There is not any requirement for secretaries to hold a professional qualification
Other notes: none

Shareholders

Minimum of 1 shareholders required
Corporate shareholders are permitted.
There is not a public shares register
Bearer shares are permitted.
No par value shares are permitted.
Usually the Authorised share capital is 50000 shares of USD1 each.

Miscellaneous