Belize IBC Characteristics
- Net time of incorporation is 1-2 days;
- Belize IBC company is exempt from all taxes;
- There is no requirement for minimum paid up capital;
- The capital may be expressed in foreign currency;
- If the authorised capital is not more than USD 50 000 (or its equivalent in other currency), the amount of capital duty is USD 100; if it is over USD 50 000, the fee is USD 1 000; if IBC has no par value shares, the fee is USD 350;
- An IBC may issue bearer shares and shares of no par value; bearer shares must be held with a custodian, a licensed professional intermediary holding due diligence paperwork on the owner;
- Minimum one shareholder is required, either an individual or a corporation, registered or with bearer shares;
- A Register of Shareholders must be kept at the registered office address in Belize;
- There are no requirements for an IBC to file details on shareholders;
- Minimum one director is required, either an individual or a corporation;
- Corporate directors are permitted;
- There are no requirements for an IBC to file details on directors;
- A Belize company may have nominee shareholders using local licensed registered agents;
- An individual, a corporation or a trust may be subscriber;
- There is no requirement for the secretary;
- An IBC company must have a Registered Office address within Belize and a Registered Agent who must be a Belize resident;
- The only information that appears on public file is Memorandum & Articles of Association, as well as details on Registered Office and Registered Agent;
- There is no requirement for annual reporting;
- Penalty fees of up to 50% of the annual licence fee are payable if the licence fee is not paid when due;
- The documents kept at registered Office are Register of Shareholders and Directors, Minutes, Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- Corporate books and seal are normally kept at Registered Office;
- There are no requirements as to the location of meetings to be held;
- Foreign companies may re-domicile as Belizean IBCs, and vice versa.