Features of Belize’ International Business Companies
International Business Companies (IBCs)
Business Transactions
IBCs may engage in any lawful business in any country and may carry on transactions in whatever currencies they choose.
Taxation
Full Exemption from taxation for any business activity or transactions carried outside the Belize.
Authorised Capital / Shares
Bearer Shares are allowed in Belize but subject to custodian services.
The register of shares has to be kept updated.
IBC standard share capital is $ 50.000.
Standard share capital in excess of USD $ 50.000, may be declared in exchange for a higher annual fee.
Directors, Officers and Shareholders
Shareholders, directors and/ or officers can be either corporate entities or natural persons.
Initial or ongoing changes in directors and / or officers need to be filed with Belize Registry.
The directors may grant special or general powers of attorney.
Companies are allowed to have a sole director. And it can be the share holder.
Neither the directors nor the officers need to be shareholders.
Shareholders, directors and officers may be of any nationality and may be residents of any country.
Shareholders and directors may hold their meetings in any country and may attend such meetings by proxy or by any electronic means (phone, fax, etc.)
Annual filing – Record keeping
No requirement to file annual returns or financial statements, no requirement to hold annual general meetings of Share holders or directors.
Incorporation and Administration
Excellent availability of company names for incorporation.
Familiarity of incorporation documents (Memorandum & Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation)
The words “Limited”, “Corporation”, “Incorporated”, “Société Anonyme” or “Sociedad Anónima” or the abbreviations “Ltd.” “Inc.” or “S.A.” AG may be used as a company’s name ending.
Incorporation documents may be drafted in any language and submitted together with an English translation.
Speedy incorporation procedures and simple ongoing administration.
Incorporation procedure takes 3 to 4 days
The Belize Registry is equipped with modern sophisticated computer equipment improving speed and efficiency in the processing of documents in a timely manner.
Shelf companies are available.
Registered Office
Registered Office in the Belize required.
Cost and Fees
Reasonable formation and maintenance costs and fees.
Continuation
Foreign companies can be speedily continued to the Belize.
Use of Belize International Business Companies (IBCs)
Holder of bank accounts, fixed deposits, investments plans and any other financial or commercial title.
Owner of the shares of other companies or legal entities.
Owner of apartments, houses, buildings, vessels and any other movable or immovable property or goods.
Manager and promoter of international business transactions.
International leasing of vehicles, machinery and others.
Borrowing or lending money, paying or receiving commissions, royalties or other.
Marketing and promotion of products and services.
Other commercial and financial activities.
Highlights of Belize
Excellent corporation law.
Flexible company law.
No taxes levied on international and banking transactions.
No exchange control regulations.
Political and economic stability.
Excellence hotel accommodations.
Excellent worldwide communication facilities.
Skilled personnel.
No capital gains, income or other kinds of taxes.
Documents required to be kept at (Belize) office, in accordance with the law
The following information/documents are required to be kept at the registered office of the company.
Appropriate character references and other due diligence documents, as required.
Complete and updated Share Register shall be kept at the Registered Office of the company, containing information of the name(s) and address (es) of the shareholders.
Complete and updated Register of directors and officers shall be kept at the registered office of the company and a copy of this document to be filed at the registrar of companies of the Belize.
