- Belize is less-known tax heaven, located on the coast of Central America. Belize borders with Mexico and Guatemala.
Capital: Belmopan
Official languages: English, Spanish
Official currency of Belize: Belize dollar (BZD), fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (2BZD/USD), or US Dollar
Description and advantages of Belize offshore company
- For offshore purposes is used the International Business Company (similar to Czech s.r.o.)
- Zero income tax when income becomes outside Belize
- Unlimited amount of share (basic) capital of the company, this capital do not have to be paid
- Bookkeeping or annual submission of tax returns is not required
- Advantageous for the registration of ships and vessels
- The use of nominee service (nominee shareholder and nominee director)
- Confidential commercial register – data on persons involved in the company has a registered agent only
International Treaties
International treaties to curb money-laundering and the financing of terrorism
Belize has signed these treaties. Practical importance of these agreements for the owners of offshore companies is particularly in the case of suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing by authorities against the Belize company. In this situation the registered agent is allowed to disclose the personal data of persons involved in the company and the basic description of its activities to authorities and further according to international cooperation transmit the data to other country as well to the Czech Republic.Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements between Belize and the Czech Republic
Is not concluded. To direct payments from the Czech Republic to Belize is necessary to apply withholding taxes. Belize offshore company is not suitable for direct sale of goods or services into the Czech Republic.Tax Information Exchange Agreements between Belize and the Czech Republic
Is not concluded.Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters
It is concluded – a lower level of anonymity of property. Provides the possibility of exchange of information in tax matters.Common usage of Belize company
- holding, parent company, other companies for the purpose of anonymous property
- direct sale of goods and services where there is no need to use Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements and there is no risk of withholding taxes – eg. within other offshore destinations
- registration of ships and vessels
- means to obtain Belize citizenship
The Advantages
By incorporation in Belize the business receives a wide variety of competitive advantages, including:- international level for performing business
- no requirements for profession or financial situation of directors
- no reporting requirements
- no accounting requirements
- no duty on any type of income
- legal exemption from tax
- the highest level of privacy
- stable jurisdiction with very good reputation
- bearer shares are permitted
- companies registered in Belize shall be exempt from any type of taxation, they have a capacity to perform any types of business and may have clients, suppliers and employees from any country
Watch tax update 2019
FEATURES BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2019
NOT REQUIREDAS OF JANUARY, 2019
WITH PHYSICAL PRESENCEAS OF JANUARY, 2019
NO PHYSICAL PRESENCEResidency and property ownership Restricted – not to include land, shares, debt obligations and other assets in Belize Not Restricted Not Restricted Shareholding Ownership Restricted to non-residents of Belize Not Restricted Not Restricted Subject to Income and/or Business Tax No Yes Subject to tax if income/receipts sourced from Belize, otherwise not subject to tax Filing requirement No File annual tax return, pay monthly business tax. File annual tax return if income/receipts sourced from Belize. Otherwise, optional to file annual tax return. Dividends (paid or received) Tax exempt Tax exempt Tax exempt Interest (paid or received) on bonds Tax exempt Tax exempt Tax exempt Standard currency USD USD with operational activities conducted in Belize subject to BZD USD Exchange control permit No Yes No Stamp duty No No, unless IBC owns property in Belize other than shares in another IBC No, unless IBC owns property in Belize other than shares in another IBC Physical presence Not required Mandatory for licensees of the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) Optional for Others not having an IFSC license Accounting records Yes Yes Yes Audit requirements No May be required by the Commissioner of Income Tax if annual receipts are at least US$6mn May be required by the Commissioner of Income Tax if annual receipts are at least US$6mn Tax resident in Belize No Yes No Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) requires tax compliance No Yes Ano Tax rates in Belize
Type of business / activity Rate % on gross Income Commissions and royalties 5.0% & 15.0%,
0% for non-residentsLocal dividend withholding tax 15%,
0% for non-residentsThe interest income from financial institutions 6%, 12% & 15%,
0% for non-residentsIncome of radio, television, and newspapers companies 0.75 % The income of service stations including fuel/lubricant 0.75 % & 1.75 % Income of national airlines 1.75 % Insurance premiums 1.75 % Regular trade or business 1.75 % Services for the supply of electricity 1.75 % Rental Income 3.0 % Casino and gambling 8.0 % Real estate business 1.75 % & 15.0 % Tour operators and travel agencies 6.0 % Construction 1.75 % & 6 % Professional services 6.0 % Dividends paid by telecommunications service provider 0 % Revenues from telecommunications provider 19.0 % International financial services (IFSC License Holders) 3 % What is included
- annual license fee
- company director and company office – the fee until 31st of December
Belize offshore company incorporation
Belize currently offers one of the most competitive and attractive offshore jurisdiction in the world in connection with confidential offshore law. Belize is the only country in Central and South America with English as an official language.Taxes
Mainland country with a diversified national economy, Belize does not stand out as a distinct “tax heaven”.Belize has modern International Business Companies Act, Hedge funds law and Offshore banks Act, all focused on providing the best environment and benefits for international investors and entrepreneurs. These laws are effectively supported by the financial service sector.
Belize does not disclose information even on suspicious of tax evasion or similar reasons. In addition it is completely tax-free the Belize IBC has no requirement for the minimum amount of paid-up capital, also no requirements for providing reports on the accounts.
Bearer shares
No record of directors and shareholders in a public register, the availability of bearer shares (immobilized).Confidentiality
Client confidentiality is strongly grounded in Belize business legislation. In Belize legal system is also grounded the prohibition of sharing information, confidentiality and sharing agreements which protects the law and judiciary. In these respects Belize is sufficiently secure and confidential offshore jurisdiction.Belize IBC is an ideal tool for all international business or services.
Types of companies
- Limited, LTD
- Corporation , CORP
- INC
- Socite Anonyme , S.A.
- Aktiengesellschaft, A.G.
Belize Bank Account
Additionally, we can help you with opening a bank account in Belize for your company.