Belize
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Belize.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Belize welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- Belize IBC setup is often completed in 1-2 business days
- IBCs are generally exempt from corporate, income, capital gains, and withholding tax on non-Belize income
- Belize uses English common law and operates in a USD-linked economy context
- Government and annual fees are typically low compared with many offshore jurisdictions
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
Increasing substance expectations and account opening friction should be considered early.
Tax at a glance
Belize Tax Overview
0%
Corporate income tax on non-Belize income
Belize fact sheet
0%
Capital gains tax on non-Belize income
Belize fact sheet
0%
Withholding tax on non-Belize income
Belize fact sheet
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Extremely fast incorporation timeline
Low setup and annual government cost profile
English common law legal framework
Zero tax framework for non-Belize IBC income
Considerations
Historical FATF grey list concerns impact perception
Offshore banking access has been very limited since 2015
Reduced treaty network flexibility
Substance and compliance requirements are increasing
Belize entities can face account-opening refusals
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Prepare incorporation pack
Submit IBC filing
Obtain formation documents
Open operations
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Low fees do not guarantee practical banking access for offshore-only entities.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Belize setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Belize. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Can be prolonged due to elevated offshore compliance screening • Institution dependent • Bank relationship dependent • Company documents, beneficial ownership details, and source of funds evidence • Wire transfers, online banking, and standard card services |
| Belize Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Can be prolonged due to elevated offshore compliance screening • Institution dependent • Bank relationship dependent • Company documents, beneficial ownership details, and source of funds evidence • Wire transfers, online banking, and standard card services |
| Heritage Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Can be prolonged due to elevated offshore compliance screening • Institution dependent • Bank relationship dependent • Company documents, beneficial ownership details, and source of funds evidence • Wire transfers, online banking, and standard card services |
| Fintech depth is limited and offshore options are constrained | Fintech | High (Remote) | Can be prolonged due to elevated offshore compliance screening • Institution dependent • Bank relationship dependent • Company documents, beneficial ownership details, and source of funds evidence • Wire transfers, online banking, and standard card services |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual renewal | Ongoing | Maintain annual renewals and statutory filings through registered agent. |
Substance expectations | Ongoing | Certain activities may require stronger economic presence and documentation. |
AML and KYC records | Ongoing | Keep ownership and source of funds data current for provider and bank reviews. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Belize specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.