Offshore Companies - The Belize International Business Company

By virtue of the 1990 International Business Companies Act, Belize officially established itself as one of the leading offshore jurisdictions worldwide, incorporating the most secure features of offshore instruments extant in traditional jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Panama and Cayman.

Along with the companion Trust Act, the Belize IBC Act is recognized as the most modern and attractive legislation of its kind in the Caribbean, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of the global investor.

A keystone feature of a Belize International Business Company (IBC)is that the enabling act in law was specifically designed to have a s low start up and maintenance cost. The rational was to have the Belize IBC registration fee be competitive with other offshore jurisdictions.

The license fee for a standard company having an authorized share capital of US $50,000 with a par value is US$100.00. The registered agent/office fee is about US$300.00 with a one-time setup fee of about US $400.00.

As there are no minimum capital requirements, no need for audited accounts, no annual returns, no requirement for a local director or secretary and no requirement for an annual general meeting, the annual operating costs for a Belize IBC are low - usually under US $400.

An IBC can open an offshore account in any jurisdiction, including Belize. The minimum deposit required b most banks to open an offshore account is usually US $1,000.

A Belize IBC shall conduct all its profit earning ventures outside Belize. However, it may lease an office in Belize, obtain the services of Belize professionals and trust companies, maintain company records and hold meetings in Belize, operate an account with a Belize Banking institutions, hold shares in another Belize IBC and own vessels including aircraft and boats registered in Belize.

Key features

Completely Tax-Free - No income tax, stamp duty, estate taxes, capital gains or withholding tax.

Having Only One Shareholder/Subscriber Permitted Share May Be Held By Corporations Or Trusts

A Single Director Allowed Which May Be A Corporation Or Trust

An IBC's register of Shareholders is available for inspection only by shareholders or by order of the Belize Courts at the request of a shareholder.

Non-Disclosure Of Beneficial Owners

Bearer Shares Permitted - Shares may be issued without par value.

IBC's can be used for financial management, investment holding, ship or property ownership, share ownership of other companies, leasing of assets, copyrighting and/or licensing as well as general commercial trading.

No exchange control.

Private Label Company availability.

Low Fees For Setup And Renewal

No Statutory Accounting Or Auditing Records Need To Be Filed In Belize.

No Minimum Capital Requirements

Minimal Restrictions

Cannot Carry On Business With Residents Of Belize. Cannot Own Real Estate In Belize. Cannot Operate As A Bank Or An Insurance Company unless an Offshore Banking License is granted. Cannot Provide Registered Office Or Serve As Registered Agent.

An IBC must maintain a Registered Agent and a Registered Office in Belize.