When people think about setting up an offshore company, Belize almost always comes up — and for good reason.
It’s fast. It’s affordable. It’s simple. And for years, Belize has been a go-to jurisdiction for entrepreneurs, consultants, asset managers, and digital nomads looking to establish a clean, tax-neutral company without unnecessary complexity.
But let’s be honest: the offshore world is changing. Blacklists, transparency laws, banking crackdowns — all of that means the old “set it and forget it” strategy doesn’t work anymore.
So, is Belize still a solid choice in 2025?
The short answer: yes — but only if you structure things correctly.
This article walks you through everything you need to know about setting up a company in Belize, how it works today, what to watch out for, and whether it’s the right move for your offshore strategy.
Why Choose Belize?
Belize has built its reputation on speed and simplicity. For over two decades, it’s been a favorite for small business owners, remote consultants, and investors who want a low-cost offshore company that can be up and running in a matter of days.
Here’s why people still choose Belize:
- 0% corporate tax on foreign income
- Fast formation — usually within 1–2 business days
- Full foreign ownership allowed
- Low annual fees and minimal bureaucracy
- English is the official language (great for documentation)
- Companies are recognized internationally and supported by many offshore banks
It’s a solid jurisdiction for straightforward holding structures or international business — especially if you don’t need a fancy corporate headquarters or heavy operational substance.
Belize’s Offshore Evolution: What Changed?
For years, Belize was the poster child for privacy and ease. But global pressure from the EU, OECD, and FATF has forced all offshore jurisdictions — Belize included — to tighten things up.
Here’s what’s different in 2025:
- The Belize IBC is now under the same corporate law as domestic companies
- Belize has adopted international standards for accounting records and reporting
- Beneficial ownership information must be maintained (not public, but must be filed)
- It’s no longer suitable if you’re trying to “hide” — but it’s perfect if you want a clean, tax-neutral structure that holds up
In short: Belize isn’t about secrecy anymore. It’s about simplicity done right.
Types of Companies You Can Set Up in Belize
While the International Business Company (IBC) is the most popular option, Belize offers several structures for different business models.
1. International Business Company (IBC)
The classic offshore setup. Key features:
- No corporate tax on foreign-sourced income
- No minimum capital requirement
- No audit or public filings
- Only one director and shareholder required (can be the same person)
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Accounting records must be kept, but not filed unless requested
Best for:
- Digital entrepreneurs
- Freelancers and consultants
- Asset holding or investment vehicles
- Invoicing international clients
2. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
More like a US-style LLC. Less common but useful for:
- Pass-through taxation (if required by home country)
- Joint ventures
- Holding assets with flexible ownership rights
3. Limited Partnerships (LPs)
Great for co-investments, especially when you want to separate management from ownership. The general partner has control, while limited partners provide capital.
4. Protected Cell Companies (PCCs)
Used mainly for financial services and insurance-type structures. Allows you to create “cells” within the company, each with separate assets and liabilities.
5. Special License Companies (SLCs)
Created for companies that want access to double taxation treaties (mainly in CARICOM). Requires local substance and licensing.
6. Foundations
Used for estate planning, philanthropy, or wealth structuring. Not as common for active business operations.
7. Sole Proprietorships
Rarely used by foreigners — mostly a domestic structure for locals.
For most readers of this guide, the IBC is the go-to vehicle.
Who Should Consider a Belize Company?
Belize is a great fit if you’re:
- Running a digital business and need a tax-neutral entity to invoice clients
- Holding crypto or investments and want a clean ownership layer
- Managing affiliate earnings or remote service payments
- Looking to separate personal and business finances legally
- Starting with a low budget but still want a legitimate offshore setup
It’s not the best option if:
- You need strong asset protection (look at Nevis or Cook Islands)
- You need a high-reputation entity for EU clients (consider BVI, Cayman, or Singapore)
- You need physical substance or residency options (look at UAE, Panama, or Georgia)
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Company in Belize
You can’t register a Belize company directly. You’ll need to use a licensed Belize corporate service provider.
Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Choose Your Structure
For most people, that means a Belize IBC. If you need something more specialized (like a PCC or LP), your provider can advise.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Your provider will check that your name is available and complies with Belize’s naming rules:
- Must end in “Ltd.,” “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or similar
- Certain words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust” are restricted
- Avoid anything misleading or offensive
Step 3: Submit KYC Documents
You’ll need to provide:
- Certified copy of passport
- Proof of residential address
- A simple business plan or description
- Names of directors and shareholders
- Source of funds (sometimes required by banks)
Step 4: Incorporation
Once your documents are approved, your provider will:
- Register your IBC with the Belize International Business Registry
- Provide you with:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Register of Directors and Shareholders
- Share certificates
- Corporate resolutions
- Registered office and agent details
This usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Step 5: Open a Bank Account
Belize banks are relatively strict these days, and many IBCs open accounts outside of Belize, in places like:
- Mauritius
- Georgia
- Puerto Rico
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Or EMIs like Wise, Mercury, and Slope
Work with a provider who has real banking relationships, not just promises.
Ongoing Compliance and Annual Requirements
Even though Belize is low-maintenance, there are still things you need to keep in mind:
- Annual government renewal fee (due on the anniversary of incorporation)
- Maintain a registered office and agent in Belize
- Keep accounting records for 5 years (not filed unless requested)
- File beneficial ownership information with your agent (not public)
- File a simple annual return confirming activity and compliance
There is no corporate tax, no VAT, and no reporting of foreign earnings — as long as your company doesn’t do business in Belize.
How Much Does It Cost?
Typical Belize IBC costs look like this: Service Estimated Cost (USD) Incorporation Fee (one-time) $800 – $1,500 Annual Renewal $750 – $1,200 Nominee Services (optional) $500 – $1,000/year Banking Setup (optional) $500 – $2,000
All in, you’re looking at around $1,200 to $2,500/year depending on your provider and optional services.
Pros and Cons of Belize Companies
Pros:
- Zero tax on foreign income
- Fast and easy setup
- Private, with no public shareholder registry
- Affordable ongoing maintenance
- Recognized and accepted globally
- Great for digital businesses and asset holding
Cons:
- Limited banking within Belize itself
- Lower reputation than BVI or Cayman
- Must maintain records (even if not filed)
- Doesn’t offer residency options or substance benefits
- Increasing international scrutiny (as with all offshore jurisdictions)
Final Thoughts
A Belize company won’t work for every business — but for the right kind of entrepreneur, it’s one of the most efficient and cost-effective offshore setups available.
If you want a clean, compliant, low-maintenance international entity to hold assets, invoice globally, or protect income — Belize is still worth considering in 2025.
Just make sure you do it properly, with real documentation, real banking, and full compliance. The days of hiding behind a shell company are over. But the era of building smart, strategic offshore structures? That’s just getting started.
Want help setting up a company in Belize? Compare vetted providers and services here — and build your international structure the right way.