Find out about the benefits, the business profile and the steps to opening your operation in this jurisdiction

In times of fiscal instability, legal insecurity and excessive bureaucracy in Brazil, a growing number of entrepreneurs are looking for more strategic and effective solutions abroad. And in this scenario, Belize is emerging as a solid, accessible and highly advantageous alternative for companies wishing to expand internationally and optimize their tax structure.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll detail everything you need to know about this country, which aspects stand out the most and what makes this jurisdiction so receptive to certain business sectors. In addition, we’ll talk about the main business sectors suitable for structuring in Belize and the step-by-step process of how to open your offshore company in the country. Check it out!

But what makes Belize one of the most sought-after jurisdictions?

The country is located in Central America and has a tradition in international finance, offering a safe and efficient structure for companies wishing to expand their operations outside their original jurisdictions. Belize is an attractive option for this profile of company, which can benefit from more advantageous tax policies, corporate secrecy and simplified procedures for starting a business.

Tax optimization in Belize: tax structure and exemptions

One of Belize’s biggest highlights is its attractive tax policy for offshore companies, especially since it does not charge corporate taxes on income earned outside the country. Companies registered in Belize, as long as they operate exclusively outside the territory, are exempt from:

• Corporate Income Tax;
• Capital Gains Tax;
• Withholding tax on dividends or other distributed income.

This makes Belize a viable option for e-commerce companies, international holding companies and other operations that don’t require a local physical presence. If your company bills internationally, especially in areas such as info-products, consulting, global e-commerce or investments, you can structure your revenue legally and intelligently through an offshore company in the country. This means more net profit, more capital available for reinvestment and more global competitiveness.

Possible types of corporate structures in Belize

Belize is internationally renowned for its offshore company regime, especially through the so-called International Business Companies (IBCs) and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), the two main structures possible in the country. These companies are corporate structures created to operate outside the country of incorporation and offer extremely attractive advantages such as 0% tax on international profits, exemption on dividends and capital gains, confidentiality of members’ identities, a quick and simple opening process and an affordable maintenance cost.

Here are the benefits of each of these structures:

International Business Company (IBC): The IBC is the most common form of corporate structure in Belize for offshore operations. It allows international operations with low regulation and offers full tax exemption on profits generated outside the country. IBCs can issue shares of various classes and categories and offer a high level of confidentiality for shareholders.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is a structure that offers flexibility in management and good asset protection. Ideal for holding companies, investments and operations where the protection of assets and the limitation of members’ liability are crucial. LLCs are also eligible for tax exemption if their operations are restricted abroad.

⚠️ Be aware of regulatory changes in the jurisdiction

Despite the advantages, some global regulatory changes are also applied in Belize, such as the CRS (Common Reporting Standard), which requires companies to be prepared to exchange information with other countries, although Belize offers options to meet these standards while maintaining a certain amount of privacy for qualified companies.

Compliance and governance requirements applied in Belize

Offshore companies in Belize are known for simplified regulatory requirements, but they must still observe some compliance guidelines. And despite some regulatory changes, the country maintains confidentiality policies for directors and shareholders, and companies are not obliged to publish financial information, which reinforces privacy.

This discretion, coupled with legal solidity, makes Belize an excellent option for those looking to shield their assets and operations. In a world where exposure can be costly, Belize offers a high level of confidentiality, making it a safe haven for many companies seeking legal protection and security.

But in order to establish themselves in this jurisdiction, companies need to follow a step-by-step process and comply with the requirements set out in its legislation, such as registering an office and a local agent, keeping basic governance and accounting records, although there is no obligation to disclose them, and complying with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations to ensure that operations are legitimate.

What type of company is best for Belize?

Belize is an especially suitable jurisdiction for companies seeking discretion, asset protection and a simplified international operating structure. The types of businesses that benefit most include:

• Digital entrepreneurs with foreign sales;
• International investors who want asset protection;
• Owners of family holding companies;
• Companies that want to legally reduce their tax burden;
• Businesses looking for agility, discretion and international efficiency.

These company profiles find in Belize an offshore jurisdiction that offers flexibility, privacy and competitive operating costs that match the activities carried out. If you fit into one of these professional activities, then this jurisdiction could definitely be right for your business. Talk to one of our experts to find out more.

Step by step to register and operate an offshore company in Belize

Setting up a company in Belize is simple, quick and inexpensive. It is possible to have the structure ready in a few working days, with lower costs than in other high-standard jurisdictions. In addition, the IBC, for example, can open international bank accounts, operate in global markets and serve as an asset holding company or investment vehicle. In other words: you expand with more freedom, flexibility and global reach.

To open an offshore company in Belize, you must follow these steps:

1- Choose the business structure: You need to evaluate the benefits of an IBC or LLC based on the needs of your operation. The IBC is popular for companies that need greater operational flexibility, while the LLC is ideal for asset protection;

2- Hiring a registered agent: Belizean legislation requires every offshore company to have a local registered agent. The agent will be responsible for assisting with compliance requirements and usually also offers additional services such as registered address and documentation management;

3- Documentation required: Companies need to submit basic documents, such as articles of association and a declaration of directors and shareholders. Most agents also require a certified copy of the passport and proof of address from directors and shareholders;

4- Payments and fees: The initial costs to open a company in Belize are affordable, including an incorporation fee and an annual renewal fee. In general, the incorporation process takes 1 to 3 weeks once all the documents have been submitted;

5- Compliance and maintenance: Maintaining an offshore company in Belize is simple. The company needs to renew its license annually and keep basic governance records, although no financial reports or audits are required, which significantly reduces bureaucracy.

Be aware of legal and regulatory considerations

Belize’s legal base follows British Common Law – a legal model recognized worldwide for its stability, coherence and predictability. For foreign entrepreneurs, this means:

• More security in contracts
• Greater protection against legal arbitrariness
• Easier to understand and operate within the system

Despite the advantages, offshore companies in Belize must observe compliance rules that meet international standards. AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations are an important requirement, and companies must ensure they are compliant to avoid penalties. The country has also adopted international agreements, such as FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and CRS (Common Reporting Standard), which require the exchange of financial information to prevent tax evasion.

Belize: An attractive combination of benefits and simplified regulation

Belize is attracting many companies from different sectors, especially those focused on international operations without a local presence, because it offers an attractive combination of tax benefits, regulatory simplicity and privacy. These characteristics make this jurisdiction an excellent choice for companies looking to establish offshore operations, as it has strict confidentiality policies, a competitive tax structure and simplified incorporation processes.

Whether you have an e-commerce company, asset holdings or investment funds, you will find Belize an environment conducive to growth and security. However, it is essential to carefully evaluate the country’s legal and regulatory framework to ensure that the company enjoys the advantages offered in a sustainable manner and in line with global standards.

And for that, you can count on our team of experts, who offer complete support throughout the process of custom structuring your company, creating strategies to shield your business and assets and ensuring that all the steps of opening your offshore company are aligned with strategic objectives and the laws of Brazil and Belize. TelliCoJus specializes in business internationalization, with tailor-made structures that respect international legislation and protect your company’s growth.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join a network of entrepreneurs who are already enjoying all the benefits and reaping the rewards of the internationalization process. Click on the button below, contact us today and find out how TelliCoJus can help you write the next successful chapter in your personal and business history.