Starting a business in
🇧🇿Belize
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Corporate tax
0%
Top income tax
25%
Setup from
$700
all-in, first year
Time to form
3 days
can be done remotely
Taxes in Belize
| Corporate income tax | 0% Belize has no standard corporate income tax rate; domestic businesses pay Business Tax on gross revenue at rates from about 0.75% to 19% depending on sector (standard small business rates cited around 1.75%). Income tax (25%) applies to some entities and sources. Offshore-type companies earning foreign income with no Belize activity are generally outside the tax net, but must meet economic substance rules (introduced 2019). Rates differ across sources, so verify with the Belize Tax Service. |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax (top) | 25% Residents pay up to 25% on Belize-source income above about BZD 78,000; the first BZD 26,000 is exempt. Foreign-source income is not taxed (territorial system). |
| Tax system | Territorial (foreign income untaxed) |
| Capital gains tax | 0%No capital gains tax on most assets; property transfers incur stamp duty (about 5%). |
| Dividend withholding (non-residents) | 15% |
| VAT / GST | 12.5% |
| Social security | GST 12.5% on goods and services; businesses with turnover above BZD 75,000 must register. Dividend withholding is commonly cited at 15% on Belize-source dividends to non-residents, but dividends paid from foreign-source income of non-resident companies are generally not subject to it. Social Security Board contributions apply to employees. |
Forming a company in Belize
| Usual entity | International Business Company (IBC) or domestic company |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | None |
| Setup cost (all-in) | $700–$2,000 |
| Annual running cost | $600–$1,800 |
| Time to incorporate | 3 days |
| Form remotely as a foreigner | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Owners on public register | No |
| Statutory audit for small companies | No |
| Business banking for non-residents | Very hard |
Residency and visas
Belize offers the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) programme for people aged 45+ with at least US$2,000 monthly income from abroad, and standard permanent residence after a year of continuous residence with fees. It has no digital nomad visa or active citizenship-by-investment programme. Verify current requirements with the Belize Immigration Department.
| Digital nomad visa | No |
|---|---|
| Golden visa | No |
| Ease of residency for founders | 2/5 (1 = easiest) |
Special tax regimes
Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) programme
Foreigners aged 45+ with at least US$2,000 monthly income from abroad get residency and exemption from tax on foreign income and duty-free import of personal goods.
International Business Company (IBC)
A non-resident company that does not trade in Belize; exempt from Business Tax and income tax on foreign income if conditions are met, subject to economic substance and a foreign tax residency requirement.
Territorial taxation
Only Belize-source income is taxed; foreign-source income of individuals and companies is not.
Pros and cons
Why founders pick Belize
- Territorial tax and cheap company formation
- English is the official language and law is English common law
- QRP programme offers easy residency for 45+ applicants
- Removed from the EU grey list in October 2026
Watch out for
- Weak reputation: banks and processors often decline Belize IBCs
- Tax rules differ across sources, and IBC exemptions are conditional
- Hard to open bank accounts outside local banks
- Past EU listings and substance requirements for offshore companies
Best for: Low-cost offshore holding or trading companies · Retirees using the QRP programme · Founders who want a cheap offshore entity and do not need mainstream banking
Belize: common questions
Is Belize on the EU tax blacklist or grey list?
As of the 9 October 2026 EU update, Belize is not on Annex I (the blacklist) and was removed from Annex II (the grey list) after receiving a 'largely compliant' rating in the Global Forum EOIR peer review. The change takes effect when the revised annexes are published in the Official Journal. Belize had been listed before, so some banks remain cautious.
Does Belize tax foreign income?
No. Belize taxes only income earned in Belize, so foreign-source income of individuals and companies is generally not taxed. Offshore companies must still meet economic substance and registered-agent requirements, and IBC tax exemptions are conditional.
How much does it cost to form a company in Belize?
An IBC typically costs about $700–$2,000 to set up including the registered agent and government fees, then $600–$1,800 per year. Domestic companies cost more because of local accounting and Business Tax filings.
What is the Belize QRP programme?
It is a residency programme for people aged 45 or older who show at least US$2,000 monthly income from outside Belize. Participants must spend a few weeks in Belize at first, deposit a fee and may import personal goods duty-free; foreign income is exempt from local tax.
Is Belize good for an online business?
Belize is cheap and territorial, but banking and payment processing are the biggest obstacles. Many founders choose Belize for a holding company only, while operating through a US or EU entity for Stripe and PayPal.
Sources
- Belize Tax Service
- Belize Financial Services Commission
- Council of the EU: list of non-cooperative jurisdictions
Similar countries
Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.