Regulations for Bank Services

Offshore Banking in Belize
The Offshore Banking Act enables banks and other related businesses to operate from within Belize in foreign currencies, securities and assets owned by persons not resident in Belize. Belize’s Offshore Banking industry has a high reputation for integrity and fair dealing.
Benefits of Belize’s Offshore Banking Industry
• Offshore Banking License remains valid for an unlimited period of time
• Entitled to establish, maintain and operate a business office in Belize
• Unrestricted “A” Class Offshore Banking License
• Restricted “B” Class Offshore Banking License
• Class “A” license allowed to transact offshore banking business without restriction
• Complete confidentiality regarding information relating to the affairs of a licensee or any customer of a licensee
• Exemption from taxes on profits and dividends
• Exemption from currency and exchange control restrictions or regulations
Who Qualifies?  

Companies eligible to be granted an Offshore Banking License must:
1. Be incorporated or registered under the Companies Act or the International Business Companies Act as a company limited by shares or is a foreign bank
2. Have shares in registered form and not in bearer form

“A” Class License holders must have capital equivalent of no less than US$500,000 or in the case of foreign banks, no less than US$25 million. “B” Class Offshore Banking License holders must have capital equivalent of no less than US$200,000 or in the case of foreign banks, no less than US$15 million.

Application Procedures

An application for an Offshore Banking License must be submitted to the Central Bank of Belize.

For Further Information Contact:

Belize Trade and Investment Development Service
#14 Orchid Garden St., Belmopan, Belize
Tel: (501) 8-23737/20178
Fax: (501) 8-20595
Email: beltraide@belize.gov.bz
Website: www.belizeinvest.org.bz

Central Bank of Belize
P.O. Box 852
Belize City, Belize
Tel: (501) 2-31694
Fax: (501) 2-36219 
Email: governor@cenbank. gov.bz