Obtaining Business Licenses in Belize

Licensed activities in Belize include fields like trading, international insurance, and other international activities. Our team can help you with company formation in Belize and can also assist those who want to obtain a business license.

Quick Facts
Trade license	For companies that will exchange goods or services for monetary gain.
Import/export license	Mandatory. Certain requirements apply according to the types of imported/exported goods.
Banking license	For banks and bank branches in Belize.
Licenses for other financial services	In the case of non-banking services (investment funds, trust companies, securities investment businesses, etc.).
Accountants license	As per the conditions set forth for this profession by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Belize (ICAB)
Real estate license	According to the conditions of the Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize (AREBB)
Forest license	Forest export, forest import, cutting permit, protected area or scientific permits, etc.
Fishery license	For the export of fish, selling fish, sport fishing, etc.
Agriculture permit	Issued for various types of activities by the Agricultural Health Authority.
Licenses for medical professionals	Issued by the Belize Medical Council.
Dentist license	Issued by the Medical and Dental Association.
Tourism license	Issued by the Belize Tourism Board for tour guides or tour operators.
Hotel and accommodation license	Also issued by the Belize Tourism Board
Pharmacy authorization	Issued by the Ministry of Health & Wellness
Architect license	A qualified architect in Belize must be licensed and registered by the Association of Professional Architects of Belize (APAB).

Does my company have to obtain a business license in Belize?

In short: generally, yes. In practice, the requirement to obtain a business license once you complete the process for company formation in Belize depends on the activities your company will undertake.

Where do I apply for a business license in Belize?

You apply for the license with the local authorities, the Town Board, or the special governing bodies in those industries that are highly regulated (see below for details).

What companies are required to obtain a business license in Belize?

Any business that offers a Belize-regulated service. Common examples include financial solutions and services (see below for more details on these) and tourism services (i.e., hotels, tour guides, and tour operators).

The following infographic summarizes some of these licenses:

What is the financial license in Belize?

It is a special type of license issued by the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC) that allows companies and international companies with a local presence in Belize to provide financial services.

If you want to open a company in Belize, our team highlights the main types of licensed financial activities:

international insurance services;
international asset management and protection;
international mutual funds and other collective investment schemes;
money transfer services and payment processing services;
money brokering, lending and exchange;
trading in foreign exchange;
trading in securities and financial derivative instruments;
international accounting services;
consulting or advisory services in the fields listed above.

What is the trade license in Belize?

The trade license in Belize is required for all companies that will be involved in trading activities, or the provision/sale of goods or merchandise, or other services.

All companies that will engage in trading activities within the City of Belize will need to apply for and obtain the license permitting these activities before they commence them.

An application for a trade license in Belize will:

State the nature of the business and the activities;
Clearly include the name and address of the company;
Provide proof of business license fee payment;
Be applied for after the business owners have completed the steps necessary to open a company in Belize.

The following conditions apply to companies that operate under a trade license in Belize:

They can change their place of business, however, they must announce the authorities so that a new assessment of the location can be performed for the purposes of license compliance;
They cannot transfer a trade license without the approval of the authorities.

How much does a trade license cost?

Our team lists below some examples of trade license fees. Please keep in mind that these can be subject to change:

Peddlers: $300 per year;
Promoters: $200 per year (maximum);
Taxi operators: $1 per day (maximum).

The video below summarizes the requirements for special licensing in Belize:

What happens if I carry out trade without a proper license in Belize?

Carrying out a trade in Belize without a license is an offence and subject to a fine not exceeding $500. However, those who are found guilty of trading without a license in Belize will no longer be able to engage in trading activities (alone or in association with another party) for a period of two years from the date of the conviction.

How do I apply for a special license in Belize?

With the issuing government body, such as the Financial Services Commission or the Belize Tourism Board.

The application process for a license such as those required for financial or tourism activities varies according to industry and as per the specific requirements set forth by the issuing agency.

What documents must I provide if I want to obtain a business license in Belize?

Again, the application checklist depends on the industry in which the company will operate.

The following list includes the main general documents only:

The filled-in application form (signed and dated by the applicant);
A copy of the Business Registration Certificate, as issued by the Company Registry;
Information about the company’s shareholders;
Details about the business (namely proof of it meeting the licensing requirements);
Proof of having paid the application fee.

Must I renew my license?

Yes. Companies are required to duly renew their licenses and only continue to conduct operations with a valid document.

Contact us for more information on licensed activities in Belize, the general application and renewal process, and assistance throughout.