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Open a Crypto Company in Belize

Open a Crypto Company in Belize

A cryptocurrency company in Belize will be engaged either in the development of a new digital currency or, more commonly, in the provision of services related to the management of cryptocurrencies, namely a crypto exchange platform, a trading app, or a wallet.

 Quick Facts  
Cryptocurrency seen as legal tender (Yes/No)

No

Local regulatory agency

International Financial Services Commission (IFSC)

Special licenses for those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize

No
Special licenses for crypto exchanges
in Belize

No

Anti-money laundering rules Generally applicable
Special requirements for investors who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize 

No

Residency requirements for investors

No

Types of companies used by those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize The Belize International Business Company (IBC) for conducting business only outside of Belize (offshore company)

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) for conducting business in and outside Belize
Minimum capital for a cryptocurency company in Belize Not applicable
Minimum number of shareholders 1
Minimum number of directors 1
Business license Issued upon registration with the Register of International Business Companies
Mandatory requirements for the cryptocurrency company Registered office located in Belize and a registered agent in Belize at all times

Cryptocurrency company taxation

Not applicable for trading that occurs outside of Belize when the legal entity is an IBC
Reasons to open a cryptocurrency company in Belize Tax exempt (when doing business outside of Belize), no nationality restrictions, no residency requirements, no stringent laws or regulations for virtual assets trading and activities

Investors who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize benefit from the straightforward incorporation process, and the ease of doing business in this jurisdiction.

While there is no requirement to obtain a crypto license in Belize, companies that provide services related to virtual currencies are required to observe other general rules.

Some of the most important regulations in place concern the incorporation of a company that will trade either outside of Belize or will also offer services within this jurisdiction.

Under the International Business Company (IBC) regime, businesses that engage in certain types of activities can be completely exempt from the business tax. Otherwise, a low tax applies to their activities, depending on their gross income.

You can read below more about the general incorporation requirements, as well as the crypto license in Belize.

You can always reach out to us for details on how to open a company in Belize.

Cryptocurrency company ideas

Many investors have recognized the potential offered by the development of cryptocurrencies. Entrepreneurs can enter this ever-evolving market by choosing from one of the available business ideas that involve cryptocurrencies.

While some entrepreneurs will engage in the development of new digital currencies, others will wish to start a business that offers services related to trading or storing crypto assets. What this means is that part of those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize will look towards opening a crypto trading platform or developing an app for trading these types of digital currencies, or a new crypto wallet that is safe to use and has interesting new features for clients.

The blockchain and cryptocurrency sector is brimming with new opportunities and is still under development, however, here are some popular cryptocurrency business ideas:

  • Wallet: a means of safely storing digital assets; the wallet is used by all those who own cryptocurrencies;
  • Exchange: allows the user to trade with several types of cryptocurrencies; the platform can earn a commission for the transactions and it can also set a fee to include a certain cryptocurrency on the exchange platform;
  • Payment gateway: software designed for parties that wish to accept cryptocurrency transactions as payment for goods or services; as the popularity of cryptocurrencies is increasing, it is likely that the demand for crypto payment gateways will also grow;
  • ATM: much like a traditional ATM, one that is designed for cryptocurrencies allows the user to buy and sell popular types of digital currencies (such as Bitcoin) instantly;
  • Consultancy: of course, experts can always open a company in Belize that offers consultancy services to aspiring or new investors.

The list above is not an exhaustive one and entrepreneurs who wish to open a cryptocurrency company in Belize may explore other investment options as the crypto market continues to develop and grow.

Company formation in Belize

For investors who open a crypto company in Belize, the following steps are relevant:

  1. Register the business name: the proposed name needs to be unique and a name check can be performed in order to ensure its availability;
  2. Prepare the company documents: the IBC or private company (according to the needs of the investors) have their incorporation documents prepared to include information about their shareholding structure, type, duration, scope and other governing issues;
  3. Register the business: the new company is registered with the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry; the Trade License will be issued as a result thereof;
  4. Handle the post-registration steps: these include opening a bank account, making arrangements for employment, and others.

As detailed below, there is no need to apply for a crypto license in Belize with the relevant regulatory agencies, however, the recent changes in the tax and reporting regime for IBC companies and other business forms are notable.

Investors who wish to open a crypto company in Belize can find out how their company will be taxed with our help.

Our team of accountants assists foreign investors who open a company in Belize and require information and services related to the filing of returns.

The crypto license in Belize

The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize does not impose regulatory requirements for virtual currencies such as cryptocurrencies and, as a result, it is not the regulator for these types of companies.

As investors who open a crypto company in Belize are not required to register with the IFSC, they cannot unlawfully present as having been registered and authorized by the Belizean authorities for this purpose.

The provisions of the IFSC Act are relevant to all financial services providers, and those that offer crypto trading services will fall under this category. This means that legal persons offering international financial services, as defined by the relevant local laws, need to act in observance of the IFSC Act and failure thereof will result in their activities being considered unlicensed and unlawful.

The Financial Services Commission regulates and supervises non-bank financial services offered by entities registered and/or licensed under the Financial Services Commission Act.

We invite you to watch the following video on crypto company creation:

Cryptocurrency statistics

According to a 2021 report, it is expected that the number of crypto owners worldwide will reach 1 billion by the end of 2022. Other data shows that:

  • – The world crypto population increased by 178% in 2021;
  • – It grew from 106 million in January 2021 to 295 million in December 2021;
  • – The overall adoption growth in the second half of 2021 was of 37.5%;
  • – Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the two most important cryptocurrencies, however, the first outperformed the latter in the second half of 2021;
  • – Other competitors are emerging and the market remains an evolving one.

Starting a cryptocurrency company in Belize can be a good choice for investors, due to the simple set up process as well as the absence of a mandatory crypto license in Belize.

Investors who wish to open a crypto company can rely on the assistance of our lawyers in Belize. We provide legal representation as needed, as well as legal counsel in a wide range of legal matters including but not limited to company formation, contract law, hiring employees, Belizean taxes, director liability, as well as other issues concerning individuals who wish to remain in the country. 

Contact us if you want to know more about company formation.

Remaining in Belize for business purposes

Company formation in Belize is popular among foreign investors given the tax advantages already discussed herein, and the fact that the company owner does not need to be present in the country at all times.

For international investors, being able to open a cryptocurrency company in Belize and continue its management and administration from abroad can be an important advantage. However, others may find that they do wish to remain in Belize for medium to long-term purposes related to their business activities in this jurisdiction.

If you want to open a crypto company and wish to acquire Belizean residency, you should know that you can gain temporary residence if you have made or are in the process of making a substantial investment in the country. If you are willing to remain in Belize for a long period of time you can also apply for permanent residence if you have lived here for one year.

Our team also offers services related to immigration to Belize. It is advisable to seek personalized assistance throughout the residence process in order to receive information about the steps you need to take, the documents you need to submit, as well as the interviews that are mandatory for the applicant (those with the immigration authorities and with the police). You can reach out to us if you have questions about immigration.

We can also provide foreign nationals with information about citizenship in Belize, especially for those foreign investors who are already residing in the country. Having been the holder of a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years allows the foreign national to apply for citizenship. Conditions for a maximum period during which one can be absent from the country apply.