Frequently Asked Questions


General Knowledge About Offshore Companies


What is a tax haven?
Which is the best country for offshore company registration?
Why are the offshore jurisdictions interested to register tax free companies?
Aren`t all offshore companies used by criminals?
Offshore companies are losing popularity
Is it legal to own an offshore company?
There seem to be different types of offshore companies - which are the best?
What is the purpose of the offshore company?
What are the advantages of using an offshore company?
For how long will offshore companies continue to exist?
Are offshore companies required to keep books, financial records, prepare audit?

Structure and Registration Procedures of Offshore Companies


What`s the difference between a domestic company and an offshore company?
Why are certain words not permitted in the name of the offshore company?
Does the International Business Company need to have an initial lump-sum of capital?
What is the currency of capital for an International Business Company?
Is it a requirement for an IBC to set up a fully operational office in Belize?
May I be the only shareholder and also serve as director of my IBC?
May I have another company holding shares in my offshore company?
What is a nominee shareholder?
What is a nominee director?
What is the purpose of the nominee director?
What is a Power of Attorney?
What is an Apostille?
Why would I need my IBC documents Apostilled?
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

Oredring and Pricing


Can I buy the offshore company anonymously, without telling my name?
Do I have to visit the offshore jurisdiction to incorporate the company?
Do the owners of the offshore company have to sign the incorporation documents?
What information do you require to register my offshore company?
What is a proof of address?
What is a bank reference?
What is a professional reference?
Do You need information on my intended business?
Why do you require a copy of my passport and other ID documents?
How quickly can I get the offshore company registered?
What methods of payment do you accept?
What is your refund policy?
I have purchased an offshore company and never used it - can You take it back and refund?
Are there any types of business You do not accept?
Can I get a gambling license for my Belize IBC?
Can I register an offshore investment fund (mutual fund) in Belize?
What are "ready-made" companies?
Can I buy a shelf company and change its name?
I have a company registered in another country - can I transfer it to the Belize?

Ownership and Control of my Offshore Company


Can I change my IBC from one Registered Agent to another?
Can I change the directors of my offshore company?
What is the difference between a shareholder and the beneficial owner of an IBC?
Who can sign on behalf of the offshore company?
Do the beneficial owners of the IBC have signatory rights?
How can I prove my ownership of the offshore company?
What is a declaration of trust?
What documents will I get to ensure my full control over the IBC and to enable me to remove any officers or agents, if I want to?
How can I be certain that you are not going to steal my money and blackmail me?
If somebody investigates my offshore company, what data can be obtained from the Registry of Companies in Belize?

Offshore Bank Accounts


Does an offshore IBC come with its bank account?
Why is it so that IBC does not have a bank account at registration?
Is a Belize IBC required to open a bank account in Belize?
Where should the offshore bank account be opened?
I need an offshore company with an offshore bank account - but can You guarantee that the bank account will be opened for my IBC?
Why do you charge a fee for the assistance with the account opening?
Do I get a refund if I paid for the bank introduction, but the bank turned me down?
Do I have to visit the bank for opening the bank account for my new offshore company?
What is the timeframe for an offshore bank account opening?
If I use a nominee director, how can I control and operate the bank account?
Will the nominee director act as bank signatory?
What is an "account signatory"?
Can You just open the bank account for my offshore company without me siging anything?
Can I open an account for my offshore IBC without Your help?
Do you provide offshore bank account openings as a separate service?
Can I open a personal bank account in an offshore bank?
Do offshore banks issue credit and debit cards?
Can I open a credit card merchant account for my offshore company?

Annual Maintenance of Offshore Companies


What are the annual renewal fees?
What are the components of the annual renewal fees?
Why should I pay for the Registered Office and Registered Agent if I don`t even use them?
What happens if I don`t pay the annual IBC renewal fees?
How should I properly discontinue using the offshore company?