FOREIGN COMPANIES IN BELIZE
Belize hosts several foreign-owned companies and international franchises, especially in industries like tourism, banking, agriculture, energy, and real estate. The country’s investment-friendly laws, low taxes, and offshore services attract a wide variety of foreign businesses.
1. Offshore Financial & Business Services
Belize is a popular jurisdiction for International Business Companies (IBCs) and offshore banks, many of which are foreign-owned.
Notable Foreign-Involved Firms:
- Caye International Bank – Services international clients (foreign-owned).
- Belize Bank International – Offshore services with foreign clients.
- Belize Corporate Services Ltd. – IBC registrations, often for foreign entrepreneurs.
- International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) licenses many foreign-owned forex, crypto, and trading firms.
2. Tourism & Hospitality
Foreign investors dominate much of Belize’s high-end tourism sector, especially in beach and island areas.
International Resorts & Brands:
- Hilton (Mahogany Bay Resort) – Ambergris Caye.
- Marriott (Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection) – San Pedro.
- Radisson Fort George Hotel – Belize City (U.S.-affiliated).
- Margaritaville Beach Resort – Owned by U.S. investors.
Foreign Boutique & Eco-Lodges:
- Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort – Owned by U.S. citizens.
- Chan Chich Lodge – Owned by Gallon Jug Estate (foreign investment).
- Turtle Inn – Owned by U.S. film director Francis Ford Coppola.
3. Real Estate & Development
Foreign nationals, especially Americans and Canadians, are major investors in real estate in areas like:
- Ambergris Caye
- Placencia
- Cayo District
They own:
- Luxury villas
- Condominiums
- Resorts and gated communities
4. Agriculture & Agro-processing
Foreign companies participate in banana, citrus, and sugar industries.
Examples:
- Fyffes Group (Ireland) – Previously involved in banana export operations.
- American Sugar Refining (ASR Group) – U.S.-based, owns majority of Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI).
- Belize Citrus Growers Association (CGAs) – Partners with foreign investors in citrus processing.
5. Energy & Utilities
- Fortis Inc. (Canada) – Owns majority of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL).
- Belize Natural Energy Ltd. – Partly foreign-owned; major player in petroleum exploration.
6. Franchises & Consumer Brands
While not widespread, Belize has some international franchises primarily in fast food and retail:
| Brand | Origin | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Subway | U.S. | Fast food |
| Shell | Netherlands/UK | Fuel Stations |
| Puma Energy | Singapore | Fuel distribution |
| Western Union | U.S. | Money transfer |
| MoneyGram | U.S. | Financial services |
7. Construction & Engineering
- Some infrastructure projects are done in partnership with foreign contractors, especially from:
- Mexico
- Taiwan
- China
- U.S.
These may involve road building, bridges, housing developments, and water systems.
8. Telecommunications & Tech
- Speednet Communications Ltd. (SMART) – Privately owned, with some foreign investment.
- Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) – Formerly majority foreign-owned; now partly government-owned after nationalization, though foreign telecom tech still supports operations.
9. Foreign NGO & Donor Agencies
While not “companies,” many foreign NGOs and development agencies are active in Belize:
- World Bank, USAID, UNDP
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
10. Legal Framework for Foreign Companies
- Foreigners can own 100% of a business in Belize.
- Must register with:
- Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry
- Belize Investment Promotion Agencies
- No capital gains tax and incentives for tourism, agriculture, and energy investors.
