Open a Crypto Company in Belize

Investors who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize benefit from the straightforward incorporation process and the ease of doing business in this jurisdiction. Our Belize offshore company formation agents can help you register your business and give you information about a crypto license in Belize.

Quick Facts
Cryptocurrency seen as legal tender (Yes/No)	No
Local regulatory agency	Financial Services Commission (FSC), which replaced the IFSC in 2023
Special licenses for those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belize	Yes, digital asset services require a licence from the Financial Services Commission
Special licenses for crypto exchanges in Belize	Yes, a digital asset services licence from the Financial Services Commission
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	A company limited by shares under the Belize Companies Act 2022 (which replaced the International Business 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	Certificate of incorporation issued by the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR); digital asset activities also need an FSC licence
Mandatory requirements for the cryptocurrency company	Registered office located in Belize and a registered agent in Belize at all times
Cryptocurrency company taxation	Foreign-source income is generally not taxed if economic substance and tax residence conditions are met; Belize-source receipts are subject to business tax (the IBC tax exemption was abolished)
Reasons to open a cryptocurrency company in Belize	Territorial taxation (foreign-source income generally not taxed, subject to economic substance rules), no nationality restrictions, no residency requirements, a dedicated licensing framework for digital asset services

Who can open a crypto company in Belize?

Any investor can open a crypto company in Belize.

Full foreign ownership is permitted, and there are no requirements for residency for those who are interested in company formation in Belize.

What types of activities are typical for a crypto company?

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, likely 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.

What are the steps required to open a crypto company in Belize?

Investors who open a crypto company in Belize should keep in mind the following steps presented by our team:

Register the business name: the proposed name needs to be unique and a name check can be performed in order to ensure its availability;
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;
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;
Handle the post-registration steps: these include opening a bank account, making arrangements for employment, and others.

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

Do I need a crypto license in Belize?

Yes. According to law, business activities that fall under the scope of “digital asset services” must only be performed if holding a valid license issued by the Financial Services Commission of Belize (the FSC).

How do I apply for a crypto license in Belize?

Via a submission to the Financial Services Commission, according to the Financial Services Commission Amendment Act, 2026

The list of required documents includes (but may not be limited to) the following:

Proof of company registration in Belize;
Detailed business plan and information about the digital asset activities;
Organizational chart and details about the company’s employees;
Information on the parent companies or affiliated companies, if this is the case;
Details on any technology platform used to provide the digital asset activities (if applicable);
Proof of customer due diligence, information on internal control processes, proof of compliance with the anti-money laundering and terrorism financing policies.

What are the particulars of the crypto license in Belize?

Entrepreneurs who apply for this license should also know that:

The license is subject to a fee, as prescribed by the authorities. The amount is set at $5,000 USD for the application and $15,000 for the license. Please keep in mind that these amounts can be subject to change;
Such a license can be renewed but only if the applicant proves (in a satisfactory manner for the Commission) that they continue to meet the requirements for the license.

How will my crypto company in Belize be taxed?

As previously mentioned, as one of the first steps in the creation of a crypto business, you will be asked to choose one of the available business forms.

Foreign investors will most often select the International Business Company, as foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Belize, provided economic substance and tax residence conditions are met (the IBC itself was replaced by companies under the Belize Companies Act 2022).

Moreover, the IBC is not subject to withholding taxes or capital gains. These companies do, however, have to supply adequate financial information and can be subject to a tax on its gross receipts when it maintains a permanent establishment in the country.

Contact us for more information and assistance on how to open a crypto company in Belize.