8 July 2026
Set Up a Bank Account in Belize
Open Bank Account in Belize: the Belize company formation process is a simple one and so is opening a bank account. Find out more in this article.
Investors who want to open an offshore company here need to set up a bank account in Belize as per the requirements for operating an offshore company from this location. Our team assists with bank account creation.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Mandatory local bank account for companies (Yes/No) | No |
Mandatory residence requirement | No |
Bank account opening time | 3-7 days |
| Required documents – companies | Company representative identification documents Proof of company registration and other corporate documents, as may be required |
| Required documents – individuals | Identification documents Recent utility bill Other documents, as may be required by the chosen bank |
| Bank fees | Monthly service charges (can start at $1.50) |
| Initial deposit | $20-$100 for certain types of accounts; depends on the chosen bank |
| Types of accounts | Regular savings accounts, demand deposit accounts, term deposit accounts, etc. |
| Online banking | Online business and personal banking; mobile apps |
| Local agent requirments | Not necessarily; our team provides this service upon request |
| Belize international banks | Belize Bank International Caye International Bank Heritage International Bank & Trust Limited |
| Mobile banking | Options available according to the chosen bank |
Bank branches network | Depends on the chosen bank |
Credit facilities | To be checked with the bank both for corporate and individual clients |
| Interest rate | Different according to the chosen bank |
| Savings account minimum balance | Can be imposed by the bank |
| Personal credit cards | Mastercard Standard Credit or others |
| Additional options for credit cards | Instant payment, standing order, insurance (these differ according to the chosen bank) |
| Credit card payment | Depending on the chosen bank, usually payable in installments or as a single payment |
| Special consideration according to nationality | US citizens should be aware of the provisions of the FATCA and the requirements that apply in their case |
| Differences for residents/non-residents | Foreigners who open offshore bank accounts may be asked to present additional or different documents, compared to Belizean citizens |
| Power of attorney | Can be used to open a bank account; our team can provide you with details on drafting this document |
What is the general procedure for the Belize bank account setup in 2026?
Entrepreneurs and individuals can open a bank account in Belize that suits their offshore company formation or tax planning needs. Personal and corporate accounts may be opened with a Belize bank licensed by the Central Bank of Belize.
The holder will need to comply with a few regulations, including a minimum initial deposit and/or monthly deposits for some types of accounts.
What documents do I have to provide to open a corporate bank account in Belize?
The following are the documents needed for most foreign investors and foreign nationals wishing to set up a Belize bank account: notarized passport copy, reference letters from a bank you have an account with, copies of utility bills (for natural persons), company documents (for Belize International companies or for other legal entities), certificate of good standing (for companies older than 1 year), etc.
What are some of the costs associated with bank account opening?
The minimum initial deposit for a bank account in Belize, as well as the account fees, monthly maintenance fees, and transfer taxes, will depend on the chosen type of bank.
When do I have to open the account?
The corporate bank account is opened as part of the procedures related to company formation in Belize. The bank will request the incorporation documents for the new business after registration with the Belizean authorities.
How fast can I open a bank account in Belize?
Opening a bank account in Belize can take one week or more. The exact processing time depends on a case-by-case basis and is influenced by the requirement to have all the corporate documents in order, as well as have all the signatory parties present if required by the bank.
We invite you to watch the following video on how to open a bank account in Belize:
What are examples of types of bank account features in Belize?
Packages depend on the chosen bank. Our team advises those interested to perform comprehensive research before setting up the bank account – assistance can be provided upon request.
A checking account is commonly the type of bank account opened by those who set up a company in Belize. However, it can also be used for other business forms, such as a partnership or sole proprietorship.
With a commercial checking account, the owner can benefit from:
- A multi-currency option;
- Digital banking;
- Solutions for payroll;
- Term deposits;
- Credit card issuance.
Can I set up a merchant account in Belize?
Yes. Merchant account services are provided by local banks.
A merchant account allows the business to set up a credit card payment option for their paying customers. The bank will provide the following general services:
- The equipment used for the payment (the POS or point-of-sale terminal);
- Merchant account use training;
- Other supplies for use, as needed.
Additionally, companies that set up a bank account in Belize and also select the merchant services will generally receive the deposit payments to their commercial bank account within about 2 business days.
How do I choose the bank?
Some of the issues that may come to mind when choosing a bank with which to open a corporate bank account in Belize have to do with business size and any specific banking services requirements, such as the aforementioned merchant account.
Some of the criteria that should be analysed include:
- Account type;
- Associated fees;
- Digital banking options;
- Mobile app availability;
- Options for international payments;
- Others, such as access to payroll solutions, commercial loans, term deposits, etc.
Can your Belize company formation agents provide assistance for opening a bank account?
One of our Belize company formation specialists can assist you once you decide to open a bank account in the country. We can provide additional information on the banks and bank branches in Belize and their offers for foreign clients.
Bank account setup is part of our Belize offshore company formation package. We provide assistance, as needed, throughout all the company formation stages and help entrepreneurs prepare the documents required to open a bank account.
When needed, we can act as a liaison between the company and the bank – a step that may be useful when foreign investors cannot be present in the jurisdiction. If this is the case, one of our agents can, based on a power of attorney, make necessary submissions, collect bank statements, submit documents, and handle all steps related to corporate banking, as indicated in the specific power of attorney.
You can contact us for more details on how we can help you open a bank account in Belize in 2026.