Georgetown Trust, Ltd. 1
Maya Ruins organized tours Cayes/Marine activity diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing Caves underground network Rain Forests jungle tours, bird watching, hunting Rivers and Lagoons Colonial sites in Belize City Warm tropical climate all year round Friendly, service-oriented population Regulatory bodies are very user-friendly 2/15/2013 2
-Area: 8,867 sq. miles; 200 sq. miles of cayes -6 Districts: Toledo, Stann Creek, Cayo, Belize, Orange Walk, Corozal -9 municipalities: Belmopan (capital), Belize City (main commercial center), Punta Gorda, Dangriga, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, San Pedro -Neighbours: Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, and Caribbean Sea 2/15/2013 3
Ancient civilization has been traced back as early as 35,000 years ago during the Bering Straits era Maya: First evidence of a modern civilization is around 2500 BC, which mysteriously disappeared after 950 AD European explorers and settlers began coming after 1492, and we became a British colony since 1798 until Independence in 1981 Self-government in 1974 Name of British Honduras changed to Belize in 1973 2/15/2013 4
British parliamentary democracy: general elections for national government every 5 years, municipal elections every 3 years, village council elections every 3 years Self-government in 1964 2 major political parties have dominated the scene: UDP (1973) and PUP (1950) House of Representatives 31 seats (elected) headed by Prime Minister Senate 12 seats (appointed) headed by a President Governor General represents the Queen (or 2/15/2013 King) of U.K. 5
Approximately 330,000 people, with 30% living in Belize City, and majority living in all municipalities. Official language is English; Spanish is widely spoken; others: Creole (broken English/African dialects), Garifuna, 3 Maya languages, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, German, various West African languages Religions: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, other smaller Christian denominations, Hindu, Islam Avg. Life Expectancy: 75 years (men); 79 2/15/2013 (women) 6
BZ$2.00 = US$1.00 since 1949 Main Industries: Tourism, Offshore banking and Financial Services, Petroleum, Sugar, Citrus, Banana, Marine Products, Logging/Timber, Rice Other agricultural and livestock products are increasing, but growth ration to other products remains the same GDP: US$2.7 2.9 approximately, and annual growth rate of a little over 2% Foreign investment accounts for approx. 25% of national growth income 2/15/2013 7
Local company: -All information available for public view -Minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors -Central Bank clearance for foreigners -Annual filing requirement -Foreign company can be re-domiciled in Belize Trade License: -With or without local company -Must be obtained from the municipality where you intend to do business -Work permit required 2/15/2013 8
Easily regulated Banking environment 24% liquidity requirement 7 offshore banks: Atlantic, Belize, Caye, Choice, Handels, Heritage, Market Street Banking in USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, CHF 5 commercial banks: Atlantic, Belize, CIBC, Heritage, Scotia all in BZD Exemption from all Taxes on interests, commissions, dividends, capital gains Accounts can be opened and operated without client having to travel to the country 2/15/2013 9
Residency - The Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRP) For foreigners 45 years of age or older. Applicant can add spouse and/or children under 18 on same application; children from 18-22 can qualify by showing proof that they are currently enrolled in college. Applicants must show proof that they are currently earning US$2,000.00 per month or more, or any equivalent of such. This can also be the total of 5 years of the above requirement held in a bank account in the name of the applicant and/or spouse (if on application), and or business owned by applicant. 10
QRP Requirements and Procedures Copy of birth certificate Copy of marriage certificate (if married and spouse is dependent on application) Notarized colour copy of all pages of passport, including blank pages and covers Recent (not older than 3 months) criminal history report from your local authorities Certified results of a complete medical examination, including HIV/AIDS test 8 colour passport size pictures: 4 of front view, 2 of left view, 2 of right view 11
QRP Requirements & Procedures After acceptance, QRP must deposit the equivalent of US$24,000.00 or more per year into an account at a Belize banking institution. These funds can be used by the QRP throughout the year, as they are expected to be retirement funds. The QRP must spend at least 30 days per year in the country, and QRP status must be renewed every year. This is done by providing copies of passport pages showing entry into the country, and copies of bank statements showing funds coming into the account. 12
Retirement Advantages We can receive your application and required documentation, review and submit to the authorities, and get your ID cards processed without you coming to the country. Acceptance and ID cards can take as minimum as 30 days after all required documentation and payments have been submitted. QRP can bring all household goods and personal effects into the country DUTY-FREE within one year after being accepted. Also, a vehicle, boat or small aircraft every 3 years while under this program. 13
Belize Retirement Advantages We connect you with shipping and other moving logistics organizations to make your move to Belize easy and hassle-free. We assist you with setting up a local business to do business in Belize, or you can set up offshore entities while under the QRP program, and still have access to both local and offshore banking services. We can also assist in finding property in Belize through our network of real estate associates. Ask your tax advisor what advantages you can get by having a second residency when reporting your offshore assets. 2/15/2013 14
Offshore Financial Services International Business Companies Limited Liability Companies Trusts Foundations Ship & Yacht Registration Insurance Virtual Office Licenses for various Financial Services Non-Profit organizations 2/15/2013 15
What Others Say Lonely Planet ranks Belize among the top 10 in: 1. Destinations to visit for famous memorials (Actun Tunichil Muknal) 2. Honeymoon hot spots (Ambergris Caye) 3. Ultimate places to see wildlife Trip Advisor ranks 12 Belize hotels among top 25 hotels in Central America. New Economics Foundation in the UK ranks Belize 4 th. happiest country in the world. 2/15/2013 16
BELIZE PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS! PROTECTING YOU! 17