Wealth Ships

Hey there sharon,
We will be moving to belize from canada, and we would like to start a few businesses or at least one.

I've contacted lawyers and read about alot of information regarding startinga business as a foreigner in Belize, but there's still alot of grey zone and things that... haven't been clarified.

One thing that seems certain is that the fees are pretty high, ranging from $2000-3000 just in governmental/application fees. Then, add the cost of the notary of if a lawyer does it for you, and taht's another $2000-3000, putting the total cost before you've even invested in any hardware, space, or equipment for your business at $6,000+ USD. This seems a little bit ridiculous as here in canada, one can incorporate for as little as $350 USD.

If this is what it is, so be it. I would just like to confirm if this is truly in fact the case. And my other inquiry is if one can do this type of application alone (without the use of a lawyer or notary). That is, does belize have a user friendly system and whom would i contact about this?

My last question is a legal question. My apologies, I know you're no lawyer, but suggest (just for example), that we wanted to open an internet cafe.

Why couldn't we lease the equipment (the computers, router, chairs etc. the works.) to a belizean, who would then register the business, find a space, do all the legals, register the space in his name, and then pay us a monthly rental fee for use of our equipment. Would this not be legal? Can a foreigner or can't a foreigner own property in belize and do with it what he or she wishes?

Well we appreciate your efforts to answer our question or put us in contact with someone that might.

Thank you,

Regards,


Michael Blomkvist

Very storybook life events, like a romance novel. I too want to move to Belize, start a small business and enjoy "life in Belize". I live in Arizona and will be traveling to belize soon on a fact finding mission. Any input from you would be most helpful and welcome.

Kevin