Belize Bank Account Opening
Why Open a Belize Bank Account?
Probably the first question that comes to your mind is not “How to open a bank account in Belize?”, but rather “Why should I do it?”.
Belize is a well-established international banking jurisdiction in Central America. In its 2025 review, the Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services (CariCRIS) reaffirmed the regional and national scale credit ratings of several Belizean banks. The combination of economic stability and the concentration of financial activity in Belize City makes Belize an attractive option for international businesses and individuals seeking a bank account outside their home jurisdiction.
There are a number of reasons why each year more and more clients are looking for opportunities to diversify their financial portfolios and include the Belize banking jurisdiction as a part of their personal wealth planning.
First, the growth in international travel and the rapid development of internet-based financial services have pushed businesses to look beyond domestic providers and consider the advantages of an offshore bank account, including Belize offshore banking. Second, the account opening process in Belize is comparatively straightforward for non-residents.
So, what are the reasons for you to open a personal bank account in Belize?
Reliable legal system
From its colonial past, Belize inherited a common law legal system with inherent flexibility and unpredictability. The Belize banking system operates on a strong legal foundation comprising banking laws such as the International Business Companies Act, Offshore Banking Act, Trust Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
On top of that, Belize legal system obeys the principle of rule of law which basically means that all governmental and judicial decisions must follow the spirit of law.
Political stability
Belize offers a stable political environment with limited government interference in private banking arrangements. Belize’s modern history over the past 30 years records only occasional peaceful protests.
Thus, having a bank account in Belize ensures the smooth operation of your business.
Asset protection and privacy
Belize values privacy to the fullest extent possible. There are no exchange mechanisms in place between the banks of Belize and European or Latin American banks. A Belize bank account for foreigners provides the highest level of asset protection, while local laws and regulations protect clients’ privacy.
Good location
Belize has an advantageous geographic location that is close to North America with a good connectivity. In terms of human infrastructure – it is the only country in Central America where everyone speaks English. So, having Belize offshore bank account facilities allows businesses to settle their funds here.
A variety of offshore banks
Belizean banking legislation divides banks into two distinct groups. Domestic banks are licensed under the Banks and Financial Institutions Act and serve Belizean citizens and residents. International banks are licensed under the International Banking Act and serve non-resident businesses and individuals in foreign currencies. Both sectors are supervised by the Central Bank of Belize, which applies higher capital and liquidity requirements to international banks. The International Banking Act provides for Class A (unrestricted) and Class B (restricted) licences. At present, only Class A international banks are licensed in Belize.
Reliable financial service
Our structured approach to account opening is designed to make the most of what this financial centre offers. Astra Trust provides assistance in opening accounts at three principal banks in Belize: Caye International Bank, Belize Bank International Limited and Heritage Bank Limited.
Banks and Fees
Caye International Bank Ltd (“CIB”) opened its doors to international clients in 2003. CIB holds a Class A unrestricted international banking licence and is regulated by the Central Bank of Belize. It operates solely as an international bank, meaning its business with resident clients is limited. The bank offers a wide range of services to international businesses and individuals, including current and deposit accounts, deposit trusts and fiduciary accounts.
CIB provides clients with confidentiality, online banking, multicurrency accounts, client-oriented account maintenance and transfers to a wide range of jurisdictions.
CIB only opens bank accounts for companies incorporated in foreign jurisdictions (except Belize) or for Belize IBC. The bank does not offer its services to open an account for a domestic company in Belize.
Furthermore, CIB offers the facility to open an offshore bank account in various international currencies such as USD, CAD and EUR.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- CHF
USD 2,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 14.50)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
Additional annual fee of USD 250.00
Prepaid Debit VISA card (no Credit card)
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 850
Belize Bank International Limited (“BBIL”) was established in 2008 as the international banking arm of Belize Bank Limited, one of the oldest domestic banks in Belize. BBIL is a separately licensed institution and opens accounts for foreign individuals, Belize companies and companies incorporated worldwide.
Multilingual staff and a modern online banking system make the account opening process comparatively straightforward.
As with other Belize banks, BBIL is fully compliant with international and domestic laws and regulations. Accordingly, it cannot provide services to account holders or beneficial owners appearing on OFAC’s sanctions lists.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
USD 4,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 30.00)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
N/A
Not Available
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 850
Heritage Bank Limited (“HBL”) is a domestic commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Belize, operating branches across Belize. It was formerly Alliance Bank of Belize and forms part of the Heritage group, whose non-resident international business is conducted through the separately licensed Heritage International Bank Trust Limited.
HBL provides businesses and individuals with a broad range of services like term deposits, savings, and current accounts. The bank focuses on the broad development of e-services for their clients, such as 24/7 online banking, which includes cell phone banking, online home loans, e-payroll and others.
Heritage places a high priority on strict compliance with local and international regulations. Under the CRS Standard, Heritage Bank is obliged to report the tax residency of its clients to the tax authorities of other countries. This applies to foreigners and Belize IBC, who hold a Belize bank account.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- BZD
USD 3,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 25.00)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
Additional annual fee of USD 150.00
MasterCard Debit and Credit Card
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 850
Caye International Bank Ltd (“CIB”) opened its doors to international clients in 2003. CIB holds a Class A unrestricted international banking licence and is regulated by the Central Bank of Belize. It operates solely as an international bank, meaning its business with resident clients is limited. The bank offers a wide range of services to international businesses and individuals, including current and deposit accounts, deposit trusts and fiduciary accounts.
CIB provides clients with confidentiality, online banking, multicurrency accounts, client-oriented account maintenance and transfers to a wide range of jurisdictions.
CIB only opens bank accounts for companies incorporated in foreign jurisdictions (except Belize) or for Belize IBC. The bank does not offer its services to open an account for a domestic company in Belize.
Furthermore, CIB offers the facility to open an offshore bank account in various international currencies such as USD, CAD and EUR.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- CHF
USD 2,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 14.50)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
Additional annual fee of USD 250.00
Prepaid Debit VISA card (no Credit card)
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 550
Belize Bank International Limited (“BBIL”) was established in 2008 as the international banking arm of Belize Bank Limited, one of the oldest domestic banks in Belize. BBIL is a separately licensed institution and opens accounts for foreign individuals, Belize companies and companies incorporated worldwide.
Multilingual staff and a modern online banking system make the account opening process comparatively straightforward.
As with other Belize banks, BBIL is fully compliant with international and domestic laws and regulations. Accordingly, it cannot provide services to account holders or beneficial owners appearing on OFAC’s sanctions lists.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
USD 4,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 30.00)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
N/A
Not Available
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 550
Heritage Bank Limited (“HBL”) is a domestic commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Belize, operating branches across Belize. It was formerly Alliance Bank of Belize and forms part of the Heritage group, whose non-resident international business is conducted through the separately licensed Heritage International Bank Trust Limited.
HBL provides businesses and individuals with a broad range of services like term deposits, savings and current accounts. The bank focuses on the broad development of e-services for their clients, such as 24/7 online banking, which includes cell phone banking, online home loans, e-payroll and others.
Heritage places a high priority on strict compliance with local and international regulations. Under the CRS Standard, Heritage Bank is obliged to report the tax residency of its clients to the tax authorities of other countries. This is applicable to foreigners and Belize IBC, who hold a Belize bank account.
- USD
- CAD
- EUR
- GBP
- BZD
USD 3,000.00
N/A (monthly fee of USD 25.00)
Sanctioned countries and OFAC list
Additional annual fee of USD 150.00
MasterCard debit and Credit Card
2-3 weeks after the required documents received
EUR 550
How To Open a Bank Account In Belize?
Contact Astra Trust
If you are not sure how to open an offshore bank account in Belize or are looking to incorporate a Belize offshore company with bank account, contact us. Astra Trust is ready to assist you with opening an offshore bank account for Belize IBC or companies incorporated worldwide. We offer all our new clients a free phone consultation explaining the whole application process, defining all pros and cons, as well as addressing all your concerns.
Collect required documents
Opening a bank account is usually not a straightforward task. Document collection, review and submission is a process that requires attention to the details and a lot of patience. We cooperate closely with major Belize banks and have an up-to-date list of documents required to open Belize bank account. Our extensive expertise helps us to mitigate any issues during the account opening process.
Usually, to open Belize bank account, local commercial banks require the following documents:
Application forms and KYC questionnaire
Corporate Bank Account
- Statutory documents (e.g. Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Memorandum & Articles of Association)
- Certificate of Incumbency and Certificate of Good Standing
- Register of directors and shareholders, Share Certificate
Individual Bank Account
- Passport
- Copy of utility bill (for the last 3 months, excluding mobile phone bills) in the name of an account holder
- Financial/professional reference from an attorney, personal accountant or banking manager in the name of an account holder
Additional documentation, if requested (e.g. latest audited financial statements, information regarding the source of funds, source of wealth, business plan, board resolution to open an account in Belize etc.)
Bank’s online evaluation process
Once all the required documents have been duly provided, the bank needs to undertake obligatory internal risk and compliance procedures. This is a requirement of Belize banking laws. After completing all the necessary checks, the bank gives its approval to open an account. This is an essential step to thoroughly verify a future client’s identity, evaluate their risk profile etc.
Using your account
After receipt of the bank’s approval, you will receive all the information regarding your new Belize bank account, including detailed instructions and guidelines for setting up an online banking or ordering a physical debit card. Once you become a client of a Belizean bank, you will be assigned a designated banking manager to support you further.
Need more help to open a bank account in Belize?
Leave your request to get more information from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Belize offshore company with bank account?
Yes. The Astra Trust team is ready to assist you with opening a Belize bank account for your own company or to provide you with a Belize shelf company, including an account in Belize. We have various Belize shelf companies with bank accounts opened at a Belize bank or in other international banking jurisdictions like the Seychelles or British Virgin Islands. So contact us now to get your Belize offshore company with bank account.
How do I choose the best bank in Belize?
Before opening a bank account, it is important to set up goals for your business that you wish to pursue. These goals can vary from diversification of financial duties or asset protection to safeguarding privacy. Once your goals and priorities are clear, Astra Trust’s team will provide you with free and detailed legal advice on which Belize bank would be the best bank in Belize for your business. Belize banking laws are quite strict when it comes to opening a bank account for Belize IBC or foreign companies that are engaged in the following activities: cryptocurrency, adult entertainment or weapons trading. However, the Astra Trust team is always ready to provide our clients with individual solutions to find the best bank for their businesses.
If you are a Belize resident, the most practical choice is usually a domestic bank with a wide branch network, such as Belize Bank Limited or Heritage Bank Limited.
How do I open a Belize bank account online?
The main advantage of Belize’s banking laws is that they allow foreigners and businesses worldwide to open an account remotely. The documents required for opening a bank account can be sent directly to a bank’s representative via email. Upon receipt of all the documents, a bank must proceed with internal risk and compliance procedures. Once all the formalities have been settled and depending on the Belize bank you have chosen, a bank may additionally require you to send them the original documents via post. Thus, Belize offshore banking is quite flexible when you want to open an account online, and no personal visit is required.
Are Belize bank account interest rates superior?
When you open personal bank account in Belize, you gain access to the appealing Belize bank interest rates, which are rightly recognized as quite lucrative for foreigners.
Is opening an account in Belize right for me?
It is not an easy question to answer, as it all depends on your particular needs and priorities. If you value your privacy, then to open an offshore bank account in Belize is a good solution, as local laws and regulations impose on banks the highest standards of confidentiality.
On the other hand, for some businesses, asset protection may be a foremost priority. Thus, before opening a bank account, it is better to review the banking laws of each jurisdiction to ensure that there is no exchange mechanism between offshore and onshore banks. Commercial banks in Belize do not have any of these exchange mechanisms in place. However, it is worth noting that under FATCA, all banks in Belize are still obliged to report on bank accounts opened by US citizens.
Finally, if you are simply looking for opportunities to save money for your retirement or your children, then Belize’s banking jurisdiction is ideal for opening a deposit bank account. Belizean banks offer a range of term and demand deposit products. Deposit rates vary by institution, currency and term, and current rates should be confirmed with the bank directly before you apply.
Is it possible to make term deposits in a Belize bank?
Yes, all commercial banks in Belize allow their clients to make term deposits. However, you should note that depending on the bank, termination conditions may vary. For instance, Caye International Bank imposes an additional penalty for the early closure of an account in the amount of 1% of the deposited sum.
What if I am interested in Belize company formation with bank account?
Astra Trust provides clients with a full range of services, from Belize offshore banking to the incorporation of Belize IBC with a Belize bank account. Contact us for free consultation or to place an order for Belize company formation with a bank account.
Do Belize banks provide their foreign clients with letters of credit?
The issuance of letters of credit is an additional service, which commercial banks in Belize may provide upon an individual request. However, the application process is not straightforward and the outcome depends on the length of the relationship between the Belize bank and a customer.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Belize?
Yes, Belize laws and regulations allow both foreign individuals and companies incorporated worldwide (including Belize IBC) to open an offshore bank account with a Belize bank.
Can foreign nationals form a company in Belize?
Absolutely. Foreign nationals can fully own and operate companies in Belize without any restrictions. The country encourages foreign investment, making it an attractive option for international entrepreneurs.
Who can benefit from a Belize bank account for foreigners?
Opening an account in Belize is not as popular as it was a few years ago. Recent de-risking operations carried out by the US government, as well as the overall growing appeal of other international banking hubs, have somewhat changed the role of Belize banks. Until now, opening an account in Belize may have been complicated for clients who are US citizens. However, a Belize bank account for foreigners is still an ideal solution when:
- You are looking for a clear, well-defined account opening process with a bank experienced in serving non-resident clients;
- You are looking for banking laws that protect your privacy and confidentiality;
- You are looking to set aside funds for retirement or other long-term family needs. Belizean banks have historically offered competitive deposit rates, though rates vary by bank and by product and should be confirmed directly with the bank at the time of application.
- You are looking for an offshore bank account for your offshore company incorporated in another jurisdiction.
