Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry COVID-19 Preventative Measures

Belmopan. March 25, 2020. As advised by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Belize, the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry will be limiting its services to the public until further notice. 

Effective immediately, the office will be open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12: 00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. only. The office will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

During these hours, the following restrictions apply: 

• Persons must form a line to access services and maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between each other.
• No more than 10 persons are allowed in the office at a time, however, management reserves the right to further limit the number of persons in the interest of the health and safety of everyone.
• Persons who are ill and exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to refrain from accessing services in person.

In the interim, services will be provided via email as follows: 

1. Scanned copies of applications for business names, company incorporation documents, registration of Limited Liability Partnerships and filings (annual returns, notices, etc.) will be accepted via email sent to info@belizecompaniesregistry.gov.bz;
   
2. Thereafter, applicants are required to submit original applications and filings to the office within 30 days. This timeline will be reviewed as the current situation develops.
3. Email requests must clearly outline the services requested. For example:
   1. Registration of a business name; or
   2. Filing of 2020 Annual Return, one certified copy, and one Certificate of Good Standing; or
   3. Request for a full search on “ABC Company Limited”.
4. Applicants will have the option of submitting payment via bank deposit or online transfer. An email outlining the total fees and bank account details will be sent to applicants. A copy of the bank’s deposit slip or online transfer receipt must be emailed to the office at the above-mentioned address.
5. Upon receipt of payment, documents will be processed and a scanned copy of the receipt and completed documents will be emailed to applicants. Original certificates and other documents will be available to be picked up once normal office hours resume, provided that the office is in receipt of the original applications or filings.
6. Mortgages or debentures which are required to be filed within 21 days will be extended by an additional 30 days.
7. Transfers of Shares which are required to be filed within 30 days of execution of the document will be extended by an additional 30 days.
8. Persons visiting the office in person to conduct research on companies will be limited to half-hour.

 The public is strongly encouraged to utilize the email alternative until normal office hours and services resume.

All queries should be directed via telephone at +501-822-0421 or email at info@belizecompaniesregistry.gov.bz.

 Ends