What is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Belize?

A Belize Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a nonprofit entity registered in Belize.  NGOs operate on a nonprofit basis – meaning they do not make profits – to achieve social, environmental or political ends.  That cool organization you love working to save the turtles?  Probably an NGO! 

Forming a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Belize isn’t hard. If your purpose is clear – with proper guidance – you can successfully register your organization. Call us today to get started!

Click here to view the full document for the BELIZE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ACT CHAPTER 315
Click here to view the full document for the NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2017

What are the benefits of registering a Non-Governmental Organization in Belize?

• A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) could be for profit and if so they would need to pay Business Taxes in Belize
• A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) may apply to the Minister to be exempted from paying certain taxes or duties levied by the Government
• Any person who makes a donation to an NGO will be eligible to treat it as a tax write off for income tax purposes

People who have created an NGO with our law firm also found that it raised the public’s confidence and made it easier for them to raise funds for their cause. 

What are the legal requirements to register an NGO in Belize? 

To register a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), to start, you’ll need a proposed name for your company, address, and résumé of the directors and members, projected financial statements, and information of grants or grantors of your proposed NGO.

Be sure to have a clear mission statement and purpose for your organisation. The entire process takes between 6 – 8 weeks. Call us for full details.

What is the difference between an NGO and a Non-Profit Organization?

Non Governmental Organizations or “NGOs” are separate and distinct entities and may be for profit or non profit. Not all NGOs are run on a non-profit basis, though most are. Examples of local NGOs are:

• Oceana Belize
• Belize Audubon Society (BAS)
• Caye Caulker Ocean Academy
• Holy Cross Education Foundation
• Belize Bird Rescue
• Ya’axche Conservation Trust
• And many more!

How We Can Help

Our law firm can assist by doing some preliminary research on your proposed NGO. We’ll help you submit the application and fees associated with forming your Belizean NGO. Call us today to get started!

This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.