Frequently Asked Questions

You may access the Online Business Registry System by visiting www.obrs.bccar.bz

To self- register as a user in OBRS you must register here obrs.bccar.bz/um/register.

 Have readily available:  

• Functioning email address  
• Social Security ID to validate identity  

 Your username and temporary password will be emailed to you automatically by the system. Kindly read and follow the instructions in the email to activate your account. You can also view the video tutorial on self-registration. Kindly note that non- Belizeans or Belizeans that do not have a social security ID must use the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and manage their business.  

Names can only be reserved in OBRS. These names can be used for a Business Name registration, Company Incorporation, registration of a Limited Liability Partnership or amendment of Name to a Business Name, Company or LLP. In order to reserve a Name you must first self- register as a user in OBRS. 

Once you are logged into your OBRS account, select the Name reservation tab. Choose Registration of name reservation, then click Proceed. Select the ordinance and fill in the name reservation particulars. Select how long you wish to reserve the name. Reservation for up to ten (10) days are free of cost, however, you can make reservation for up to ninety (90) days at a fee. Then click Proceed to submit request.  

 Select a form of payment (if required) and click Proceed. If there is no fee,  it will display zero charges, click Proceed to submit your request to the Registry for approval. After approval, an email notification will be sent to you then you may use the Reservation Number within ten (10) days to register your business entity. 

If there is a fee a payment order will be provided to make your payment.  Once payment is made you shall receive an email notification and the name is submitted to the Registry for approval. After approval, an email notification will be sent to you then you may use the Reservation Number within ninety (90) days to register your business entity.

Kindly note there are restrictions to Names that can be reserved for a Business Name and Company. Name searches must also be done via our old system  and OBRS. 

You can contact one of our customer service representatives via the following platforms:  

Hotline: +501-223-4701 

WhatsApp (messages only): +501-615-8761 

Email: inquiries@bccar.bz 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelizeCompaniesRegistry/ 

A Business Name is a legal vehicle or business entity registered under the Business Names Act Cap. 247 rev ed. 2020, substantive law of Belize. The cost to register a business name is Belize is $25.00 BZD. A Business Name can be owned by an individual, partnership or corporation.  Once your registration application is approved in OBRS you will receive an E- Certificate.

Registering a Business Name can only be done in the Online Business Registry System (OBRS). All owners of the Business Name must also be Belizeans verifiable by Social Security ID. If you do not meet this requirement, you must use the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and your business name. In order to register a Business Name you must first self- register as a user in OBRS. Once you are logged into OBRS select the Business Name Services tab, choose Registration of new business name fill out the application, click Proceed. Upload required attachment (if the business name is a partnership), the system will prompt you to upload a statement about the authorized partner to represent the business name, then click Proceed.  Select a form of payment and click Proceed.  Upon selecting your preferred form of payment, OBRS generates a Payment Order (PO) or QR code. OBRS generates a receipt once payment is complete you will receive an email notification that your application is submitted to BCCAR for processing. Once your application is approved you will again receive an email notification that your application was approved, and you will be able to download your E- Certificate which will contain your unique 9- digit Business entity number.  

Note that a Business Name can have the following ownership: Individual, Partnership (up to four partners) and Corporation.  

Re-registering a Business Name can only be done in the Online Business Registry System (OBRS). All owners of the Business Name must also be Belizeans verifiable by Social Security ID. If you do not meet this requirement, you must use the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and manage their Business Name. In order to register a Business Name you must first self- register as a user in OBRS. 

Once you are logged into OBRS select the Business Name Services tab then choose Re-registration of a Business Name. Enter the Business Name’s (former) Registration Number (found on your registration certificate) and click Load. Ensure that all your information is uploaded. Fill out the application, click Proceed. Ensure all mandatory fields are filled out. These will be marked by a red asterisk. Upload attachments (if the business name is a partnership) the OBRS will prompt you to upload a statement about the authorized partner to represent the business name, then click Proceed submit application. You will receive an email notification that your application is submitted to BCCAR for processing. Once your application is approved you will receive an email indicating this and you will be able to log onto your OBRS account and download your e- certificate with your new 9 – digit business entity number.

Note that if you have lost your Former Business Name certificate you may email inquiries@bccar.bz to access your former Business Name number. Business Name re-registration is free up to November 27, 2023.  

Re-registration of business entities or legal vehicles (Business Name, Company and  Limited Liability Partnership) is free up to November 27, 2023.  All business entities registered before November 28, 2022 with BCCAR must re-register in OBRS to continue doing business. 

At the moment, there are two payment services options available to pay for services in OBRS: Belize Bank Self- Service (Online banking– Belize Bank account required) and Belize Bank E- Kyash (Belize Bank Account not required).  You will be required to select one of these options in OBRS in order to process payment. Upon selecting your preferred form of payment, OBRS generates a Payment Order (PO) or QR code. OBRS generates a receipt once payment is complete. 

You may make amendments or changes to a Business Name for the following:

• change of name
• change of address 
• change of ownership.

To file changes for a Business Name you must first self- register as a user in OBRS.  Once you are logged into your OBRS account, click on the Business Name tab then select amendments to proceed to changes of your Business Name. All changes and amendments to a Business Name are at a cost of $100 BZD.  

You can order a short extract about your Business Name which shows all the relevant information about your Business Name at a specific period in time. This report can be order in OBRS under the Information Services tab.

As per section 3(1) of the NGO Act Cap. 315 rev ed. 2020, substantive law of Belize, a NGO must register as company by guarantee under the Belize Companies Act no. 11 of 2022. A NGO cannot register as a Business Name.

In order to access information service in OBRS you must first self- register as an Individual user. Information services include but is not limited to short extract and Good Standing certificate (Basic details/profile about a Business Entity)

See Video on Applying for Information services in OBRS- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQp6fJYLKmY

See Video on self- registration in OBRS- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFjjP5jttDk

The incorporation of a Company can only be done in the Online Business Registry System (OBRS). All owners (shareholders, guarantee members, Business entity) of the Company must also be Belizeans verifiable by Social Security ID. If you do not meet this requirement, you must use the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and manage your company.

In order to incorporate a company, you must first self- register as a user in OBRS.  Once you are logged into OBRS select the Company Services tab, choose Registration of new company fill out the application, then click Proceed. Upload required attachment such as the Articles/By–Laws of the organization, click Proceed. Select your preferred payment services method and click Proceed. A payment order or QR code will be provided to make your payment.  A payment order will be provided use this to make your payment.  Once payment is made you shall receive an email notification that your application is submitted to BCCAR for processing. Once your application is approved you will receive an email indicating this and you will be able to log onto your OBRS account and download your e- certificate with your  9 – digit business entity number.

See video on company incorporation– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrmOiQtCD0Q

All annual returns must be filed in OBRS.

Your company must be re-registered in OBRS before you file an annual return for companies that were incorporated before November 28, 2022.

Once you are logged into your OBRS account, choose the Company Services tab. Select Filing of annual return and input your 9-digit business entity number then click Proceed. Your company’s information will be displayed for your review then click Proceed. No attachment is required so you may click Proceed. Your total to pay will be displayed, select a form of payment, and click Proceed. A payment order or QR code will be provided by the system to make your payment.  Once payment is made you will receive an email notification that your application is submitted to BCCAR for processing. Once your application is approved you will again receive an email notification that your application was approved, and your company status will remain as Active for another year.

Kindly note that Good Standing certificates can only be ordered for companies in active status. 

When incorporating a company in OBRS, under the Business Entity Particulars, under Company Liabilities select Limited by Shares. Scroll down to find list of Shareholders. Click + Add and fill out the form. Ensure that the details of each shareholder correspond with their social security card then click Verify. Once you have entered all the required information and verified the shareholder, click Save. 

In order to register a LLP, you must first self-register as a user in OBRS. See video on self-registration in OBRS.

All annual returns must be filed in OBRS. Your LLP must be re-registered in OBRS before you file an annual return for companies that were registered before November 28, 2022.

All partners must be Belizeans verifiable by Social Security ID. If you do not meet this requirement, you must use the services of a Licensed Registered Agent to access OBRS and register and manage your LLP. In order to file an annual return log into your OBRS account and click on the LLP Services tab. Select Filing of annual return.  Input your 9-digit business entity number and click Load then click Proceed. Your LLP’s information will be displayed for you to review, then click Proceed. No attachment is required so you may click Proceed. Your total to pay will be displayed, select a form of payment and click Proceed. Once payment is made you will receive an email notification that your application is submitted to BCCAR for processing. Once your application is approved you will again receive an email notification that your application was approved, and your LLP status will remain Active for another year. 

Your company must be re-registered in OBRS before you file an annual return for companies that were incorporated before November 28, 2022.

Kindly note that Good Standing certificates can only be ordered for LLP in active status. 

All non- Belizeans or Foreigners without a valid Social Security ID must utilized the services of a a Licensed Registered Agent to register a manage a Business Entity in Belize. 

It is a ledger or database where lenders register security interests in movable assets used as collateral in secured transactions. This registry allows lenders and borrowers to verify the existence of any prior claims on the same collateral, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk for lenders.

A secured transaction is a legal arrangement in which a borrower agrees to provide a lender with a security interest in a particular asset (collateral) to secure a loan or obligation. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to take possession of and sell the collateral to recover the debt.

The Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry under the Management of the Financial Services Commission operates the Collateral Registry.

The Movable Property Security Rights Act and regulations govern the secured transaction and collateral registry. You can download the legislation here.

The establishment of a robust secured transaction collateral registry system is essential in addressing the financing challenges encountered by smaller businesses that lack immovable property for collateral. Effectively, the enactment of the Movable Property Security Rights Act is intended to grant these enterprises access to affordable financial products and opportunities for diversified portfolio security. It also reduces the lending risks for creditors.

There are several ways to secure transaction and collateral registry regime and system helps to reduce lending risks. These include:

(i)    Transparency:

• The Secured Transaction and Collateral Registry provides a centralized platform where lenders can check if an asset has already been pledged as collateral for another loan. This ensures transparency and prevents double collateralization, where the same asset is used to secure multiple loans without the lender’s knowledge. Lenders can verify whether the borrower has any other outstanding obligations linked to the asset, which helps them assess the risk before approving a loan.

(ii)   Clear Priority of Claims:

• By registering a security interest in the collateral registry, the lender gains legal priority over the asset in the event of borrower default. This means that if the borrower fails to repay the loan, the registered lender has the first right to claim the collateral before other unsecured creditors.

(iii)  Minimizing Fraud Risk:

• By requiring registration, the system discourages fraudulent activity such as borrowers attempting to pledge the same asset to multiple lenders without disclosing the existing security interests. Lenders can check the registry to ensure that the asset is not already encumbered, lowering the risk of fraudulent claims.

(iv)   Broader Use of Movable Assets:

• The registry allows for the use of movable assets (e.g., equipment, inventory, vehicles) as collateral, which can help reduce risks associated with unsecured lending. Movable assets are often more readily available than immovable property, giving lenders a larger pool of collateral options to secure their loans.

Collateral may secure one or more obligations of any type, present or future, determined or determinable, conditional or unconditional, fixed or fluctuating:

• any type of movable asset, whether tangible or intangible; eg: Equipment, Crops, Vehicle and inventory.
• parts of assets and undivided rights in movable assets;
• generic categories of movable assets;
• all of a grantor’s movable assets.

Yes, section 4 of the Moveable Property Security rights act outlines the following:

The Act applies to security rights in movable assets, including–

(a) every transaction that secures payment or performance of an obligation, without regard to its form and without regard to the person who owns the collateral;- it applies broadly to any situation where an asset is used as security for a debt or obligation.

(b) without limiting the generality of paragraph (a), a chattel mortgage, credit purchase transaction, credit sale agreement, floating and fixed charge, pledge, trust indenture, trust receipt, financial lease and any other transaction that secures payment or performance of an obligation; and-

(c) with the exception of Part VII, an outright transfer of a receivable.

• Chattel mortgage: A loan secured by movable property (like machinery or vehicles).
• Credit purchase or sale transactions: Agreements where the buyer purchases goods or services on credit, with an obligation to pay later.
• Floating and fixed charges: Legal rights over a borrower’s assets, where the assets may change over time (floating) or remain specific (fixed).
• Pledge: Where the borrower gives possession of the collateral to the lender as security.
• Trust indenture or receipt: These involve using assets to secure bonds or loans.
• Financial lease: A lease where the lessor provides the use of an asset, and the lessee secures the payment of the lease.

The creditor (individual or organization) is responsible for registering the security notice.  The creditor is also responsible for making amendments in the system to reflect amendments to the loan agreement and cancellation of security should the terms of the loan be fulfilled before the registered timeframe.

Failing to register a loan secured by movable property can lead to unintended consequences, including the loss of priority, difficulties enforcing the loan, and the risk of double collateralization. Registration protects the lender’s rights. By registering the security interest, the lender can ensure:

• Legal recognition of their claim to the collateral.
• Priority over other creditors or claimants.
• Enforceability of the security interest in case the borrower defaults.

Registration also protects borrowers, by providing transparency and paying back rate, the borrowers credit worthiness.

The system will require certain mandatory data to be provided such as start and end date of security (loan start and date of expiration) , activities such as depreciation and fair market value of the asset is the responsibility of the creditor, the system does not provide this function.

The Secured transaction and collateral registry can be accessed through the Online Business Registry System

Any device with connection to the internet can access the registry such as:

• Computers
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Phones

• The registry is easily accessible to all stakeholders, including financial institutions, businesses, and regulatory bodies.

• Anyone can access the system. Credit institutions will be onboarded by BCCAR directly. They must have an Administrator designated to manage their profile with a valid Social Security ID.
• Individuals must self- register as a User in OBRS.

Requirements to self-register as a User:

1. Valid Social Security ID
2. Email address

Go here to view the tutorial

Registration, amendments, cancellation and information services are available in the STCR.

Institution Service fees

Individual Service Fees

For institutions there will be four (4) options to make payment:

1. Credit Balance
2. Belize Bank E- Kyash
3. Belize Bank Self Service
4. Digi wallet

For individuals there will be three (3) options to make payment:

1. Belize Bank E- Kyash
2. Belize Bank Self Service
3. Digi wallet

The key users include:   

• Creditor – Providing the loan/finance to debtor and responsible for registering the loan- collateral in the secured transaction and collateral registry system. Perfect the security of the collateral(s).
• Grantor- Provides approval to debtor to use collateral for loan. Owner of collateral. Can be the same as a debtor
• Debtor – Owes payment of a secured obligation, whether that person is the grantor of the security right securing payment or other performance of that obligation.
• Regulators or other institutions- Order information services