Belize Capital Gains Tax Guide: 0% CGT on All Assets 2026
Belize does not impose a capital gains tax (CGT) on any asset disposals. Gains from the sale of real estate, shares, securities, business assets, and other property are entirely tax-free. There is no separate CGT regime, no holding period requirements, and no distinction between short-term and long-term gains. Here is how capital gains treatment works in 2026.
Belize is one of the few countries worldwide with no capital gains tax. The Income Tax Act does not include provisions for taxing capital gains — only income is subject to tax. This makes Belize a highly attractive jurisdiction for investors, property owners, and entrepreneurs who expect to realize gains on their assets. By comparison, the US taxes long-term capital gains at 0-20%, Canada at 50% inclusion rate (effectively up to 26.8%), and the UK at 10-24% (residential property). Investment income tax →
Real-world example: An individual purchases beachfront land in Placencia for BZD 200,000 and sells it 5 years later for BZD 500,000. Capital gain: BZD 300,000. CGT: BZD 0. An investor buys Belize shares for BZD 50,000 and sells for BZD 150,000. Gain: BZD 100,000. CGT: BZD 0. A company sells a business asset for a BZD 200,000 gain. CGT: BZD 0 (though Business Tax may apply if the sale is in the ordinary course of business). Compare this to any country with CGT — the tax saving is 100% of the gain. Property transfer stamp duty →
What Is Not Taxed
- Real estate: Gains from sale of residential, commercial, or land — 0% CGT regardless of holding period
- Shares and securities: Gains from sale of shares, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs — 0% CGT
- Business assets: Gains from disposal of business assets, goodwill, or intellectual property — 0% CGT (though trading profits may be subject to Business Tax)
- Cryptocurrency: Gains from crypto disposals — 0% CGT (though frequent trading may be treated as business income)
- Personal property: Gains from sale of vehicles, art, collectibles, or other personal assets — 0% CGT
- Foreign assets: Gains realized by Belize residents on foreign assets — not subject to Belize tax (territorial system)
Important Distinction — Trading vs. Capital
While capital gains are not taxed, gains from activities that constitute a trade or business may be subject to Business Tax (0.75-1.75% of gross revenue). The distinction depends on:
- Frequency: Frequent and repeated transactions may indicate a business activity
- Intent: Profit-making intent and organized activity suggest a business
- Substantiality: Large-scale operations are more likely to be treated as business
- Time spent: Active day-to-day management indicates business activity
A person buying one property and selling it after appreciation is realizing a capital gain (0% tax). A person buying and selling 20 properties per year with a team of employees is conducting a business (Business Tax applies on gross revenue).
Related Transaction Taxes
While CGT is 0%, property transfers in Belize incur stamp duty:
- Stamp duty (local buyers): 5% of the higher of purchase price or assessed value
- Stamp duty (foreign buyers): 8% of the higher of purchase price or assessed value
- GST: 12.5% on new properties (from developers). Resale of existing properties is generally exempt from GST
These are transaction taxes, not capital gains taxes. They are payable by the purchaser at the time of property registration.
Do non-residents pay CGT on Belize assets?
No. Belize's 0% CGT applies equally to residents and non-residents. A foreign investor selling Belize real estate or shares pays 0% CGT. The only tax consideration is the stamp duty payable by the buyer on property transfers.
Is there any deemed CGT or exit tax?
No. Belize does not have a deemed disposal on emigration (exit tax), nor does it mark-to-market assets. There is no CGT on gifts or transfers between related parties. The 0% CGT regime is comprehensive and applies to all disposals.
How are capital gains reported?
Since there is no CGT, there is generally no requirement to report capital gains on a tax return. However, if the gain is part of a business activity, the gross revenue from disposals must be reported for Business Tax purposes. The BTSD does not require separate disclosure of capital gains for individuals.