Common Beliefs About Belize Offshore Trusts
Belize has long been marketed as a premier offshore trust jurisdiction, promising settlors strong protection against creditors, lawsuits and estate taxes under the Belize Trusts Act (1992, updated 2020). Trusts can be structured as discretionary, fixed or purpose trusts, granting settlors control through reserved powers while maintaining confidentiality and local tax neutrality.
In practice, assets held in a Belize trust are managed by licensed local trustees and are not publicly registered, which purportedly shields them from foreign court judgments and Mareva injunctions.
Key Drawbacks of Belize Offshore Trusts
Despite its appeal, a fully managed Belize trust often incurs initial setup fees of $15,000–$50,000 — and even low‑cost packages can start at $4,000–$7,000 — with annual maintenance fees (trustee, compliance and registered agent) ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Belize’s banking sector offers limited options for trust clients, and many international banks hesitate to onboard Belize‑registered entities due to perceived AML/CFT risks, leading to frequent account freezes and onerous documentation requirements.
Why Delaware Trusts Outshine Belize
Delaware trusts leverage U.S. state law, offering settlors robust domestic asset protection, global banking access and streamlined costs. Under the Delaware Qualified Dispositions in Trust Act, self‑settled trusts allow grantors to benefit while enjoying creditor protection and privacy.
- ✅ Lower Annual Costs: Initial setup typically runs $1,500 - 2,000, with ongoing trustee services and registered agent fees of $1,000–$3,000 per year — far below Belize’s five‑figure maintenance.
- ✅ Global Bank Acceptance: Delaware’s legal reputation and U.S. banking infrastructure facilitate quick international account openings and reliable transaction processing.
- ✅ Flexible Trust Types: From Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPT) and Directed Trusts to Charitable, Dynasty and Special Needs Trusts, Delaware’s evolving statutes support diverse planning goals.
- ✅ No Blacklisting: As a U.S. jurisdiction, Delaware faces no FATF scrutiny or regulatory blacklisting, ensuring seamless cross‑border compliance.
Delaware trusts are favored by family offices, multinational corporations and high‑net‑worth individuals for their predictable legal framework and efficient administration. With lower fees and expansive banking access, a Delaware trust matches or exceeds what Belize offers — without the drawbacks of offshore jurisdictions.
Set Up a Delaware Trust or LLC Today
Our team specializes in forming Delaware trusts and LLCs, handling every detail from trust drafting to registered agent services. Contact us to secure your wealth under the most trusted U.S. jurisdiction, with costs that start in the low thousands and no hidden government fees beyond your registered agent and office.