Guide to Residency in Belize

Obtaining a residency visa in Belize is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Belize gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research Belizean Immigration Policies
  • Visit the official website of the Immigration and Nationality Department of Belize at Belize Immigration to understand the types of residency options available.
  • Consider consulting with a local attorney or immigration specialist in Belize for personalized advice and assistance.
• Choose the Appropriate Residency Option
  • Decide between options such as Permanent Residency, Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, or other visa programs.
  • Review the eligibility criteria for the chosen residency option to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Prepare Necessary Documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and police record from your country of origin.
  • Obtain a health certificate from a licensed physician in Belize, including an HIV test result.
  • Prepare proof of financial means, such as bank statements or income verification, to show you can support yourself while living in Belize.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Belize Tax Service Department's website at Belize Tax Service to learn about the application process.
  • Complete the application form for a General Sales Tax (GST) number, which is required for all residents.
  • Submit the application form along with any required documentation, such as identification and proof of address, to the nearest tax office.
• Submit Your Residency Application
  • Complete the residency application form, which can be obtained from the Immigration and Nationality Department.
  • Attach all the prepared documentation to your application form.
  • Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of residency you are applying for.
  • Submit your application to the Immigration and Nationality Department for processing.
• Wait for Application Processing
  • Be prepared to wait several months for your application to be processed, as immigration procedures can be lengthy.
  • Keep in touch with the Immigration and Nationality Department for updates on your application status.
• Attend an Interview (if required)
  • Some residency applications may require an interview with immigration officials.
  • Be honest and provide consistent information that matches your application during the interview.
• Receive Residency Approval
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive notification from the Immigration and Nationality Department.
  • Follow any additional instructions provided to finalize your residency status, such as picking up your residency card.
• Maintain Your Residency Status
  • Adhere to the laws and regulations of Belize to maintain your residency status.
  • Renew any necessary permits or documentation as required by the Belizean authorities.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the actual process may vary. It is important to check the most current information from the Belizean authorities as immigration policies can change.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Belize?

"Most people living on the Placencia peninsula get their visa stamps at the Big Creek Immigration office just outside of Independence/Mango Creek. You can take the Hokey Pokey water taxi from the village, or drive 45 to 60 minutes depending on where you are on the peninsula," commented one member living in Placencia, Belize.

"Residency requires you to live in the country for 1 year and you are only allowed to leave for 14 days during that time. There is a QRP -Retirement Program which is Temporary Residency and a Regular Temporary Residency. Otherwise you go monthly to immigration and get a stamp," mentioned one expat living in Belize.

"Belize has just started the digital nomad program, not a lot of details are available yet though. Basically, many people come to live in Belize who are digital nomads. If your employer is non-Belizean and your funds are transferred into a non-Belizean bank account you will be able to live and work in Belize. You will need to identify your source of income and pay $200 BZD per month for your visitor visa however most people find that this is worth the price of being able to live in paradise," said an expat in Belize.

"QRP is good for some people, especially those who wanted to bring an expensive vehicle and a container full of furniture or shop equipment. The people in charge of QRP really are serious about you having a defined pension, also. Sorry, plenty of rental and investment income is not good enough. But most folks I know have gone the PR (Permanent Residency) route, instead. The application ordeal is about the same, and once you have your PR status, you don't have to deal with annual renewals of QRP," remarked one member living in Belize.

"Tourists must get their passport stamped every 30 days in order to remain in the country. This costs $50 BZD at the Immigration office. For residency, a tourist must live in the country for a year minus two weeks before applying," said one expat living in Belize.

"In order to enter and stay in Belize for an extended period of time, visitors can apply for a Belizean visa. To apply for a visa, applicants must fill out a visa application form, attach all necessary documents (such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation and a reason for staying in Belize), and submit it at the nearest Belize Embassy or Consulate. After the application is processed, applicants usually receive a visa that allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Applying for residency in Belize requires a more complicated process. Typically, applicants are required to meet certain financial requirements and have a valid reason for living in Belize. After completing the necessary documentation, applicants must attend an interview with the Department of Immigration to demonstrate their eligibility. Depending on the application outcome, applicants may be eligible to receive a permanent residency status and further benefit from Belize's laws and regulations," commented one expat who moved to Belize.