Ex-Cons In Belize: A Fresh Start?

Belize is a welcoming country for foreigners, especially retirees, with its Qualified Retirement Program initiative, which allows people aged 45 and above to settle in the country with ease. Their dependents also get to enjoy the benefits of free residency. One can also move to Belize using a visitor's permit and apply for permanent residency after a year. The entire application process happens in the migration department offices in the City of Belmopan.

However, it is important to note that Belize has been flagged for its high crime rate, limited access to quality medical care, poor road conditions, and extreme humidity.

Pros and cons of living in Belize

Pros of Living in Belize

Belize has a lot to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its friendly and welcoming locals. Here are some of the pros of living in Belize:

• Adventure and Laid-Back Lifestyle: Belize offers a unique blend of adventure and a laid-back pace of life. With its diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and abundant nature, there is always something new to explore. The country also has a "Go Slow" approach to living, which can be a refreshing change from the fast-paced lifestyle of more developed nations.
• English as the Official Language: As a former British colony, English is the official language of Belize, making it easy for expats to communicate and transition to life in the country.
• Friendly and Diverse Locals: Belize is known for its warm and welcoming people, with a mix of expats and locals from various cultural backgrounds, including Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole.
• Low Cost of Living: Belize offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to North America or Europe, with lower property taxes and the option to live without a car. Expats also benefit from farmer's markets, where fresh produce is available at lower prices than in the US.
• Beautiful Beaches and Natural Attractions: Belize boasts pristine cayes (islands) surrounded by crystal clear waters, as well as miles of golden sand beaches in places like Placencia. The country is also home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, lush jungles, and majestic Maya Mountains, offering a range of outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, hiking, and bird-watching.
• Proximity to the US and Canada: Belize is conveniently located just a short flight away from major cities in the US and Canada, making it easy for expats to stay connected with family and friends back home.
• Affordable Real Estate: Belize offers a range of affordable real estate options, from remote farms to island getaways and expat communities.
• Year-Round Pleasant Weather: With a stable subtropical climate, Belize enjoys pleasant weather year-round, making it ideal for those seeking a tropical climate.

Cons of Living in Belize

While Belize has a lot to offer, there are also some challenges to consider:

• Crime: Belize has a high crime rate, with gang-related violence and targeted crimes against tourists. While certain areas, such as tourist hotspots, may feel safer, it is important to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions.
• Limited Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is limited, especially in rural and remote areas. While Belize City has the best hospitals in the country, more advanced medical treatments may require travel to neighbouring countries like Mexico or Guatemala.
• Poor Road Conditions: The roads in Belize are generally in poor condition, and driving can be challenging due to speed bumps and off-road travel.
• Extreme Humidity: The country experiences high humidity throughout the year, which can be uncomfortable for some.
• Lack of Amenities: Belize may not offer the same level of amenities and comforts as more developed nations. For example, there may not be large supermarkets or reliable taxi services in some areas.
• Import Taxes and Expensive Goods: As Belize is not a manufacturing country, import taxes can make goods and imports expensive.

Immigration process and requirements

Belize is a welcoming country for foreigners, especially retirees, with its Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) allowing people aged 45 and above to settle in the country effortlessly. Their dependents get to enjoy the benefits of free residency.

You can also move to Belize using a visitor's permit and apply for permanent residency after one year. Once granted, it comes with privileges similar to those enjoyed by citizens.

To begin the immigration process, you will need to fill out some migration forms and provide official documents, including:

• Passport copies
• Police records
• Marriage certificates
• Birth certificates
• Proof of income (at least $2,000 per month)

The entire application process happens in the migration department offices in the City of Belmopan. You can also apply for full Belize citizenship after staying in the country for a minimum of five years, and the application fee is US$1,000 per person.

As long as you hold a valid passport, you can also travel without a visa to Belize and stay for 30 days before renewing it or taking any action to acquire residency. The 30-day renewal of your stay costs US$25.

The Visitor Extension Permit is another option for those who want to stay in Belize for a while. This permit costs US$100 and allows you to stay in the country for an additional 30 days. The condition is that you do not engage in any paid or unpaid employment or business.

For those seeking full residency rights, there is the option of applying for permanent residency. Requirements for this include:

• Evidence of legally residing in Belize for a minimum of one year
• No conviction for a criminal offence with a sentence of 12 months or more
• HIV test
• Recent police certificate of no criminal convictions
• Two recommendations from individuals who have known you for at least one year (e.g. ministers of religion, registered medical practitioners, attorneys at law)

Application fees for permanent residency vary by nationality, ranging from US$250 to $5,000. For US nationals, the fee is US$1,000 per person.

Full citizenship in Belize is a possibility for those who have resided in the country for over a certain period, typically a minimum of five years. Applicants must provide similar documentation to those applying for permanent residency.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Belize is said to be at least 50% cheaper than in the USA. However, this depends on your lifestyle and location.

Housing

The cost of renting or buying a home in Belize varies depending on location and style.

Renting a two-bedroom home in San Ignacio, inland Belize, can cost as little as $600 per month. In contrast, renting a one-bedroom condo on the coast in Placencia, Hopkins, or Ambergris Caye will cost at least $1,200 per month.

A basic, Belizean-style wooden home without air conditioning is the most economical housing option. Concrete homes, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive and offer more conveniences like air conditioning.

Utilities

Utilities are generally inexpensive in Belize, except for electricity, which is quite expensive per kWh. A couple living in a two-bedroom home without air conditioning may pay around $50 per month, while those running air conditioners in both bedrooms may see their bill average $150 per month.

City water is cheap, and rain catchment is a great alternative. Internet costs range from $25 to $80 for speeds suitable for emailing, streaming, and Netflix. Cable TV is $30 per month, and this includes channels like HBO, Food Network, CNN, and sports channels.

Transportation

Vehicle fuel is expensive in Belize, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon for gasoline. Import taxes on motor vehicles are also high, which is why most Belizeans drive used cars.

Food

The cost of food in Belize can be relatively high, driving some to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala. However, fresh produce from local farmers' markets is readily available at reasonable prices.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize is rapidly improving, with the government investing in building new clinics and medical services. However, advanced medical treatment is still limited outside of Belmopan and Belize City. For more advanced medical work, many choose to travel to Mexico, where the standard of care is higher, and costs are lower than in the US.

Entertainment and Leisure

Entertainment and leisure activities in Belize can be pricey, with activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing costing $65 to $100 per person. However, locals sometimes get together and hire a boat and captain, splitting the cost to save money.

Taxes and Fees

A national 12.5% Goods and Services (GST) tax is levied on almost everything, except some food and medical items. Import taxes are a primary source of government revenue and can range up to 80% of the value of imported goods.

Residency

To become a Belizean citizen, one must renew their tourist visa every 30 days at a cost of $100 per month. After a year of living in Belize full-time, one can apply for permanent residency. After five years, one can apply for citizenship.

Alternatively, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) allows individuals aged 45 and older to retire in Belize with certain benefits, such as importing personal items and vehicles without paying taxes or duties. However, this program has a processing fee of approximately $1,350, and participants cannot work in Belize or become Belizean citizens.

Average Expenses

According to one source, a couple from North America can survive on $1,000 per month, assuming they own their home. However, $1,500 would be a more reasonable budget.

• Electricity (with air conditioning): $150
• Household help (maid, three times a week): $25 per day
• Transportation (private vehicle): $5-$7 per gallon of gasoline
• Eating out: $15-$25 for dinner at a local restaurant; $6-$10 for roadside takeout
• Entertainment and leisure: $65-$100 per person for activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing

Healthcare and safety

Belize has a high crime rate and is considered relatively unsafe. The US State Department's Belize Travel Advisory states that "Belize is rated high for crime and has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world." It further warns that "gang members and other criminals use violent means to resolve disputes" and that "crime may occur anywhere in Belize, and criminals frequently target tourists." It is recommended that visitors exercise caution throughout the country, particularly in the south side of Belize City and remote areas along the country's borders. Sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder are common, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. Credit card fraud and scams are also prevalent, especially in resort areas. As a result, tourists are often targeted for theft, robbery, and extortion. Women travelling alone or in small groups are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault, even in tourist areas.

To stay safe in Belize, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as not flashing cash or valuables, avoiding drunk and unruly behaviour, and generally not drawing unnecessary attention to oneself. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid dangerous areas, especially at night.

When it comes to healthcare, Belize's medical system has been described as "poor" and "not a great option". However, it has been steadily improving in recent years. The country has dedicated and caring doctors who offer personal attention to their patients. The cost of medical care and prescription medications is generally lower than in the US, and dental care is excellent and reasonably priced. However, Belize lacks advanced medical facilities and specialised physicians, particularly in rural and remote areas. The country's public hospitals offer free or very inexpensive treatment for Belizeans, but the quality of care may not be on par with what one would expect in the US. Most expats prefer the better and more comprehensive care provided at private hospitals, which are more expensive but still reasonably priced compared to US standards.

For more serious or complicated medical issues, many expats choose to leave Belize and seek treatment in neighbouring countries like Mexico or Guatemala, or even return to the US if they have Medicare coverage. International health insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and evacuation costs is highly recommended for anyone considering a move to Belize, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

Culture shock

Belize is a tiny country with a population of around 400,000 people. It has a unique history, traditions, laws, and customs that set it apart from other countries in the region. Here are some cultural differences that might come as a shock to American ex-convicts looking to move to Belize:

Language

The official language of Belize is English, which can make the transition easier for Americans. However, many locals also speak Spanish and Creole, and you may hear several other languages, including Mayan, German, Chinese, Lebanese, and Arabic.

Safety Standards

Belize has drastically different safety standards compared to the US. Seatbelt and helmet laws are often treated as suggestions rather than enforced rules. It is not uncommon to see children riding in the back of open pickup trucks without proper restraints. Playgrounds may have unsafe equipment, and construction workers often work at great heights without safety ropes or harnesses.

Infrastructure

Belize has inadequate infrastructure, with frequent power surges and outages that can occur country-wide. Water services may also be unreliable, and septic systems can be sensitive, requiring careful use.

Education

Education does not seem to be a priority in Belize. During the COVID-19 shutdowns, the government's weekly press conferences focused more on where to buy tacos than on access to education. Many children consistently miss school for trivial reasons, and some families prioritise field work or construction over their children's attendance.

Social Norms

Belize has a more laid-back culture than the US, with a strong emphasis on community and family connections. Businesses and government offices often close for a "siesta" during the day, and lunch breaks are taken seriously. People generally have a more relaxed attitude towards time, and it is not uncommon to see people hitchhiking or police officers carrying their sidearms tucked into their waistbands.

Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare is extremely limited in Belize, especially in rural and remote areas. Advanced medical treatment is mostly available in urban areas like Belize City and Belmopan. For specialised treatment, some people choose to go to neighbouring countries like Guatemala, Mexico, or Panama.

Crime

Belize has a high crime rate and one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Gang-related violence and sexual assault are common, and tourists are often targeted by criminals. However, crime is not limited to specific areas and can occur anywhere in the country.

Traditions and Superstitions

Belize has a rich cultural heritage with a mix of European, Creole, Hispanic, and Mayan influences. Each district has its own unique traditions, but some common practices include specific superstitions around plants and peppers, and traditional ways of carrying babies. The Mayan population also has unique attire and dialects.

Food

Belizean food is diverse and influenced by its history, including spicy Creole creations, standard English corned beef, and Mayan delicacies like fried paca (a small jungle rodent). Rice and beans are a staple, and coconut milk, plantains, and hot peppers are commonly used ingredients.

Frequently asked questions