Work Permit: Guatemalans In Belize: What's The Deal?

If you're a Guatemalan citizen and you're considering working in Belize, you'll need to apply for a Work Permit or Temporary Employment Permit. This is the only way to work in Belize if you are not a citizen or permanent resident. The permit is granted for one year and allows you to work for a specific employer or yourself. The application process involves submitting an application form, valid passport, and visa, and you must be residing in Belize to apply. The process can be done online or at any Labour Department Office in Belize.

Work permit requirements for Guatemalan citizens in Belize

To work in Belize, Guatemalan citizens must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit, also referred to as a "Work Permit". This visa allows the holder to remain in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process is the same for both self-employed and standard employment cases, but the required documents are slightly different.

For standard employment, applicants must submit a job offer and a letter of employment with their application. They must also be residing in Belize and hold a valid passport and Belize visa. The prospective employer has the responsibility to submit the application.

For self-employed work visas, applicants must apply as part of the extension process and present their registration and trade license with their application.

Regardless of the type of application, a long list of documents must be submitted. These include a police report from the applicant's local law enforcement agency, three copies of passport photos, a letter of recommendation from the relevant ministry and local organisation related to the employment category, and relevant work certificates.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a letter detailing the next steps, which include visiting the local immigration office and paying the work permit fee (usually $1,500). The applicant will also need to apply for a social security card.

Work permit application process in Belize

Who can apply?

Anyone seeking employment in Belize can apply for a work permit, as long as they have a valid passport and updated visa. The permit is only valid for one year and is not renewable. Applicants must apply every year if they wish to extend.

Application Process

The application process for a work permit in Belize is as follows:

Step 1: Submission of Application

• The application must be made at any Labour Department Office.
• If you are employed, your employer must make the submission on your behalf.
• If you are self-employed, you must make the submission yourself.

Step 2: Notification of Application Status

• Within 30 days, the Labour Department will inform you of the status of your application.
• If your application is approved, you must visit the Labour Department Office to receive a copy of the approval letter.
• If your application is denied, you must visit the Labour Department Office to receive a copy of your letter of denial and present yourself to the Immigration Office to update your legal status.

Step 3: Visit the Immigration Office

• Visit the Immigration Office with the approval letter.
• You will be informed of the temporary employment permit fees, which must be paid at the Immigration Office.
• You will also be told to go to the nearest Belize Tax Service to request an Income Tax Letter.

Step 4: Issuance of Permit

• Present your valid passport, proof of payment, and Income Tax letter to the Immigration Office.
• The permit will be issued immediately upon confirmation of payment.
• After this, visit the Social Security Office to apply for your Social Security Card.

Additional Requirements

The following documents are also required when applying for a work permit in Belize:

• Application Form
• Passport Copies (including all blank pages)
• Eight passport photographs
• Police Record from the last place of residence and from Belize
• Recommendation from the Village Council/Town Board where the business will be located
• Recommendation from the Belize Tourism Board or Relative Agency if the business is tourism-oriented
• Belize Local Corporation Documents
• Information regarding the local bank account for the Local Corporation
• A Belize Trade License, depending on where the business will be located
• Business Plan to be vetted by the Ministry of Economic Development/BELTRAIDE before submitting the application to the Labour Department
• Certificates, diplomas, credentials, etc. of the applicant
• Proof of funding for the business

Temporary Employment Permit

The Temporary Employment Permit is a type of visa that allows you to work in Belize for up to one year for a specific employer. It is also referred to as a "Work Permit". The process for applying for this permit is similar to the general work permit application process outlined above.

Temporary Employment Permit in Belize

To work in Belize, you must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) and reside in the country. The application must be submitted at any Labour Department Office. The requirements and application process can be found on the website or at your nearest Labour Department Office.

To submit a TEP application, you must hold a valid passport and a valid Belize visa. If your application is approved, you must visit the nearest Immigration Office to the Labour Department office where you made your submission.

Step 1: Submission of Application

The application must be made at the Labour Department. If you are employed, your employer must make the submission on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you must make the submission yourself.

Step 2: Notification of Application Status

Within 30 days, you will be informed of the status of your application. If your application is approved, you must visit the Labour Department Office to receive a copy of the approval letter. If your application is denied, you must visit the Labour Department Office to receive a copy of your letter of denial and present yourself to the Immigration Office to update your legal status.

Step 3: Visit the Immigration Office

Bring the approval letter to the Immigration Office to process the permit. You will be informed of the temporary employment permit fees, which must be paid at the Immigration Office. You will also be informed to go to the nearest Belize Tax Service to request an Income Tax Letter.

Step 4: Issuance of Permit

Present your valid passport, proof of payment, and Income Tax letter to the Immigration Office as stated on the approval letter. The permit is issued immediately upon confirmation of payment. Then, proceed to visit the Social Security Office to apply for your card.

Temporary Employment Permits are issued for the following categories:

• Professional Workers (Holders of University Degree)
• Technical Workers
• General Workers/Farmhands (in the banana, sugar and citrus industries, other than seasonal agricultural)
• Seasonal Agricultural Workers
• General Workers (in all other industries not covered by C or D)
• Self-Employed Workers (in other industries not covered under in G i.e. owners or managers)
• Self-Employed Workers in the agricultural industry
• Entertainers performing in groups of two or more persons but whose group consists of less than six persons
• Entertainers performing in groups of six persons or more
• Entertainers performing alone
• Religious, cultural, educational, and voluntary workers
• Import/Export Traders
• Waitresses and Domestics

Who can apply for a Temporary Employment Permit?

Belizeans and foreign employers can apply for temporary employment permits on behalf of prospective foreign employees. In most cases, an employer is a legally registered business entity. In other cases, an employer can be a self-employed foreigner. Only employers can apply for temporary employment permits on behalf of prospective employees.

Documents Required

You will be required to submit the following documents to complete your Employer's profile:

• Articles of Association
• Memorandum of Association
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Certificate of Registration
• Trade License (if operating within a city or town)
• Business plan (New businesses)
• Local bank statement (6 months transactions for new businesses)
• Income Tax Certificate (Tax Identification Number)
• Local bank statement (6 months transactions)
• Updated land payment receipt
• Original marriage certificate
• Declaration witness by a Commissioner of the Supreme Court (Common Law relationship)
• Birth certificate of each child
• Proof of citizenship of spouse (Birth Certificate/Permanent Residence/Nationality)

You will also be required to submit the following documents for each application:

• Complete passport (All pages in the passport must be scanned, zipped and uploaded as one zip file)
• Police record (From the last country of residence and from Belize)
• Job advertisement (First, Second, and Third Ad)
• Qualifications (Diplomas, Certificates, Resume)
• License to operate in Belize (Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Engineers, etc.)
• Letter of intent to employ from the employer
• Evidence to prove the need for a new Pastor/Missionary
• Recommendation or support letters are required from applicants (employers) on behalf of prospective employees.

Belize work visa options

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Here is a detailed overview of the work visa options for Belize:

Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit)

The Temporary Employment Permit is required for anyone seeking paid employment in Belize. This visa allows individuals to work in Belize for a specific employer for up to one year. The permit is not renewable, and applicants must reapply every year if needed. The process involves several steps:

• Submission of Application: The application must be made at any Labour Department Office. If employed, the employer must submit the application on the employee's behalf. Self-employed individuals must submit the application themselves.
• Notification of Application Status: Within 30 days, the Labour Department will inform the applicant of the status of their application. If approved, the applicant must visit the Labour Department Office to receive an approval letter. If denied, the applicant must update their legal status at the Immigration Office.
• Visit the Immigration Office: Applicants must visit the Immigration Office with the approval letter to process the permit. They will be informed of the permit fees and directed to the Belize Tax Service to obtain an Income Tax Letter.
• Issuance of Permit: Applicants must present their valid passport, proof of payment, and Income Tax letter to receive the permit. After this, they must apply for a Social Security Card.

The Temporary Employment Permit is available for various worker categories, including professional workers, technical workers, seasonal agricultural workers, self-employed workers, entertainers, religious workers, and more.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

The QRP is a residency option for individuals over 45 who do not intend to work in Belize. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. The program offers benefits such as duty-free importation of vehicles and personal items during the first year. The fees for this program include an application fee, fees for the applicant and dependents, and ID card fees.

Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency is an option for individuals who have resided in Belize for at least 365 days, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and a clean criminal record. The process involves several steps, including interviews with immigration and police departments, and the submission of various documents. After approval, applicants must pay the fees and submit a security bond before receiving their residency card.

Citizenship by Registration

After being a permanent resident for at least five years, individuals may apply for Citizenship by Registration. During those five years, applicants cannot have spent more than 30 consecutive days or three months out of the country in any given year. The process involves submitting the required documents, attending an interview, and paying the citizenship fee.

Permanent residency in Belize

Belize offers two types of residence statuses: permanent residence and temporary residence. Here is a detailed guide on the requirements and process for obtaining permanent residency in Belize.

Requirements:

• You must have legally resided in Belize for at least one year before submitting your application, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country during that year.
• You need to demonstrate financial stability by providing proof of income, such as employment or business ownership in Belize, income from outside Belize, or sponsorship.
• You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by a sentence of 12 months or more in any country, unless you have received a pardon.
• If you entered Belize as a minor (under 16), you may be eligible for permanent residence if you have resided in Belize for at least ten years, regardless of the legality of your residence.
• You must submit various documents, including a valid passport with an arrival stamp from at least one year before your application, medical certificates and tests, proof of financial stability, and spouse and child's documentation (if applicable).

The Process:

• Prepare the required documents, ensuring that you have both the original documents and copies.
• Visit one of the designated immigration offices in Belize to submit your application.
• Complete an interview with the Immigration Department.
• Undergo an interview with the Police Department.
• Await notification of approval.
• Pay the required fees, which vary depending on your nationality, and submit a security bond.
• Collect your residency card.

It is important to note that the process can take a year or longer, and there will be no updates provided during this time. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the validity of your work permit or tourist visa while waiting.

Frequently asked questions