Beliz: The Ultimate Long-Stay Vacation

Belize is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and expats alike. The country offers a range of visa and residency options, making it easy for visitors to stay in the country for extended periods. For those without a visa, tourists are typically allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days. However, for those who wish to stay longer, a Visitor's Permit Extension can be obtained, allowing visitors to stay for an additional 30, 60, or 90-day period, which can be extended indefinitely for US$100 per month. This option is ideal for those who want to extend their holidays or explore the possibility of settling in Belize.

Tourist Visa: 30-day visa, extendable for 30, 60 or 90 days, indefinitely

Belize offers a Tourist Visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for 30 days. This visa can be extended for 30, 60, or 90 days at a time, and there is no limit to the number of extensions, meaning visitors can theoretically stay in Belize indefinitely.

The Tourist Visa is a great option for those looking to spend an extended period in Belize. The process is simple: upon arrival in Belize, visitors are granted a 30-day visa. If they wish to stay longer, they can apply for an extension at any time before the initial 30 days are up. The extension can be for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days, and visitors can continue to extend their stay in 30-day increments indefinitely.

The cost of the Tourist Visa is $100 USD per month. To apply for an extension, visitors must visit their nearest Belizean Immigration Office and provide the following documentation:

• A completed visa extension form.
• Proof of a purchased return or onward airline ticket. If you don’t have one, you can provide a lease with your name on it, demonstrating that you live in Belize.
• A current bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Belize.
• If extending the visa for children, you may be asked to provide their original birth certificates.

It is important to note that the requirements and personalities of each immigration office may vary, so it is recommended to ask around and get the latest information before your visit.

The Tourist Visa is a fantastic option for those looking to spend an extended vacation in Belize, whether it's to enjoy the beaches, explore the ancient Maya temples, or snorkel in the world's second-largest barrier reef.

Temporary Employment Permit: allows stay for up to a year and work for a specific employer

If you're looking to stay and work in Belize, you'll need to apply for a Temporary Employment Permit, also known as a "Work Permit". This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to a year and work for a specific employer. Here's a step-by-step guide to obtaining this permit:

Step 1: Application Submission

The first step is to submit your application online at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. If you have an employer, they will need to submit the application on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you must complete the application yourself. A long list of documents must accompany your application, regardless of who submits it. These include a police report from your previous country of residence and a valid passport, among others.

Step 2: Notification of Application Status

Within 30 days of submitting your application, you will be notified of its status. If your application is approved, you must visit the Labour Department Office to receive an approval letter. If your application is denied, you will receive a denial letter, and you will need to update your legal status at the Immigration Office.

Step 3: Visit the Immigration Office

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

Step 4: Issuance of Permit

At the Immigration Office, present your valid passport, proof of payment, and Income Tax letter. The permit will be issued immediately upon confirmation of payment. After this, proceed to the Social Security Office to apply for your Social Security card, which will serve as proof, along with your Temporary Employment Permit, that you can work in Belize.

The Temporary Employment Permit is valid for one year and allows you to work in Belize for a specific employer. If you change employers, you will need to start the application process again.

Qualified Retirement Program: for over-45s with a monthly retirement income of $2,000

Belize's Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is a great option for those over the age of 45 who want to retire in Belize and can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. This program offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for retirees looking to relocate to the country.

Firstly, the QRP grants residency in Belize, which can be renewed annually. The only requirement to maintain residency status is to spend at least 30 days in Belize each year. This means that retirees can come and go as they please and are not tied down to living in Belize for the entire year.

Secondly, the QRP offers tax benefits. Qualified retirees are exempt from paying taxes on any income derived from sources outside of Belize, including capital gains taxes. This means that retirees can keep more of their money and stretch their retirement funds further.

Thirdly, the QRP provides duty and tax exemptions on the importation of personal and household goods, as well as motor vehicles, boats, and light aircraft during the first year of residency. This can result in significant savings for retirees who wish to bring their belongings with them to Belize.

Another advantage of the QRP is that it allows retirees to maintain an international bank account in Belize, which can be useful for those who receive their retirement income from abroad. Additionally, QRPs are considered non-residents for banking purposes, meaning they can set up a US dollar bank account with a local or offshore bank in the country.

It is important to note that while the QRP offers many benefits, there are also some restrictions. For example, as a QRP, you are not allowed to work for a company with offices in Belize. However, you can still work online or do consulting work for clients outside of the country. Additionally, to maintain QRP status, you must deposit $24,000 per year into a Belize bank account, which can be used for living expenses or investments within the country.

The application process for the QRP is straightforward and can be completed within a few months. The Belize Tourism Board, which manages the program, requires applicants to provide various documents, including proof of income, a medical certificate, and a security clearance check. There are also fees associated with the application and approval process, which include an application fee, applicant fee, dependent fee, and ID card fee.

In conclusion, Belize's Qualified Retirement Program offers a flexible and attractive option for over-45s with a monthly retirement income of $2,000 or more. The program provides residency, tax benefits, duty exemptions, and banking advantages, making it a great choice for those looking to retire in Belize and enjoy the country's beautiful beaches, delicious food, and world-renowned snorkelling spots.

Permanent Residency: for those who've made Belize their home. Allows work

Permanent Residency in Belize

Belize offers permanent residency to those who have made the country their home and intend to stay in the country for a long period. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

Minimum Residence Period

You must have legally resided in Belize for at least one year before submitting your application. During this year, you cannot have left the country for more than 14 days in total.

Financial Stability

You must demonstrate financial stability and prove that you can financially sustain yourself and any dependents during your residence in Belize. To do this, you can provide:

• Bank account statements from a local or foreign banking institution.
• A declaration explaining your access to funds while in Belize if you don't have a bank account.
• A letter of employment from your employer, including details of your employment duration, position, and salary.
• Records of Social Security contributions made by your employer(s).
• If you are a business proprietor, proper licensing and registration, and a recent Business Tax Assessment indicating the income generated by your enterprise.

Criminal Record

You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence in any country for which you received a sentence of 12 months or more of imprisonment, and you must not have received a free pardon for the offence.

Medical Certificate and Tests

You and your dependents (spouse and children aged 16 and above) must submit a Residence Medical Examination Form completed by a Licensed Medical Practitioner in Belize. This includes HIV, VDRL, and TB tests.

Spouse and Child's Documentation

If your spouse is accompanying you, you must submit a registered marriage certificate. If your spouse is not employed, a letter of financial support must be included in the application. If they are employed, their Temporary Employment Permit and Social Security Card must be submitted.

If your child is accompanying you, you must submit a letter of financial support, a letter of authorisation/consent from the parent not making the application, and a copy of that parent's identification.

Passport

You must present a valid passport with an arrival stamp from at least one year before the submission of your application. If your current passport does not have the required stamp, your previous passport(s) must be submitted.

Photographs

You and your dependents must provide two photographs each, sized 2 x 2 inches and taken within the last six months.

Fees

The fees for permanent residency vary depending on your nationality. For US citizens, the fee is $2,000.

Citizenship: available after five years of permanent residency

Belize has a range of visa and residency options, making it a great place to visit or settle in as your new permanent residence. Here is some information about citizenship in Belize:

To become a citizen of Belize, you must have been a permanent resident for at least five years. During those five years, you cannot have spent more than 30 consecutive days out of the country, nor accumulated more than three months outside of Belize in any given 12-month period. After fulfilling the residency requirement, you can apply for Citizenship by Registration. The process starts by submitting the required documents at any immigration office in Belize. Compared to the permanent residency application, applying for citizenship requires fewer documents. Once your documents are submitted, you will be scheduled for an interview at the Immigration office, which you must attend along with any dependents and the two Belizean-born citizens listed as references on your application. Following the interview, your application will be vetted by the Nationality Department. Once the vetting process is complete, you will be contacted to return to the Immigration office to pay the citizenship fee of US$150. At this point, you will be informed of the date and location of your swearing-in ceremony, where you will receive your Belize Nationality Certificate.

Belize allows dual citizenship, so you won't have to give up your original citizenship. However, Indian Nationals must renounce their birth country citizenship to become citizens of Belize. As a citizen of Belize, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of the country's CARICOM membership, which includes the freedom to move, live, and work in other Caribbean member countries.

Frequently asked questions