Finding Work In Belize: A Guide To Getting Employed

Belize is a small country in Central America with a population of around 330,000 people. It has a growing economy, with a steady growth rate of 2-3% in recent years, but also high unemployment (11%) and a low minimum wage of $3.30/hour. For foreigners, it can be challenging to find employment in Belize, as businesses must prioritise hiring Belizean citizens or residents. However, it's not impossible, and there are a few ways to increase your chances of success. Firstly, travel to Belize City, the country's economic centre, to network and make connections. Secondly, consider starting your own business, as self-employment permits are easier to obtain than general work permits. Finally, certain sectors such as tourism, light manufacturing, and specialty agriculture are more popular with expats, and technical or managerial positions are more likely to be held by non-residents.

Visit Belize City to make contacts and meet people

Belize City is the country's largest city and a hub of economic activity. With a population of nearly 400,000 people, it offers numerous opportunities for networking and building connections. Here are some tips to maximise your time in Belize City:

Identify Key Industries and Targeted Organisations

Before your trip, research the industries that are prominent in Belize City. Identify organisations, companies, or institutions that align with your skills and interests. This could include tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, or service-based industries. Knowing your areas of interest will help you focus your networking efforts.

Attend Networking Events and Meetups

Belize City is likely to host various networking events, industry conferences, and meetups. Keep an eye out for such events by following local business groups, industry associations, and online platforms. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and potential employers.

Utilise Online Networking Tools

Take advantage of online platforms such as LinkedIn to identify professionals in your field who are based in Belize City. Reach out to them, express your interest in the local industry, and seek advice or insights. They may be aware of job openings or upcoming projects that align with your skills.

Visit Co-working Spaces and Incubators

Co-working spaces and business incubators are great places to meet entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers. These spaces often host events and workshops, providing an opportunity to connect with others. Consider visiting popular co-working spaces like The Hive or The Colony, where you can interact with a diverse range of professionals.

Attend Cultural and Social Events

Building a strong network is not just about formal events. Attend cultural festivals, social gatherings, and community activities to meet a diverse range of people. Belize City has a vibrant cultural scene, including the September Celebrations, which offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture while networking casually.

Be Open to Informal Conversations

Sometimes, the best connections are made through casual conversations. Chat with baristas at coffee shops, strike up conversations with locals at parks or tourist spots, and be open to striking up conversations wherever you go. You never know who might be able to provide valuable insights or referrals.

Follow up and Stay in Touch

After returning from your trip, be sure to follow up with the people you met. Send connection requests on LinkedIn, and stay in touch by sharing relevant articles or updates. Maintaining these connections can lead to future opportunities, even if they don't result in immediate job offers.

Remember, building a solid network takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and authentic in your interactions, and you'll increase your chances of finding job opportunities in Belize City.

Search for jobs on Career Jet and Glassdoor

Career Jet and Glassdoor are two of the biggest job search engines globally, and both have job listings in Belize.

Career Jet

Career Jet is a well-known job search engine with job search options for Belize.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor has a handful of job opportunities in Belize, mainly in Belize City, the country's economic centre and largest city.

Tips for using job search engines

When using job search engines like Career Jet and Glassdoor, it's important to keep in mind that the response rate may be low, typically around 0.5 to 1.0%. However, it is still worth applying to as many jobs as possible and making connections through simple emails or applications.

Additionally, travelling to Belize City can be a great way to network and make in-person connections, which can open up more potential job opportunities.

Other job search resources

In addition to Career Jet and Glassdoor, there are several other websites and job portals that can be helpful for finding a job in Belize:

• GoAbroad: This website has a good overview of the most popular jobs for expats in Belize.
• Belize.com: The website offers a list of the top reasons to live or retire in Belize.
• LinkedIn: This professional social network is excellent for building contacts and learning about job opportunities in your field and location of interest.
• Go Abroad: This website has a job portal and also provides information on visas for Belize.

Explore business opportunities in tourism

Belize is a small, upper middle-income country in Central America with a population of around 400,000. It is the only country in Central America with English as its official language. Tourism is the most important source of foreign exchange in Belize, contributing significantly to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The country boasts stunning natural beauty, dense forests, and some of the largest Mayan cities and temples in Central America, as well as an expansive limestone cave system. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for American tourists and retirees, who make up an estimated 70% of all tourists.

Accommodation and Lodging

The demand for accommodation is high in Belize, driven by both global tourists and locals. Investing in hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals can be a lucrative opportunity, especially with the government's focus on expanding overnight stays for high-end travellers.

Food and Beverage

Tourism-related businesses such as restaurants, bars, and cafes are popular among expats. With the expected growth in tourism, there will be a greater demand for food and beverage options. This includes fine dining, casual eateries, specialty coffee shops, and wine bars.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Belize offers a range of natural and cultural attractions, including ecotourism, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences. There is a growing demand for guided activities such as wildlife viewing, caving expeditions, hiking, zip-lining, diving, and horseback riding. Additionally, with the expansion of cruise ship tourism, there are opportunities for developing shore excursions and on-board entertainment options.

Travel Marketing and Promotion

As Belize continues to grow in popularity as a tourist destination, there is a need for effective marketing and promotion. This includes digital marketing, social media influence, and traditional advertising. Developing a strong online presence and creating attractive packages and promotions can help boost the country's tourism industry.

Transportation and Rental Services

With an increase in tourism, there will be a higher demand for transportation services. This includes automobile and boat rentals, as well as shuttle services to and from tourist attractions. Investing in a transportation business or providing boat rentals for marine activities can be a profitable venture.

When starting a business in Belize, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges, including the small domestic market, inefficient distribution and marketing systems, and government red tape. However, the Belizean government offers incentives for businesses, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Self-employment permits are relatively easy to obtain, and there are opportunities for tax exemptions and import/export duty benefits.

Find out about work permits for non-residents

To work in Belize, non-residents must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit. This can be done at any Labour Department Office in the country, and applicants must be residing in Belize at the time of application.

The application process requires a range of supporting documents, including:

• A valid passport
• A valid Belize visa
• Eight passport photographs
• A police record from the applicant's last place of residence and from Belize
• A letter of recommendation from the Village Council/Town Board where the business will be located
• A recommendation from the Belize Tourism Board or a relative agency if the business is tourism-oriented
• Local corporation documents
• Information regarding the local bank account for the corporation
• A trade license, depending on where the business will be located

The business will need to have a physical location to be inspected and approved for a trade license. New local companies must submit a business plan to be vetted by the Ministry of Economic Development/BELTRAIDE before submitting their application to the Labour Department.

Once the application has been submitted, the applicant will be notified of its status within 30 days. If the application is approved, the applicant must visit the nearest Immigration Office to the Labour Department office where the submission was made. Here, they will be informed of the temporary employment permit fees, which must be paid at the Immigration Office.

After paying the fees, the applicant must present their valid passport, proof of payment, and an Income Tax Letter to the Immigration Office. The permit will then be issued immediately.

Network with other expats

Networking with other expats is a crucial aspect of finding a job in Belize. Here are some tips to help you navigate the expat community and increase your chances of employment:

Understand the Challenges

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge the challenges of finding employment in Belize. The country has a high unemployment rate, and many jobs are reserved for locals. As a foreigner, you might face difficulties in securing employment, especially in certain sectors. Understanding these challenges will help you navigate the job market more effectively.

Connect with Expats in Your Industry

Seek out expats who are working in your field or industry of interest. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and referrals. Attend industry events, join expat groups or networking organisations, and utilise online platforms to connect with fellow expats. Building relationships with people in your industry can open doors to job opportunities.

Be Open to Different Roles

Expats in Belize often find work in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, hospitality, and real estate. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different roles or industries. For example, consider tourism-related businesses such as restaurants, bars, or bed and breakfasts. These sectors are popular among expats and can provide a good starting point for networking and employment opportunities.

Join Local Communities and Groups

Engage with local communities and groups in Belize, as this is a country that operates largely by word of mouth. Join Facebook groups, especially those with classified sections, as they can be a great source of job leads. Participate in local events, volunteer initiatives, or social activities where you can meet people and share your skillset. Building a strong network of local connections can greatly enhance your job prospects.

Seek Mentorship or Guidance

Look for expats who have successfully navigated the job market in Belize and seek their mentorship or guidance. They can provide valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of finding employment in the country. Ask them about their experiences, the challenges they faced, and any advice they can offer to help you in your job search.

Stay Persistent and Flexible

Finding a job in Belize can take time and persistence. Stay proactive in your job search, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Be flexible and adaptable, as you may need to explore different industries or roles to find the right opportunity. Remember, networking is a key aspect of finding employment in Belize, so continue to build and nurture relationships with fellow expats and locals alike.

Frequently asked questions