Belize: Working And Living The Tropical Dream

Belize is an attractive option for those looking to live and work abroad. The country boasts a go-slow approach to life, with a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle and a favourable climate. The official language is English, making it an accessible relocation option. The country's proximity to the USA and Canada is also a draw for many, with only a few hours between the countries.

For those looking to work in Belize, there are a few options. The first is to obtain a work visa, which can be done by working for an employer or through temporary self-employment. The other option is to start your own business, which is a good idea if you already have a business that can create jobs for local Belizeans.

If you are a US or Canadian citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Belize for up to a month. After this, you can renew your visa for a small fee, for up to six months. For those looking to stay longer, residency and citizenship are options. One popular residency option is the Qualified Retired Persons program, which grants special residence status and has cheap and quick application processing.

Belize has a range of lovely, affordable real estate, from remote farms to island getaways. The country also offers double the money for those bringing US dollars, with an exchange rate of $2 Belize dollars to $1 US dollar.

The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is a useful resource for those looking to set up a business in the country.

Visa and residency options

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Here are some of the most common options:

• Tourist Visa: Visitors from North America, the UK, CARICOM countries, and other nations can enter Belize without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days for an indefinite period, with each 30-day extension costing $100.
• Visitor Extension Permit: This option allows visitors to stay in Belize month by month without a long-term commitment. After the initial 30-day entry stamp, visitors can request a Visitor's Permit Extension at an immigration office for $100, allowing them to stay for another 30 days. No employment or business activities are permitted under this permit.
• Visitor Long Stay Permit (Digital Nomad Visa): This permit costs $500 and is valid for six months. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the EU, UK, USA, or Canada, with a minimum annual income of $75,000 for individuals or $100,000 for those with dependents. This permit does not allow employment in Belize and cannot be renewed.
• Qualified Retirement Program (QRP): This program offers residency to those over 45 who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. It includes duty-free importation of vehicles and personal items during the first year. The QRP has a fee of $150, a subsequent payment of $1,000, and a fee of $200 for the residence card, which is renewed annually for $25.
• Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit): This visa allows foreigners to work in Belize for a specific employer for up to one year. The application process involves applying online and submitting various documents, including a police report from the applicant's last country of residence. The permit fee is typically $1,500, and it must be renewed if the employee changes employers.
• Permanent Residency: This option is for individuals who can demonstrate that they have made Belize their home. Applicants must show proof of residing in Belize for the past year, with no more than 14 days spent out of the country. They must also demonstrate financial stability and a clean criminal record. The application process involves interviews with immigration and police departments and the submission of various documents. Application fees vary by nationality, ranging from $250 to $5,000. For US citizens, the fee is $1,000. After five years of permanent residency, individuals can apply for Belizean citizenship.
• Temporary Investor's Residence Program: This program is designed for entrepreneurs investing at least $250,000 in Belize. It allows investors to live, work, and conduct business in the country. The application process can be handled by a lawyer and does not require the applicant's physical presence in Belize. The basic legal fee is $1,535, plus taxes and additional costs.

Work permits

To work in Belize, you must have a valid work permit. Self-employment permits are the easiest to obtain, as you will likely be seen as someone who can create jobs for local Belizeans. General work permits must be applied for by your prospective employer, who will have to prove that they have been unable to find a local resident to fill the position.

If you are not a permanent resident in Belize, you will need a work permit to work legally. You must have a valid passport and updated visa, and you must apply for the permit before working in the country. If you fail to do so, you may be forced to leave the country.

There are two types of work permit applications:

• Application for permission to employ a foreigner: Any foreign citizen who wishes to work in Belize must be a legal resident and have resided in Belize for at least six months. They must be in the country legally, with proper visas and/or permits issued by the Immigration Department. The prospective employer must submit the application for the foreign worker they wish to hire, along with three passport photos, $20 in stamps, a valid passport, and proof that the individual is qualified for the job. The employer must also provide proof that the vacant position was advertised locally for at least three weeks and that no suitable applicant was found.
• Application for Temporary Self-Employment: This category applies to foreign investors, among others. All applicants must be in the country legally, with proper visas and/or permits issued by the Immigration Department. They must produce proof of reasonably sufficient funds for their proposed venture (e.g. a local bank statement of account). Applicants must also obtain a reference from the relevant Ministry or Local Organisation concerned with the category of work involved. In these situations, the six-month residency requirement is waived, and it is assumed that the venture will lead to the creation of employment for nationals in the future.

All applications must be presented to the Labour Officers in the respective districts where the person is expected to work. The Labour Minister has the authority to recommend the approval of all applications.

The cost to re-apply for a work permit is as follows: General Sales Tax (12.5% of $700). The Annual Fees to be paid to the Government upon approval of the work permit is BZ $2,000.

Starting a business

Choose the Right Business Structure

Before starting a business in Belize, it is essential to select the appropriate business structure that aligns with your goals and activities. The two most common types of offshore companies recognised in Belize are International Business Companies (IBCs) and Trusts. If your primary focus is on tax planning and international business, incorporating as an IBC would be the more suitable option.

Register Key Business Details

Registering your business's key details is the first step towards formalisation. This includes choosing a unique business name that complies with the restrictions outlined by the Belize Companies Registry. Additionally, you must decide on your business area and register your legal address by filing an application with the Land Office. While your operational offices can be located anywhere in the world, your official business address must be in Belize.

Acquire Necessary Licenses

To operate a business within an urban area or town/city limits, you will need to obtain a trade license from the Town Board or City Council. This is a crucial step as almost all businesses will engage in the exchange of goods and services for financial compensation. After obtaining the trade license, you must register with the Government Sales Tax department and the Income Tax department for tax purposes.

Register for Taxes

Belize has a myriad of taxes that businesses need to be aware of. A unique Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be issued after registering with the relevant tax departments. This TIN will be used for various tax-related processes, including General Sales Tax (GST), Excise Taxes, and Customs. The business tax imposed is a percentage of the firm's total revenues, regardless of their form or associated costs.

General Sales Tax Registration

The General Sales Tax (GST) is levied on the amount of money consumers spend when goods are imported or exchanged, and services are offered in exchange for financial compensation. The standard GST rate is 12.5%, but some products are zero-rated. Businesses with an annual turnover greater than BZ$75,000 are mandated to register for GST.

Social Security Registration

In accordance with the Social Security Act, businesses or individuals who employ at least one person must register for social security with the Belize Social Security Board. This application should be made within a week of employing the first person. The contribution to social security is made weekly but submitted to the department with a monthly statement. The employer pays a portion, and the employee's portion is deducted from their salary.

Open a Bank Account

Before starting a business in Belize, it is essential to understand the banking landscape. Until you obtain some form of Belize residency, you will only be able to open an account with offshore banks. To open a local Belize-dollar bank account as a non-resident, you must form a local company, and that company can then open the bank account. Once you become a legal resident, you can open a personal Belize-dollar account.

Understand the Challenges

While Belize offers many opportunities, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges. The country has a small domestic market, inefficient distribution and marketing systems, and heavy-handed government red tape. Additionally, telephone and internet access fees are high, and the electricity supply can be erratic. Applying for land can also be a tedious and lengthy process.

Cost of living

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

Housing

The cost of renting or buying a home in Belize varies depending on the location and style of the property. For example, a two-bedroom home in San Ignacio, inland Belize, can be as low as $600 per month, while a one-bedroom condo on the coast in Placencia or Hopkins, or on Ambergris Caye island, will cost no less than $1,200 per month.

Belize offers a range of housing options, from basic Belizean-style wooden homes to more expensive concrete homes with air conditioning.

Utilities

Electricity is expensive in Belize, with a residential rate of $0.45 per kWh. A couple running air conditioning in both bedrooms at night can expect an average bill of $150 per month. City water is inexpensive, and rain catchment is also an option. Internet costs range from $25 to $80 for speeds suitable for emailing, streaming, and Netflix. Cable TV is $30 per month.

Transportation

Vehicle fuel is relatively expensive in Belize, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon for gasoline, while diesel tends to be cheaper. Third-party insurance, vehicle license, and driver's license will cost approximately $380 per year combined.

Food

The cost of food in Belize varies depending on location. Here are some examples of food prices in San Ignacio, in USD:

• Wheat Flour – $0.60/LB
• White Flour – $0.60/LB
• White Rice – $0.50/LB
• Whole chicken – $1.25/LB
• Breakfast Links – $6/pack
• A gallon of Milk – $3.50
• Coke – $2.50/litre
• Dr. Pepper – $1.25/can
• A loaf of Wheat Bread – $2.50
• Mozzarella/Cheddar Cheese (locally produced) – $8.00/LB
• Pork Chops – $3.00/lb
• Bananas (7) – $0.50
• Apples – $0.50 each
• Watermelon – $0.50/LB
• Fish Fillet – $8/lb for snapper or grouper
• A loaf of White Bread – $1.50

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize is rapidly improving, with the government investing in new clinics and medical services. However, specialty healthcare is mostly available in Belmopan and Belize City. A local "urgent care" visit might cost $25, while advanced lab work will cost around $200. Many people choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced medical care.

Residency

For those planning to stay in Belize for an extended period, there are several options for residency and citizenship. The Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program is a popular option, granting special residence status to those over 45 who can deposit $2,000 per month into a Belizean bank account. This program costs approximately $1,350 for the application and processing fee, plus $750 for any dependents.

Another option is the Visitor Extension Permit, which allows for a month-by-month stay in Belize at $100 per month. This option does not allow for employment or engaging in any business or profession.

For those seeking permanent residency, it is required to reside in Belize for one year without leaving the country for more than 14 consecutive days. The application fee for permanent residency varies by nationality, from $250 to $5,000. For US nationals, the fee is $1,000 per person.

Summary

While the cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in North America, the specific expenses will depend on an individual's lifestyle and location. Housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare are all important factors to consider when planning a move to Belize.

Lifestyle and culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with a harmonious blend of many different traditions and beliefs. The country's population is made up of a wide variety of ethnic groups, including Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Chinese, East Indians, Mennonites, and Creole, to name a few. The official language of Belize is English, but many other languages are also spoken across the country. Along the coast, for example, you'll hear an English-based Creole, while Spanish is the main language in towns bordering Guatemala and Mexico. It is also possible to come across Mayan, German, Chinese, Lebanese, and Arabic.

Belize's laid-back atmosphere has been cultivated since its early days as a haven for British buccaneers. The country has a rich history, with the first inhabitants to develop a distinct culture being the Maya. Belize was an important part of the great Mayan Empire, which was possibly the most sophisticated civilization in the ancient Americas. The Maya reached their peak in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries AD, but by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, their presence had faded. Belize became a British colony, which has left a lasting impact on the country's culture, and it gained independence in 1981.

Belizean food is diverse and influenced by its history. Creole cuisine, for example, is famous for its rice and beans dish, and standard English corned beef. The Maya subgroup, the Mestizo, has also influenced Belizean food with dishes such as panades (fried and filled empanadas), escabeche (a vinegary, brothy onion and chicken soup), and garnaches (a fried corn tortilla topped with beans and cheese). The Garifuna people, who are descended from African slaves and the native people of St. Vincent, have brought dishes such as sere (a coconut-based chowder) and hudut (a fish, plantain, and coconut stew).

Belize is a peaceful country with a small standing army. It has experienced an influx of refugees from civil wars in neighbouring countries, which has further added to the mix of cultures in the country. The country is known for its natural beauty, including its undeveloped areas, which draw biologists and environmentalists, as well as its clear, tropical waters, making it a popular destination for diving.

Frequently asked questions