Living And Thriving In Belize: A Guide

Belize is a popular location for those seeking a change to Caribbean living, with expat communities present all over the country. The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the US, and there are various ways to make a living in the country. Many expats work remotely for North American employers, while others run their own businesses. Popular expat businesses in Belize include tourism-related ventures such as restaurants, bars, and B&Bs, as well as yoga studios, health spas, and organic farms. For those seeking employment within Belize, finding a job can be challenging, but networking and building connections in the community can help. Additionally, work permits are required for non-Belizean citizens, and the process of obtaining one can be facilitated with the help of a specialist.

Working in Belize as an expat

Belize is a popular destination for those seeking a change to Caribbean living, with a well-established and welcoming expat community. If you're considering joining them, here's what you need to know about working in Belize as an expat.

Work Permit Requirements

To work in Belize as a non-citizen, you will need a work permit. There are two main types of work permits: temporary and permanent. The type you need depends on the nature of your work and how long you intend to stay in Belize.

The application process for a work permit typically involves submitting the required documents, including a valid passport, educational qualifications, a medical certificate, and a clean police record, among others. The process can be complex, and it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or qualified professional, especially if you have unique circumstances.

Employment Opportunities

Belize has a diverse range of employment opportunities for expats. Here are some options to consider:

• Tourism-related businesses: Restaurants, bars, and B&Bs are popular among expats, especially those catering to tourists during the high season from December to April.
• Other businesses: The Belizean government offers incentives for businesses in light manufacturing and specialty agriculture. Expats own and operate yoga studios, health spas, hair salons, vitamin shops, specialty stores, and organic farms.
• Remote work: With improvements in internet quality, particularly in urban areas, some expats choose to work remotely for companies in their home countries or as digital nomads.
• Volunteering and ecological work: With its rich biodiversity, Belize offers ecological volunteering opportunities, such as conservation projects for manatees. Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and build a network that may lead to paid employment.
• Teaching: English is the national language of Belize, but most Belizeans grow up speaking Kriol. Teaching English can be an option, especially in church-funded schools, though they may require you to be a practicing Christian.

Setting Up Your Own Business

Starting a business in Belize can be a great source of income, and the government offers incentives to entrepreneurs, such as tax exemptions. The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) assists international and local investors in establishing and developing their businesses in the country.

To set up your own business, you will typically need to provide similar documentation to that required for a work permit, along with a business plan and proof of business registration and location.

Expat Experiences

Some expats have shared their experiences of relocating to and working in Belize. While the process can be challenging, with various hurdles to navigate, many have found the support of facilitators or experts invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition.

Belize offers a tropical lifestyle, welcoming communities, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful environment. With careful planning and perseverance, you too can make Belize your new home and source of income.

Setting up a business in Belize

Belize is an upper-middle-income country in Central America with a population of 405,000 and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 billion. As a CARICOM member, Belize enjoys access to members' markets and benefits from trade agreements. Belize has an export-oriented economy that benefits from its proximity to the large markets of the United States and Mexico. It is also the only English-speaking country in Central America.

The Belize government welcomes investors who can contribute to the Belize economy and provide jobs for Belizeans, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, it is rarely simple or easy to do business in Belize.

Business Plan

A business plan is essential to identify your competitive advantages, strengths, and weaknesses. It is also necessary for obtaining financing from banks, investors, or funding agencies. It allows for efficient organisation of people, resources, and capital.

Registration of Business Name & Incorporation of a Company

According to Belizean law, every firm or individual with a place of business in Belize must register their business name. This is done at the Belize Companies Registry in the City of Belmopan, and it takes a minimum of 3 hours to process. The application fee is BZ$25.00 (US$12.50).

To incorporate a company, a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association must be prepared and submitted to the Belize Companies Registry for review. A Certificate of Incorporation will then be issued. The processing time is 3 hours, and the application fee depends on the quantity of share capital.

Land Acquisition and Development

To acquire land, submit an application to the Commissioner of Lands specifying the location and acreage. For land exceeding 25 acres, a development plan must be submitted to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for ventures over 500 acres.

Trade License

Obtain a trade license from the local city or town council. The final approval is based on the recommendation of the Trade Licensing Board. The fees are determined as a percentage of the annual rental value of the premises and are due within 30 days of receiving the bill.

Registration for Taxes

Register for the General Sales Tax (GST), which is a 12.5% consumer tax on goods and services in Belize. Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding BZ$75,000 must register with the Department of GST.

Register for Income and Business Tax if earning over BZ$75,000 annually (or BZ$20,000 if self-employed).

Social Security Registration

Businesses employing one or more persons must register for social security with the Belize Social Security Board within seven days of employing the first employee. Contributions are made weekly and submitted monthly, with a portion paid by the employer and the other by the employee.

Registration/Protection of Intellectual Property

Register your business's intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, industrial design, and copyright, with the Belize Intellectual Property Office.

Other Considerations:

• The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) assists international and local investors in establishing and developing businesses in Belize.
• The government offers incentives such as exemptions from import and export duties and taxes to entrepreneurs who can demonstrate how their business will benefit Belize economically.
• If you are not a permanent resident, you will need a work permit to work legally. Self-employment permits are the easiest to obtain as you will likely be viewed as creating jobs and employing locals.
• Be aware that Belize is a poor country, and this is reflected in high telephone and internet access fees, erratic and expensive electricity supply, and a tedious process for applying for land.
• It is advisable to hire a competent accountant or attorney to help set up your business and navigate the corporate, accounting, and tax structure.
• Crime, taxes, access to finance, and government corruption are major obstacles to investment in Belize.

The cost of living in Belize

Housing

The cost of renting or buying a home in Belize depends on the property's size, location, ownership status, and build. 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 at least $1,200 per month.

You can purchase a 2 or 3-bedroom home with a garden in the Cayo District for less than $150,000. Outside of the expensive tourist hotspots, you can buy a modern home for $75,000 to $200,000. In premium city locations, prices for modern homes with amenities range from $300,000 to $400,000.

The most economical housing option is a basic Belizean-style wood home, typically with no air conditioning and smaller in size. Concrete homes are becoming a more popular option, offering more conveniences and costing a little more.

Utilities

Utilities such as water and internet are reasonably priced in Belize. A couple can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per month for water, while internet plans range from $25 to $80 for speeds suitable for streaming. Cable TV is $30 per month.

Electricity is expensive, with a residential rate of $0.45 per kWh. A couple running air conditioning units in both bedrooms at night may see an average bill of $150 per month.

Food

The cost of food in Belize is relatively high, driving some people to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala. However, the cost of fresh produce is tempered by locally grown options from Belizean farmers.

Belize's national meal, stewed chicken with rice and beans, can be found at roadside stands for $6 to $8. Eating out in tourist areas can be expensive, but there are cheaper options available by asking locals for recommendations.

Transportation

Many people in Belize walk or use a golf cart to get around, especially in popular retirement spots. However, some may opt for a car, depending on the proximity of their accommodation to shops and other necessities.

Gasoline is expensive, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon, about two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US. Belize has a public transport system, which is the cheapest way to travel inter-city, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance.

Healthcare

Belize has two healthcare systems—public and private—available to both locals and expats. Healthcare costs are very affordable, with an "urgent care" trip costing around $25 and advanced lab work costing about $200. However, the lack of advanced medical care is a reason why some expats leave Belize.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider when living in Belize include vehicle insurance, license, and fuel. Third-party insurance is mandatory and costs approximately $250 per year, while a vehicle license is $100 per year, and a driver's license is $30 per year.

If you plan to become a Belizean citizen, you will need to renew your tourist visa every 30 days at a cost of $100 per month. After a year of living in Belize full-time, you can apply for permanent residency and, after five years, apply for citizenship.

Overall, a couple from North America can survive on $1,000 per month, but $1,500 would be more reasonable.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize has both public and private healthcare systems. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH offers affordable care to most Belizeans with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions.

Public Healthcare in Belize

The public healthcare system in Belize is available to all citizens and residents, offering free or low-cost healthcare services. There are eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize. However, these facilities are often underfunded, understaffed, and undersupplied. The highest level of public healthcare is available in Belize City, which has the country's only 24/7 hospitals. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional public hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts.

Public hospitals provide basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics and gynaecology. The quality of these hospitals varies, with the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan being the next best after the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City.

Private Healthcare in Belize

The private health sector in Belize serves a smaller portion of the population but offers relatively low-cost services with an emphasis on quality care. There are three main private hospitals in Belize: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. In total, there are around 100 private hospital beds in the country. The private sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Private hospitals tend to be more expensive but provide more comprehensive care.

Health Insurance in Belize

Belize is working towards implementing a National Health Insurance (NHI) program to provide affordable and accessible quality care to its citizens. A separate agency within the Social Security Board oversees the financing and purchasing duties for the NHI fund.

Expats in Belize are liable to pay for all medical costs incurred and are advised to obtain comprehensive international health insurance that includes repatriation and air ambulance services. Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers overseas medical care and emergency treatment, including evacuation coverage, which is particularly important due to the high cost of ambulance flights.

Common Health Issues in Belize

Some common health conditions prevalent in Belize include malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions are often related to issues surrounding infrastructure and sanitation, as well as a lack of education and awareness about their transmission. Additionally, there is a high prevalence of communicable diseases, respiratory illnesses, and intestinal problems. Cardiovascular diseases are a significant cause of death, followed by diabetes.

Mental Health in Belize

Belize has made efforts to improve mental health services, with the MoH launching a strategic mental health plan in 2009 to integrate mental health services into primary care. Mental health services are available in district hospitals, with most inpatient psychiatric services provided at Rockview Hospital, the national mental hospital.

Health for Expats in Belize

Expats should ensure their vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Belize, especially for diseases such as malaria, which is common in the region. It is also recommended to bring any necessary medications in their original containers and to carry a letter from their physician describing any existing medical conditions.

While the standard of healthcare in Belize is lower than in North America, the country has dedicated and caring doctors who provide personal attention to their patients. However, for more complicated medical treatments, some expats choose to seek care in neighbouring countries or return to their home countries to utilise services like Medicare.

Applying for residency in Belize

Belize offers two types of residence status: Permanent Residence and Temporary Residence.

Permanent Residence

To apply for permanent residence in Belize, you must have been legally residing in the country for at least one year at the time of submitting your application, with no trips outside the country for more than 14 days in total during that year. You must also prove your financial stability and provide a valid passport with an arrival stamp from at least one year before submission.

Along with the original documents, you will need to submit copies of the following:

• Medical Certificate and Tests (including HIV, VDRL, and TB tests)
• Proof of Financial Stability (e.g. bank statements, employment letter, business registration, etc.)
• Spouse and Child's Documentation (if applicable)
• Police Record from Belize for you and any dependents (only valid for 6 months from the date of issue)

You will also need to provide two 2 x 2-inch photographs taken within the last 6 months, and pay the associated fees, which vary depending on your nationality.

Temporary Residence

Temporary residence is typically granted to those who have made or are in the process of making a substantial commercial investment in Belize but cannot meet the ordinary permanent residence restrictions due to commitments outside the country.

To apply for temporary residence, you must show evidence of investments in Belize valued at a minimum of BZ$500,000 (approximately $250,000). This can be in the form of real estate ownership, business investments, or personal bank statements.

The application process for temporary residence involves the following steps:

• Pay a basic legal fee of $1,535 plus 12.5% General Sales Tax (GST) and any additional costs.
• Provide copies and originals of the required documentation, including passport, police record, letter to the Immigration Office Director, evidence of primary residence in Belize, and details of investments.
• Wait for up to 6 months or more for the application process and security clearance to be completed.
• Upon approval, pay the temporary residence fee to receive your permit.

Note that the temporary residence permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, with the cost varying depending on the applicant's nationality.

Work Permits

If you are not a permanent resident of Belize, you will need a work permit to work legally in the country. Self-employment permits are the easiest to obtain, as you will likely be viewed as someone creating jobs and employing local Belizeans. General work permits must be applied for by a prospective employer, who must prove that they have been unable to find a local resident to fill the position.

Facilitators

Hiring a facilitator or using an expert aid is recommended to ensure a smooth and quick process when obtaining a work permit or applying for residency in Belize. While it adds extra cost, it can save time and potential headaches, especially if you are planning to do it yourself or are unfamiliar with the process.

With its strategic location, relatively low taxes, and welcoming environment, Belize is an attractive destination for those seeking to establish a new home or business.

Frequently asked questions