Belize: Your Guide To Moving From The Us

Belize is a country in Central America with a population of 419,137 as of 2023. It is known for its dense rainforests and sandy beaches, and its unique landscapes provide a home for over 133,000 species of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. The official language of Belize is English, and the country is characterised by its lush jungles, rainforests, incredible Caribbean shoreline, and friendly people.

The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the US, and the country has a go slow approach to living, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Belize also has a favourable climate, with a stable subtropical climate averaging 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

If you're considering moving to Belize, there are a few pathways you can take. One popular option is the Qualified Retirement Program, which allows anyone over the age of 35 with a regular income to settle in the country long-term. You can also move to Belize using a visitor's permit and apply for permanent residency after one year.

Immigration and visas

Belize makes it relatively easy for expats to enter the country and settle down. As a US citizen, you can travel to Belize as a tourist without a visa and stay for up to a month. However, if you plan on staying longer, you will need to obtain a visa stamp each month to cover your extended stay. After a year, you can switch your application to permanent residence.

The Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is a popular option for US citizens over 35 who can prove a regular income and wish to settle in Belize long-term. Under the QRP, you can bring your spouse and children under 18, who have the right to earn and invest in the country. As a QRP visa holder, you won't be able to work or own a company, and you'll need to prove you have an income of at least $24,000 per year. Your dependents, however, are entitled to work.

The QRP also offers several perks, such as duty and tax exemptions and the opportunity to buy property or land. Additionally, there is no import duty on household goods as long as you bring them into Belize during the first year of residency.

If you plan on working in Belize, you will need an employment visa and a temporary employment permit. Your employer can apply for your permit once you arrive, or you can make the application yourself if you're self-employed.

To apply for permanent residence in Belize, you will typically need:

• A valid passport and additional passport photos
• A medical certificate
• A clear police record
• Proof of financial stability
• Documents for any dependents who will be living with you in Belize

The full documentary requirements and procedures are available on the Belize immigration authority website.

The application fee for permanent residency varies by nationality, ranging from $250 to $5,000. For US nationals, the fee is $1,000 per person.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Belize is generally low compared to the US, making it a popular destination for expats, especially retirees, and those on a fixed income. However, the cost of living in Belize is higher compared to other desirable retirement countries in the region.

The cost of living in Belize will depend on where you choose to live and your lifestyle. Living like the locals will be cheaper than maintaining your previous lifestyle. For example, walking to the local shops is the norm in Belize, and buying more than you need is unwise since you will have to carry it home.

The cost of food and basic necessities is relatively high in Belize, which is why many Belizeans and expats shop across the border in Mexico and Guatemala. The cost of utilities, especially electricity, is also high. However, the cost of fresh produce from local farmers is low, and there is no need for heating oil or air conditioning, which can balance out the high utility costs.

The cost of renting or buying a home in Belize varies depending on the style and location. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home without air conditioning will be the most economical option, while concrete homes are becoming increasingly popular and tend to be more expensive.

In popular expat communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices can vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre. In San Pedro, for example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning located a few miles from town costs between $1,200 and $1,500 per month.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is also relatively low, and many expats choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced medical care.

• Rent or mortgage payment
• Utilities (including the internet)
• Groceries (based on a couple)

Belize's currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is fixed at a rate of two to the US dollar (1 BZD = 2 USD). US dollars are widely accepted and sometimes even preferred as currency.

The cost of moving to Belize should also be considered, including the cost of shipping your goods and the fees for visas and residency.

Healthcare

Medical care in Belize is not on par with the US, and it is advised that you take out adequate health insurance before moving. While the country has dedicated, caring doctors, the system lacks the advanced equipment and facilities of the US. However, the medical attention is more personal, and doctors will freely give out their cell phone numbers and still make house calls.

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care system, with government-operated hospitals or polyclinics in every major city and town. The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also two excellent private hospitals in the city: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expats prefer the private hospitals for their superior and more comprehensive care. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals.

There are no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins, but the public polyclinic on Ambergris Caye has expanded to offer 24-hour care with a doctor on call. In 2019, the island also gained a rescue response team and ambulance called Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR). Additionally, there is a state-of-the-art clinic north of the bridge at Grand Caribe, which has specialized services and advanced medical care.

The cost of medical care in Belize is roughly half the cost of the US. A visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments will cost about $70, including medication. An ultrasound will cost around $75, and an MRI averages $900.

Dental care in Belize is of excellent quality and reasonably priced.

If you have long-term health issues, it is recommended that you evaluate the regional emergency healthcare before deciding to relocate to Belize. If you have serious health issues, such as a heart condition or cancer, it would be wise to consider other Latin American countries that have more options for advanced medical services and hospitals.

Insurance

Expats in Belize are advised to take out international health insurance that covers emergency treatment and evacuation. Evacuation coverage is particularly important as an ambulance flight can cost $15,000. Dozens of companies offer international health insurance, with premiums varying widely and increasing substantially for those over 60. The most popular companies among expats in Belize are Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

Some expats choose to self-insure as the cost of common medical surgeries and services in Belize and Mexico is so low that they seldom exceed their health insurance deductibles. For example, hernia surgery will typically cost under $2,500, and cataract surgery can cost up to $2,500 per eye.

Employment

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

The first step to obtaining a work permit is to apply online at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government. If you are working for a company, they will apply for your work permit on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you will need to complete the application yourself.

A long list of documents must be submitted regardless of who completes the application. The exact documents depend on who is making the application and the type of job the work permit is being requested for. One required document to be aware of before you leave for Belize is a police report from your local law enforcement agency. This is easiest obtained before heading to Belize, as some agencies require the request to be made and picked up in person.

Once the first step is completed and approved, you'll receive a letter detailing the steps you need to take before proceeding to your local immigration office. It's best to call your local immigration office before you visit to ensure they have received their copy of the approval letter.

At immigration, you'll be asked to pay the work permit fee (usually $1,500), and they will add a special endorsement to your passport allowing you to work in Belize for up to one year. Keep in mind that this permit is only valid for the employer it was issued for. If you change employers, the process starts all over again.

The final step is to visit your local Belize Social Security office and apply for a social security card. Your new social security card will be valid for one year and is proof (along with the Temporary Employment Permit in your passport) that you can work in Belize.

If you are headed to Belize and plan to start your own business, you must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit (also called a "Work Permit").

Belize is a great place for an overseas venture, with 90% of businesses being small or micro-businesses. Expats run all types of businesses and make a living. Business owners seldom complain about how difficult it was to obtain a permit to operate their business.

Tourism-related businesses such as restaurants, bars, and B&Bs are popular expat businesses in Belize. But keep in mind that the tourist season is from December through April. Savvy expats who depend on tourism usually open their new business late in the year, before the high season.

Although tourism businesses were once the primary focus of most expats, the Belizean government now offers more incentives for other types of businesses, such as light manufacturing and specialty agriculture. Expats now own and operate yoga studios, health spas, hair salons, vitamin shops, specialty coffee and wine stores, pool supply and operation services, and organic farms. A growing number of expats are working online. Some even continue to work for their North American employers, but from Belize.

The government offers incentives to entrepreneurs, such as exemptions from import and export duties and a variety of taxes. To qualify, you will need to demonstrate how your business activities will benefit Belize economically.

Housing

The cost of housing in Belize varies depending on the location and type of property. Generally, rental prices are lower than in the US, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing around $500-$700 per month.

If you're looking to rent, it's recommended to rent out a place when you first arrive in Belize. This gives you the chance to explore the different types of properties and neighbourhoods before making a long-term decision. You can find a rental property by engaging a local realtor in the city or area you want to live in.

There's no restriction on expats buying or renting a place in Belize, including buying land. However, there have been some high-profile problems with fraudsters and scams targeting US citizens buying property in Belize, so it's important to have the support of a reputable realtor and property lawyer.

A Google search will put you in contact with several Belize real estate agents who also offer finance. It's recommended to take a Belizean vacation to travel around, meet people, and explore before moving. Note that real estate agents are not licensed in Belize, so choose a reputable and knowledgeable agent and company.

Many expats in Belize choose to buy properties to live in or as an investment. As a result, there are lots of services catering to Americans who want to buy a home in Belize, including real estate agencies and legal practices. It's important to have good support from qualified professionals when you buy a home in Belize. You'll also want to learn more about the property purchase processes and carry out due diligence checks to make sure the property you're buying is in good condition.

Belize has a range of housing options, from remote farms and island getaways to expat communities. Some highly-rated places in Belize include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker, Corozal, and the Cayo District.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Belize can vary depending on usage, but in general, electricity, water, and internet are more expensive than in the US. Expect to pay around $50-$100 per month for basic utilities.

Frequently asked questions