Belize Beckons: Nigerians' Guide To Relocating

Belize is a small country in Central America with a diverse range of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and beaches. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, friendly people, and a relaxed way of life, making it a popular destination for US expats. If you're considering relocating to Belize from Nigeria, there are a few things you should know.

First, Belize is an English-speaking country, which can make the transition easier for those who don't want to learn a new language. The country has a slow pace of life, a tropical climate, and a relatively low cost of living compared to the US. It also has a unique blend of Caribbean and Central American culture, with a rich history and heritage.

When relocating to Belize, there are certain processes and documents you need to follow and obtain for a long-term stay. As a Nigerian citizen, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit. Belize offers retirement visas (QRP) for American citizens over 35 years old who can provide proof of financial support of USD 24,000 per year. Alternatively, you can enter Belize as a tourist without a visa and stay for up to a month. After that, you will need to extend your visa for each additional month, and after a year, you can apply for a temporary residency permit.

When relocating, it is recommended to use a specialist international relocation service to help with the legal process and the transfer of your household goods.

Overall, relocating to Belize from Nigeria can be a rewarding experience, offering a relaxing pace of life, sunny weather, and a lower cost of living compared to many other countries.

Visa and residency requirements

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

• Tourist Visa: This visa is granted upon entering the country and allows visitors to stay in Belize for 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days for an indefinite period. The cost of the visa is $100 per month. To extend the tourist visa, individuals may need to provide documentation such as a completed visa extension form, proof of a return airline ticket, a lease agreement, and a current bank statement showing sufficient funds.
• Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit): This visa allows individuals to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves applying online or through an employer and submitting various documents, including a police report from the home country. The permit fee is typically $1,500, and it is only valid for the employer it was issued for.
• Qualified Retirement Program (QRP): This program offers residency to individuals over 45 years of age who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. It includes benefits such as zero-duty importation on vehicles and personal items during the first year. The program fee is $150 per applicant, $750 for each dependent, and $200 per person for ID cards, with an annual renewal fee of $25 per person.
• Permanent Residency: This option is for individuals who can prove that they have made Belize their home. It allows them to work for themselves or any employer in the country. The requirements include demonstrating financial stability and a clean criminal record. The application process involves submitting various documents, including medical certificates, proof of financial stability, and documentation for any dependents.
• Citizenship: Individuals who have been permanent residents of Belize for at least five years may qualify for citizenship. Belize allows dual citizenship, so individuals do not need to give up their home country citizenship.

It is important to note that the requirements and processes for obtaining visas and residency in Belize may change, and individuals should refer to the official websites of the Belizean government and immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Cost of living

Belize is generally considered to have a low cost of living compared to the US, making it a popular destination for retirees and expats. However, the cost of living in Belize can vary depending on location and lifestyle choices. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Belize:

Housing

Housing costs in Belize can vary significantly depending on location and type of accommodation. In popular tourist areas such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment near the beach. In more remote areas, such as San Ignacio, rents can be as low as $600 per month for a two-bedroom home. Buying a home in Belize can also be a good option, with prices ranging from under $15,000 for a simple Belizean-style home to over $500,000 for a luxury beachfront property.

Utilities

Utilities in Belize can be relatively expensive, especially electricity. A couple living in a two-bedroom home without air conditioning can expect to pay around $50 per month for utilities, while those using air conditioning may see their bills increase to $150 or more. Internet costs range from $25 to $80 for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Cable TV is available for $30 per month, and cell phone plans with data range from $28 to $78 per month.

Food

The cost of food in Belize can vary depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits. Eating out at touristy restaurants can be expensive, with dinner costing around $15 to $25 per person. However, local roadside stands offer cheaper options, with meals costing around $6 to $10. Shopping at local markets and buying local produce can also help reduce food costs.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Belize can vary depending on the mode of transport. Gasoline is expensive, costing between $5 and $7 per gallon. Public transportation is a cheaper option, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance travelled. Taxi services are also available but can be costly, with rates starting at $25 per hour.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Belize are generally lower than in the US, but the quality of healthcare can vary. Basic medical services may cost around $25, while more advanced lab work can cost up to $200. For more specialized care, many people choose to travel to Mexico or return to their home country.

Overall, the cost of living in Belize is significantly lower than in the US, especially for those who are willing to adopt a more local lifestyle and avoid touristy areas. A couple from North America can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 per month, excluding rent or mortgage payments.

Healthcare

Belize's healthcare system is still developing and may not be as advanced as what you are used to in Nigeria. However, it has been steadily improving over the years. Most expats in Belize report that the country needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment.

Belize has a population of fewer than 400,000 residents, and so the country does not have a large income tax revenue base to adequately fund a large number of public hospitals. However, the doctors in Belize are dedicated and caring, and medical attention is more personal. It is common for doctors to give their patients their cellphone numbers and make house calls.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital, and two excellent private hospitals: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expats prefer the better, more comprehensive care provided at the private hospitals, where fees are reasonable. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals, although their selection of medical services is more limited.

There are currently no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins. However, Ambergris Caye has two facilities (one private and one public) that provide around-the-clock care along with doctors on call. There is also a rescue response team and ambulance service on the island, and a state-of-the-art clinic that offers advanced medical care and specialised services, making life much safer for its residents.

Despite improvements, many expats still leave Belize for more complicated medical treatments. Many American retirees, for example, return to the US to take advantage of Medicare. Some expats also go to Chetumal and Merida in Mexico, or Guatemala City and Antigua in Guatemala.

Expats can rely on evacuation coverage provided by an international health insurance policy. This is particularly important because an ambulance flight can cost around $15,000. Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or emergency treatment. The most popular among expats in Belize include Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

It is recommended that expats with pre-existing medical conditions carry a letter from their physician that describes their condition and lists their medications. It is also important to keep medications in their original containers with proper labelling.

Pharmacies in Belize have low prices and are generally well-stocked with generic medications. Drugstores in Belize often sell medicines over the counter that would require a prescription elsewhere. Dental care in Belize is also excellent and reasonably priced.

Climate

Belize has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The country experiences a wet season from mid-May to November in the south and from mid-June to November in the north. The dry season is from February to April. The wet season sees rainfall and the occasional thunderstorm, while the dry season is the best time to visit Belize for hot-weather activities. The hurricane season runs from June to November.

The temperature in Belize City varies little throughout the year, ranging from highs of 88°F to lows of 71°F. The temperature range across the day is around 10°C. In the uplands (Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains), temperatures fall by about 3°C for every 1,000ft rise in altitude.

The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. The humidity is high, but it is seldom oppressive and is most noticeable along the coast. The mean annual humidity is 83%, but on many days, the humidity disappears with the cooling sea breeze. The Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast trade winds averaging 10-13 knots, which can be consistent during July.

The average temperature in Belize ranges from 50°F to 95°F, with an annual mean of 79°F. The coolest months are November to January, with an average of 75°F, and the warmest are May to September, with an average of 81°F. The hottest month is May, with an average maximum temperature of 32°C, and the coolest is January, with an average maximum of 28°C.

Belize is a great place to visit during the cold winter months in North America. With clear skies and warm temperatures, you can swim in the Caribbean Sea or explore the tropical rainforests.

Culture

Belize is often called a "melting pot" of cultures, but this may be a misnomer. Belize culture is far better described as an elegant latticework of different peoples weaving around and between each other. The term "melting pot" is inaccurate because Belizeans don't meld into one homogenous group but stand out proudly, displaying their ethnicity and sharing their culture.

Belize is home to many ethnic groups, including Chinese, Creole, East Indian, European, Garifuna, Lebanese, Maya, Mennonite, and Mestizo, each with their own cultural and linguistic traditions. As a result, many languages are spoken, but English is the official language.

The Mestizo people, one of the most predominant groups in Belize, were originally descended from a mix of Spanish and Mayan genetics. This is generally still the case, but there is no longer a fine line about it. Mestizo food consists of an even mix of Spanish tradition and Mayan ingenuity, pulling elements like escabeche and Relleno soup, tortillas, corn porridge, cochinita pibil, and tamales. The Mestizo people adopted mainstream Christianity, likely due to Spanish influence, and practice most, if not all, Catholic Christian traditions.

The Maya, another predominant group, are still present in Belize today. Some live in small self-governed villages, farming for subsistence and employing their milpa system of crop rotation. They grow corn, beans, and squash, which are staples of their diet. Not all Maya decide to live this way, however; many live elsewhere in Belize, making a normal living and integrating with society.

The Creole classification originated during the colonization of Belize when Africans brought as slaves mingled with European Logwood cutters. The term has become broader and can be confusing because both fair and dark-skinned people may identify as Creole in Belize depending on their background and ancestry. The Creole people have been instrumental in creating some of the most iconic "Belizean" things, including the native Kriol, recognized as an official language. The food of the Creole, now really just termed Belizean Food, is also an iconic part of the general culture of the country, most notably Rice & Beans.

The Garifuna people are descended from mixed heritage, including West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak people. In the south, under the shady palms and almonds, their people have flourished and are now regarded as one of Belize's predominant cultures. The Garifuna still perform many of their traditional practices, including their spiritual beliefs and dances, and their food has transcended cultural walls to become wildly popular in all of Belize.

The Mennonites of Belize are relatively new, arriving as late as the 1960s. Unlike most other cultures and ethnic groups, Mennonites don't make a habit of mixing with other Belizeans. They live in secluded communities, not by way of distance but by way of lifestyle. Their villages and towns are inhabited almost exclusively by Mennonites, who are farmers and craftsmen, providing a large percentage of grains to the Belizean market, as well as furniture, industrial vehicle parts, poultry, and dairy products.

The East Indian people of Belize share a common origin with but are not to be confused with recent Indian immigrants. East Indians were some of the first peoples brought to Belize to supplement the workforce on the plantations. Today, the East Indians that came all this time ago have integrated into the network of cultures that make up Belize, and their influences constitute a considerable part of Belize's food culture.

Belize has also seen an influx of Middle Eastern peoples, mostly from Lebanon and Syria, as well as a growing population of South Asian cultures, most numerously Indians. Like the Arab people, the Indian people, locally known as Hindu, have come to Belize mostly as merchants and professionals. Arab food restaurants have opened and become popular, and there is even a small Mosque in Belize City.

Belize culture is a colorful latticework of different peoples, being themselves and being with each other. To call it a melting pot at this point is almost wrong because Belize doesn't have one single culture but instead one people with many cultures.

Frequently asked questions