Belizean Dream: Navigating The Requirements For Living In Belize

Belize is a popular destination for expats, offering a relaxed way of life, stunning natural scenery, and friendly people. As a former British colony, it has the advantage of having English as its official language, making the transition for expats easier. It is also the only official English-speaking country in Central America. The country also has a diverse population, with roots in Mayan, Kriol, East Indian, Garifuna, and Mestizo cultures.

Belize makes it relatively simple for expats to enter the country and settle, with three ways to obtain extended stays: the Visitor Extension Permit, the Visitor Long Stay Permit, and Permanent Residency. The latter two require applicants to be citizens or permanent residents of the EU, UK, US, or Canada, with the Long Stay Permit also requiring a minimum annual income of $75,000 for a single applicant or $100,000 for those with dependents.

The Belize Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is another option, aimed at attracting retirees to the country. This program requires applicants to be at least 40 years old and show proof of a monthly income of at least $2,000.

Tourist Extension Permits

Tourists can stay in Belize for up to 30 days. After this period, a Tourist Extension Permit can be applied for in one-month increments for up to six months. The Tourist Extension Permit costs US$100 and allows you to stay in the country for an additional 30 days. The condition is that you do not enter into any form of employment, paid or unpaid, and do not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Director of Immigration. This is ideal for those who want to extend their holidays in Belize or are considering the possibility of settlement.

To obtain a Tourist Extension Permit, you must first obtain a one-month entry stamp on your passport when entering the country. After 30 days, you can visit an immigration office and request a Tourist Extension Permit. The fee for the Tourist Extension Permit is US$100, and it allows you to stay in Belize for an additional 30 days. It is important to note that you cannot work or engage in any business activities during this period without the consent of the Director of Immigration.

The Tourist Extension Permit is a great option for those who want to extend their stay in Belize and explore the possibilities of settlement. It offers flexibility and allows individuals to experience life in Belize month by month without a long-term commitment. However, it is crucial to adhere to the conditions of the permit and not engage in any form of employment or business without the necessary consent.

For those who wish to remain in Belize for a longer period, there is also the option of applying for a Long Stay Permit, also known as a Digital Nomad Visa. This permit costs US$500 and is valid for six months. Applicants for the Long Stay Permit must be citizens or permanent residents of specific countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or Canada. They must also have a minimum annual income of US $75,000 if applying alone or US $100,000 if applying with dependents.

In conclusion, the Tourist Extension Permits offer a straightforward way to extend your stay in Belize, providing the opportunity to explore the country and consider settlement options. It is important to understand the conditions of the permit and adhere to them, especially regarding employment and business activities. For longer stays, the Long Stay Permit is another option to consider, offering a six-month validity with specific requirements.

Long Stay Permits

To qualify for a Long Stay Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or Canada.
• Be employed outside of Belize, with a minimum annual income of $75,000 for a single applicant or $100,000 for applicants with dependents.
• Provide a job letter issued within 30 days of the application if employed by another person.
• Provide proof of registration of business and annual tax return if self-employed.
• Provide proof of annual income: $75,000 for single applicants, $100,000 for applicants with dependents.
• Provide a notarized banking reference and Statement of Account.
• Provide a police record from the applicant's country of residence, issued within six months of the application.
• Provide a certified copy of the bio-data page of the applicant's passport and certified copies of the bio-data pages of each dependent's passport.
• If the applicant's nationality is not on the Approved Countries List, they must provide proof of residence in a country that is on the list.
• Provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum health coverage of $50,000.

Dependents are defined as:

• The spouse of the applicant.
• A child or stepchild of the applicant who is under the age of 18.
• An adopted child of the applicant, under the age of 18, who was adopted in a manner recognized by law.
• Any other person certified as a dependent by a court order.

It is important to note that holders of a Long Stay Permit are not allowed to engage in employment in Belize and that this permit cannot be extended or renewed.

Permanent Residency

To apply for permanent resident status in Belize, you will need to gather some paperwork and pay a fee. The process is relatively simple, but it can be paperwork-intensive and time-consuming (potentially taking over a year). The exact requirements and fees may vary depending on nationality, but the general requirements are as follows:

• A valid passport and additional passport photos
• A medical certificate (including an HIV test)
• A clear police record (from your country of origin)
• Proof of financial stability
• Documents for any dependents who will be living with you in Belize

Once your permanent residency has been approved, you can seek employment or work for yourself just like any Belizean – there is no need for a work permit. You can move freely within the country, open a bank account in Belize, and travel in and out of Belize without any restrictions. After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for full citizenship.

Language

Belize is an English-speaking country, and English is the official language used in public education, government and most media outlets. However, Belize has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages.

Belizean Creole, or Kriol, is the most widely spoken dialect, and is used in several situations, whether informal, formal, social or interethnic dialogue, even in meetings of the House of Representatives. It is derived mainly from English, with Native American Miskito and various West African and Bantu languages as substrate languages. It is difficult to differentiate the number of Belize Creole speakers compared to English speakers because when a creole language exists alongside its lexifier language, a creole continuum forms. This is known as code-switching.

Spanish is the second-most-commonly-spoken language, taught in primary and secondary schools and widely spoken by Mestizos, who make up approximately 52.9% of the population. "Kitchen Spanish" is an intermediate form of Spanish mixed with Belizean Creole, and is spoken in northern towns such as Corozal and San Pedro.

Over half of the population is bilingual, and a large segment is multilingual. Belize is also home to three Mayan languages: Q'eqchi', the endangered indigenous Belizean language of Mopan, and Yucatec Maya. Approximately 16,100 people speak the Arawakan-based Garifuna language, and German is spoken in Mennonite colonies and villages.

Healthcare

Belize's healthcare system has been subjected to several reforms over the years, with the Ministry of Health making significant changes to improve the standard of healthcare in the country. The system comprises both public and private healthcare facilities, financed through public and local private health insurance schemes. The public healthcare system provides free or low-cost healthcare services to citizens and residents, but often results in long waiting times.

Public Healthcare

A Belize Health Information System (BHIS) card is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility, including expats. The standard of healthcare across the country is low, with public hospitals and clinics remaining underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied. There are only eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize, with the highest level of care available in Belize City.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare facilities in Belize City cater to expats and global citizens, but they are expensive. The private health sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers comprehensive coverage and a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

Insurance

Expats are liable to pay for all medical costs incurred in public or private facilities, so it is recommended that they obtain comprehensive international health insurance before arriving in Belize. This insurance should also cover repatriation and air ambulance costs.

Medication and Pharmacies

The Ministry of Health manages the public healthcare sector and is responsible for subsidising medications, vaccinations, and emergency surgeries. However, patients must pay for diagnoses, such as laboratory tests and x-rays. There is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, and a lack of medical supplies and equipment, particularly in rural areas.

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency services are limited to urban towns and cities, with little or no ambulances in remote areas. Foreign nationals are advised to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Belize and to protect themselves from diseases such as malaria, which is common in the country.

International Health Insurance

International health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and emergency treatment is widely available and recognised in Belize. Many expats opt for this type of insurance to supplement public and private healthcare in the country.

Dental Care

Foreigners have been travelling to Belize for dental services for years, as the quality of dental care is excellent and the cost is reasonable.

Frequently asked questions