The Tropical Haven: Belize's City Of Corozal Attracts American Retirees

Belize is a popular retirement destination for Americans due to its tropical climate, affordable cost of living, English-speaking population, and easy residency options. The country offers beautiful beaches, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and rainforests, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a relaxing and culturally rich retirement.

One of the biggest draws for American retirees is the Qualified Retired Person (QRP) program, which offers tax exemptions and flexible residency requirements. With this program, retirees can import their belongings, vehicles, and even aircraft without paying duties. Additionally, Belize's permanent residency option allows individuals to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Popular cities for American retirees in Belize include Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio, Placencia, and Corozal. These areas offer a range of rental and property options, with prices varying depending on location and amenities.

Overall, Belize provides a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and convenient residency options, making it a desirable choice for Americans seeking a relaxing and affordable retirement abroad.

Belize's Qualified Retired Person (QRP) program

Requirements:

To be eligible for the QRP program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: The applicant must be at least 45 years old (soon to be reduced to 40 years).
• Income: Applicants must have a monthly income of at least $2,000 or $24,000 annually, generated from a source outside of Belize in an approved foreign currency (US Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro, or Canadian Dollar). This income can include social security benefits, retirement contribution plans, and other means of retirement income.
• Dependents: Dependents are allowed and include a spouse and children under 18 years of age. The age limit can be extended to 23 years if the dependent is enrolled in a university.
• Security Clearance: Applicants must pass a security clearance check carried out by the Ministry of National Security in Belize.
• Minimum Stay: Applicants must remain in Belize for a minimum of 30 consecutive days annually to maintain their status.

Benefits:

The QRP program offers a range of benefits for those who qualify:

• Residency: QRP members and their dependents receive a QRP Resident Card, allowing multiple entries into Belize without a visa.
• Duty Exemptions: QRPs are entitled to import duty and tax exemptions on household and personal effects, motor vehicles (models within the last 5 years), and light aircraft (models less than 17,000 kg) within the first year of acceptance into the program.
• Tax Exemptions: QRPs are exempted from all taxes on income received from outside Belize, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax.
• Land Purchase: The program facilitates the purchase of land or a home for residential use.
• Business Opportunities: QRPs can carry out business in Belize with approval, provided they meet certain criteria, including investing a minimum of 1 million Belize dollars and employing at least five Belizean citizens.

Application Process:

The application process for the QRP program requires the following documents:

• Application Form: Completed, signed, and dated for the applicant and each dependent.
• Birth Certificate: Notarized or certified copy for the applicant and each dependent.
• Marriage Certificate: Notarized or certified copy.
• Police Record: Original police record or certificate no older than 6 months from the last place of residence for the applicant and each dependent.
• Passport: Notarized or certified copy of complete valid passport, including all blank pages, for the applicant and each dependent.
• Proof of Income: Certificate or bank statement showing the applicant as the recipient of the required minimum income.
• Medical Certificate: Original certificate of a complete physical medical examination, including HIV test results, no older than 3 months, for the applicant and each dependent.
• Passport Photos: Four front and four side passport photographs of each member of the family.

Fees:

There are several fees associated with the QRP program:

• Application Program Fee: US$150 per application.
• Applicant Fee: US$1000.
• Dependent Fee: US$750.
• QRP ID Card Fee: US$200 per card.
• QRP ID Card Renewal Fee: US$25 annually.

The QRP program in Belize offers a straightforward path to foreign residency, providing a range of benefits that make it an appealing option for retirees looking to relocate to a tropical paradise.

Cost of living in Belize

The cost of living in Belize is at least 50% cheaper than in the USA. However, it is not the cheapest place to live, and the cost of living depends on your lifestyle.

Renting

When you first arrive in Belize, it is recommended that you rent a home rather than buy. Rental prices vary depending on location and the type of property. In Ambergris Caye, an apartment can cost between $750 and $1,250 per month, with beach views and central locations costing more. In San Ignacio, a two-bedroom home costs around $600 per month, while in Placencia and Hopkins, a one-bedroom condo on the coast is at least $1,200 per month. In Cayo, you can rent a two-bedroom home with a fenced yard for as little as $275 per month.

Utilities

Utilities are generally affordable in Belize. A couple living in a two-bedroom home without an air conditioner can expect to pay around $50 per month, while running air conditioners at night can increase this to $150 per month. Internet costs between $25 and $80, while cable TV is $30 per month. Water is inexpensive, and rain catchment is a great alternative. A couple can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per month for water.

Food

The cost of food in Belize varies depending on your diet and where you shop. Eating out in tourist areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker can be expensive, but there are cheaper options available if you ask the locals. Buying local produce and shopping at vegetable stands can help you save money on food. The local meal of stewed chicken, rice, and beans is cheap to prepare and filling, costing between $6 and $8 at roadside stands.

Transport

Gas is expensive in Belize, costing between $5 and $7 per gallon for gasoline. This makes owning a vehicle costly, and it is recommended to combine trips to save on gas. Public transportation is the cheapest way to cover longer distances, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize is improving, but specialty healthcare is mostly available in Belmopan and Belize City. The cost of healthcare is much lower than in the US, with an "urgent care" visit costing around $25 and advanced lab work costing $200. Many people choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced medical care, as the standard of care is higher and costs are still low.

Entertainment

There are plenty of activities to do in Belize, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and spending the day on a caye. However, these activities can be pricey, ranging from $65 to $100 per person.

Other Costs

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

While the cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the USA, it is important to consider your lifestyle and budget when planning a move. Rent, utilities, food, transport, and entertainment costs can vary significantly depending on your choices and location.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system has been subjected to several reforms over the years, with a focus on improving the standard of healthcare in the country. The system comprises both publicly and privately run healthcare facilities, financed through public and local private health insurance schemes. 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.

Public Healthcare

The public healthcare system offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The MoH has implemented several initiatives to improve access to and quality of care, including the establishment of four health regions (northern, central, western, and southern) to provide health services to distinct geographical areas. There are eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize, but they remain underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied. The highest level of care is offered in Belize City, which is home to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, considered the premier public healthcare provider in the country. However, due to funding issues, this hospital has faced challenges with equipment, medical supply shortages, and operation management problems.

Public hospitals and clinics provide very low-cost or free healthcare services, but this often results in long waiting times. A Belize Health Information System card (BHIS) is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility, including expats.

Private Healthcare

In contrast to the public sector, the private health sector in Belize provides care to a smaller portion of the population. However, similar to public healthcare, private health services are offered at a relatively low cost with an emphasis on quality. 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 and over 50 private clinics. The private health sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers comprehensive secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Private healthcare facilities tend to be expensive, but they cater to expats and global citizens, and are often preferred by expats due to their better and more comprehensive care.

Insurance and Costs

The cost of basic medical care in Belize is significantly more economical than in North America, and many common medical surgeries and services are reasonably priced. However, for more complicated types of medical treatment, many expats and American retirees choose to leave the country. Expats with Medicare in the US or coverage under the Canadian healthcare system typically pay out of pocket for routine care in Belize and then fly north for surgery or long-term, involved medical treatment.

Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or emergency treatment, including evacuation coverage, which is particularly important as an ambulance flight can cost up to $15,000. The most popular international insurance plans in Belize are offered by companies like Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

Health Conditions 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, standard of sanitation, and a lack of education and awareness about how they are acquired and transmitted. There are also concerns about the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, and an increase in health problems related to human behavior and lifestyle, such as injury, road traffic accidents, violence, and adolescent pregnancy.

Crime and corruption in Belize

Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy, with a legal system based on British Common Law. While the country is considered a safe, stable, and welcoming place for retirees, there are some issues with crime and corruption.

The Ministry of National Security oversees the police, prisons, coast guard, and military, with the Belize Police Department primarily responsible for internal security. While civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces, there have been allegations of human rights abuses, including the use of excessive force, inhuman treatment, and arbitrary or unlawful killings by security officers. In one case, a man named Ulysease Roca died in police custody after being beaten by an officer for breaking the COVID-19 curfew. The commissioner of police called for an investigation into the allegations of brutality and homophobia.

In addition to police abuses, there are also issues with prison and detention center conditions in Belize. The Kolbe Foundation, a local nonprofit, administers the country's only prison, which is often overcrowded and has inadequate sanitation procedures. There have been reports of harsh conditions, refusal to provide information to families, denial of the right to communicate, and denial of proper medical care for inmates.

Corruption is also a concern in Belize, with numerous reports of government corruption and impunity for officials. In some cases, the government has taken steps to prosecute abusive public officials, but there have been few successful prosecutions. Allegations of corruption have involved high-ranking officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, and chief executive officers. For example, in 2020, the country's consul general in New York, Herman Longsworth, was fired after an audit revealed financial infractions.

The country's Qualified Retired Person (QRP) program, which offers residency to retirees, has also faced criticism for its lack of transparency and potential for corruption. The program has been accused of improper and illegal issuances of visas, passports, and citizenship. However, the government has taken steps to address these issues, with the Minister of Tourism announcing amendments to make the program more attractive and secure.

While Belize faces challenges with crime and corruption, it is important to note that the country is taking steps to address these issues. The government has prosecuted some abusive officials and cooperated with domestic and international human rights groups. Additionally, the QRP program is under review, and efforts are being made to improve transparency and reduce corruption risks.

Despite these issues, Belize remains a popular retirement destination for Americans, offering a range of benefits, including a favourable exchange rate, affordable housing, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Belize's weather and wildlife

Belize's weather is warm and humid, with a mix of clouds and sunshine. Thunderstorms and showers are common, and temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-90s (°F) depending on the region. Coastal areas tend to be warmer, with highs of 87°F and lows of 82°F, while hilly regions are cooler, with highs of 79°F and lows of 70°F.

Belize is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including:

• Jaguars, which are the largest and most powerful cats in the Western Hemisphere. They are revered in Belize and have a preserve named after them, the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve.
• Black Howler Monkeys, which are the largest monkeys in Belize and are known for their distinctive loud howls.
• Sea turtles, including green, hawksbill, and loggerhead species.
• Baird's Tapir, the national animal of Belize, also known as the 'mountain cow' due to its large nose.
• Antillean manatees, which are the largest of all manatee species and are protected in Belize.
• Southern stingrays, which often accompany nurse sharks.
• Keel-Billed Toucans, the national bird of Belize, with their distinctive colourful beaks.
• Scarlet Macaws, large colourful birds with red, blue, and yellow feathers.
• Jaguars, tapirs, and crocodiles are just a few of the many species that call the rainforest home.

Frequently asked questions