- Visa-free entry for many nationalities (30 days), but extensions required for longer stays.
- Permanent Residence demands 1+ year of continuous legal stay with strict departure limits of 14 days for that year.
- Work permits are employer-sponsored and sector-specific.
- Citizenship takes 5+ years (via residence) and includes no dual citizenship restrictions.
- Remote workers can stay via tourist extensions (no dedicated digital nomad visa yet).
- Key documents: Police records, medical tests, proof of funds, and passport stamps.
Visas & Short-Term Stays
Who Needs a Visa?
- Visa-exempt: U.S., EU, UK, Canadian citizens get 30–180 days visa-free (varies by nationality).
- Visa-required: Nationals of Africa, parts of Asia, and others must apply beforehand.
- Extensions: Apply at immigration offices for 30–180-day increments (BZ$100–BZ$200 fees).
Remote Work Options
- No formal digital nomad visa, but tourist extensions allow 6–12-month stays.
- Proof of remote income and health insurance recommended.
Permanent Residency
- Requirements:
- 1+ year legally in Belize with ≤14 days of total absences.
- Clean criminal record (local and home country checks).
- Financial proof: Bank statements, land ownership, or sponsor letters.
- Documents:
- Medical tests (HIV, TB, VDRL) from Belizean clinics.
- Marriage/birth certificates for family members.
- Passport stamps proving 1+ year stay.
Work Permits & Employment
- Temporary Employment Permits: Employer-sponsored, sector-specific (agriculture, tourism, etc.)
- Local hiring rules: Jobs must first be advertised to Belizeans before foreign hires.
Citizenship Pathways
- By descent: Parents or grandparents born in Belize.
- By residence:
- 5+ years as a permanent resident.
- Language test: Basic English proficiency (interview-based).
- Oath of allegiance and BZ$5,000+ fees.
- No dual citizenship restrictions: Keep your original passport
Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)
- Eligibility: Open to applicants aged 40+ (lowered from 45 in 2024) with a monthly foreign-sourced income of $2,000+ USD (pension, annuity, or investments).
- Dependents: Spouses, children under 18, and students up to 23 can be included.
- Key Perks: Duty-free imports (car, boat, personal items), tax exemptions on foreign income, and a resident card for hassle-free re-entry.
- Requirements:
- 30 consecutive days in Belize annually to maintain status.
- Local bank account for depositing retirement funds.
- Medical checks (including HIV test) and a clean criminal record.
How It Works
Step 1: Apply
- Documents: Notarized birth/marriage certificates, passport copies, police records, and proof of $2,000+ USD monthly income (bank statements or pension letters).
- Fees: Application costs vary; attorney assistance is recommended for smoother processing.
Step 2: Settle In
- Import perks: Bring a car (up to 3 years old) or boat tax-free.
- Stay compliant: Submit yearly bank statements to the Belize Tourism Board and avoid local employment (passive income only).
Step 3: Renew Annually
- No path to citizenship: QRP is a residency program, but you can apply for permanent residency after 5+ years.
- Penalties: Lose benefits if you miss the 30-day annual stay or fail to report income changes.
DISCLAIMER:
Rules change; do your own due diligence. Don’t take our word as gospel.