Ways to live in Belize
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary Employment Permit
Work permit for employees of Belize companies and for self-employed people running their own business in Belize.
- What you need
- Apply at the Labour Department while living in Belize; employers apply for staff, self-employed people apply themselves. After approval, tax and social security letters.
- How long
- 1 year
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- BZ$3,000 a year for professionals and non-agricultural self-employed; lower for other categories
- Processing time
- Labour Department responds within about 30 days
- How to apply
- Labour Department, then Immigration office
Retirement visa Retirement visas →
Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRP)
Residence card for people aged 40+ living on income from abroad, with tax and import duty breaks.
- What you need
- Age 40 or over; at least US$2,000 a month (US$24,000 a year) from outside Belize — pension, annuity, investments, savings and similar count; deposit the money in a Belize bank; security check; stay at least 30 days in a row each year.
- Income
- from about $2,000 a month
- How long
- residence card renewed every year
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Belize Tourism Board, by email or post
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Tax
- Income from outside Belize is exempt from Belize taxes for program members.
Residence permit Residence permits →
Permanent residence
Open to foreigners who have lived in Belize for at least one year.
- What you need
- Entry stamp at least one year before applying, medical exam and tests, Belize police record, proof of financial stability.
- How long
- permanent
- How to apply
- Immigration Department of Belize
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $400 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $700 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $1,100 |
| Bills | $150 |
| Typical local salary | $700 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Belize combines a vast barrier reef and cayes with jungle rivers and Maya temples inland. Cultures blend Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna and Maya, and expats favour Ambergris Caye, Placencia and the Cayo district.
Day to day
Old school buses and small planes connect towns, and water taxis serve the cayes. Healthcare is basic, so many go to Mexico or the US for serious care. Cash is common, internet can be slow, and English is the official language.
Trade-offs
Crime is a problem in parts of Belize City. Imported goods are pricey, infrastructure is limited outside tourist areas, and heat, humidity, insects and hurricane season come with the territory.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States30 days
United Kingdom30 days
AustraliaVisa-free
Canada30 days
New ZealandVisa-free
SwitzerlandVisa-free
NorwayVisa-free
Singapore180 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa
Hong KongVisa-free
South AfricaVisa-free
Mexico30 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Belize have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Belize?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Retirement visa, Residence permit.
Can I retire in Belize?
Yes, through: Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRP).
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
