Visa’s, Residency, Citizenship and QRP

To visit, move or live in Belize, there are four options:

Passport/Tourist Card

With a valid passport, you can stay in Belize for up to 30 days. In addition, if you wish to stay longer, you can simply obtain an extension for up to six months for US$25 per month; after six months, the cost increases to US$50 per month. The extension may be obtained at a Government immigration office in Belize City or Belmopan, or a police station in a remote area. Please note that your passport must be valid up until the time of your departure. Please check with the Belize Government website. (Belize is also a CARICOM member.)

Residency

After staying in Belize for one year, you can apply for regular residency. Your tourist permit must be renewed every 30 days during the application process. The residency application includes three passport photos, a health certificate from a local doctor/medical institute, a police report from your local police department, a bank statement, birth certificates for minor children (if applicable), marriage certificate (if applicable), and a work permit (if applicable). For more information and specific details of the application, please contact the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan (the Capital), Cayo District of Belize by phone at 011-501-822-2423.

Citizenship

Once you have obtained residency, to become a citizen of Belize, you must be a legal resident of Belize for at least five years or after one year if married to a Belize citizen. Please check with Belize Immigration and Nationality.

Belize Retirement Program (QRP)

In 1999, the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act was passed, and in 2000, the Belize Retirement Incentives Program was implemented by the Belize Tourism Board. The program is intended to attract foreign retirees to Belize and provides incentives such as official residency, quick and efficient approval process, and the import of a retiree's personal household goods and vehicles (car, boat, and light aircraft). Retirees under the program are also exempt from paying Belize taxes on income generated from work or investments outside Belize. The main qualification requirements for the program are to be at least 45 years old and show at least US$2,000 per month income from a pension, annuity, U.S. Social Security, or investment. (Information current as of March 2010.)

With the inception of the Retired Persons Incentive Program,
Belize is rapidly becoming known as a “Retirement Destination”.
Come to Consejo Shores and enjoy tropical living,
where you can relax and continue the adventure.

Disclaimer: This data is provided for informational use only and is not intended for legal use. Please obtain appropriate professional advice.