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Visa, Residency, Citizenship & Retirement in Belize

Tourist Entry

 Visitors may enter Belize with a valid passport for up to 30 days. Extensions are
available monthly at immigration offices (or local police stations in remote areas)

  • US $100 per month for the first six months

  • US $200 per month thereafter

Your passport must remain valid through your departure date.
(Belize is also a CARICOM member state.)

Residency
After one year of continuous stay, you may apply for permanent residency.
During this time, your tourist permit must be renewed every 30 days.

Passport Vacation

​Typical application requirements include:

  • Passport photos (3)

  • Health certificate from a Belizean doctor

  • Police report from your home country or local authority

  • Bank statement

  • Birth certificates for dependent children (if applicable)

  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

  • Work permit (if applicable)

For details, contact the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan at 011-501-822-2423.
Note: Please consult the Central Bank of Belize regarding Foreign Currency Exchange Regulations if you plan to repatriate funds as a resident or citizen.

 
Citizenship
Once you hold permanent residency, you may apply for Belizean citizenship after:

  • 5 years as a legal resident, or

  • 1 year if married to a Belizean citizen

The Belize Immigration and Nationality Department handles applications.
Note: The Central Bank of Belize also provides guidance on Foreign Currency Exchange Regulations for residents and citizens.

Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program
Established in 1999, the QRP Program was designed to attract foreign retirees through the Belize Tourism Board.
Key Benefits:

  • Official residency status

  • Fast approval process

  • Duty-free import of household goods, a vehicle, a boat, or even a light aircraft

  • Exemption from Belizean taxes on income earned outside Belize (pensions, Social Security, investments, etc.)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 45 years

  • Proof of minimum monthly income: US $2,000 (from pension, annuity, Social Security, or investments)

 

Disclaimer
This information is provided for general guidance only. Requirements may change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult the Belize Immigration & Nationality Department, the Belize Tourism Board, or a qualified professional before making any decisions.

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