All About Retiring in Belize

Previously known as British Honduras, Belize lies on the east coast of Central America in the heart of the Caribbean Basin.  Bordered on the north by Mexico, the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea, Belize is an English speaking sub tropical country of 200,000 people, with the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.

With an average temperature of 26 degrees centigrade and sea temperatures around 30 degrees centigrade, with brisk prevailing winds off the Caribbean Sea to cool the country, Belize is a Mecca for divers and bird watchers and really can be described as a paradise, it is possible to retire in Belize quite easily.

In this article we are all about retiring in Belize!

There are 3 main ways to retire in Belize or spend time living in the country.  These options include the Tourist Card, Qualified Retired Persons Status and Permanent Residence that can also lead to citizenship.  Work permits can also be obtained, but they tend to be for people with special skills not available locally, or for low paying jobs the locals don’t want, but then again - who would mind cleaning toilets when living in paradise?

The Tourist Card is the simplest way to live in Belize and it is also the cheapest form of extended entry.  On arrival a free visitor´s permit is issued to all travellers, it is good for 30 days.  The permit can then be renewed for up to three months at a cost of £16 per month, and then for a further 9 months for a fee of £33 per month.  Permit renewal can be carried out at government immigration offices or police stations in district towns. 

If you’re staying over 3 months in Belize you will need to have an HIV/AIDS test carried out, and you’ll also need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, generally seen as £40 per day.

In 2000 the Qualified Retired Persons Act was implemented by the Belize Tourist Board with the intention of enticing people to retire in Belize.  In order to qualify for the program you need to be over 45 and have a monthly income of around £1,300.  Pension and annuity information will need to be substantiated by a Certified Public Accountant, along with bank references from the company providing your pension or annuity.  The Belize Tourist Board guarantees retiree approval within 3 months of application, and as a member of the program retirees can import – tax-free - all their goods and a car, boat and plane!

If you’re looking to apply directly for permanent residency in Belize the criteria is similar to the retirement program.  You will still need to show you can support yourself but you are able to work in Belize.  You need to live in Belize for a full year prior to applying for residency, and during this time can’t leave for more than 14 consecutive days.  Costs to apply for permanent residency range from £80 to £1,300 dependant on the country you’re a resident of.
After that, break out the G and T’s, sit back, relax and watch the sun go down in this most stunningly beautiful Caribbean nation.