Living in Belize: Reef, Ruins, Rivers, and Rain Forest...Plus Easy Residency and Tax-Free Living

Earlier this month, I asked Correspondent Ann Kuffner, who joined us in Orlando for our Retire Overseas Conference, why, six years ago, she chose and her husband chose to relocate to Belize...when, at the time, the couple could have re-launched their lives anywhere. Here was Ann's reply:

"This English-speaking country has a population of only 330,000. In other words, unlike in many other Latin American and Caribbean countries, it's not crowded here. There's plenty of elbow room...and plenty of opportunity.

"Mike and I were also attracted by Belize's long history of peace, democracy, and stability. Belizeans are fiercely independent. They're also extremely proud of their young democracy. Over 70% of registered voters actually go to the polls to vote! The political process is dynamic, and Belizeans are actively engaged during any election.

"At the same time, and this is very important to Mike and me, Belizeans, including those in government, take a very hands-off approach to living, rarely interfering in their neighbors' business. Again, this is true not only of the average Belizean you meet but also of the country's government overall. There are few laws, restrictions, or controls in place here.

"If I were to make a list of the things that attracted us to Belize and that make it a great place to invest, live, and retire, here's what it'd be. Belize is:

• English speaking. There's no need to learn another language or to translate contracts....
• Only a quick flight away from North America. It takes 2.5 hours to fly to Belize City from Miami or Houston...
• A safe, secure, democratic country. People get along...
• Comfortable. The climate is sub-tropical, ranging from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the region...
• Friendly. Belizeans are warm and welcoming to tourists and expats...
• An easy place to establish yourself. Belize offers an outstanding retirement program through its Qualified Retirement Person status...
• An easy place to do business. The country uses British-based laws and regulations...
• An easy place to set up a corporation (in the form of its tax-free International Business Corporations, or IBC)...
• An easy place for foreigners to buy and own real estate. No restrictions are placed on foreign ownership of property, and there are no squatter's rights...
• A place where you don't have to worry about exchange risk. The Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of 2:1, and U.S. dollars are interchangeable in the country...

Ann and her husband Mike like the Caribbean. That's another reason they chose Belize. This country's Ambergris Caye is quintessential but affordable Caribbean. This little white sand-fringed island is also home to and established and growing expat population in San Pedro Town.

Ann will be joining us in Belize City next month for our Live & Invest in Belize Conference. She and Mike couldn't be happier with the new life they've made for themselves on Ambergris, and Ann will tell attendees at next month's event all about it.

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher Live and Invest Overseas
www.liveandinvestoverseas.com