Expat Advice: Working in San Pedro, Belize

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

San Pedro

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

You are required to have work permit (immigration will require it and start asking after a few months of stamps). They have started tightening the rules and have raised the fees. Technically, here's how it works: 1) you mist be here for 6 months and receive 6 monthly stamps in your passport) BEFORE You can apply for a work permit. 2) You will need to provide a lot of paperwork, police report (either from US or Belize - although you can't get one in Belize until after you've been here for 6 month minimum) 3) You will need passport size photos, purchase stamps and apply to forms and pay various little fees along the way 4) You file and pay ($4,000 BZD for Americans) for it and the work permit is valid for one year, to be "renewed" - "renewed" is a misnomer, you will need to basically "re-apply" providing all materials as the original submission. there are some "alternative ways"