Guide to Residency in Belize

Obtaining a residency visa in Belize is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Belize gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Understand the Types of Residency
  • Permanent Residency: Granted to those who have lived in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks.
  • Qualified Retired Person (QRP) Program: For retirees with a monthly income of at least USD$2,000.
• Gather Required Documents
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity.
  • Police record from your country of origin and Belize.
  • Passport photos.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Proof of financial stability (bank statements, letters of employment, etc.).
• Enter Belize as a Tourist
  • Most visitors do not require a visa and are granted 30 days upon arrival.
  • Extend your stay by visiting the nearest Immigration Office and paying the relevant fee.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Visit the Belize Tax Service website (http://www.taxservice.gov.bz) and download the application form.
  • Submit the completed form to the Tax Service office along with a copy of your passport.
• Register with the Immigration Department
  • Visit the Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan (https://www.immigration.gov.bz).
  • Submit the required documents and application form.
  • Pay the application fee.
• Undergo Security Vetting
  • The Immigration Department will conduct security checks.
  • This process may take several months.
• Attend Interview (if required)
  • You may be required to attend an interview with an immigration officer.
  • Answer all questions truthfully and provide any additional documents if requested.
• Receive Approval and Residency Card
  • Once approved, you will receive a residency card.
  • This card is valid for five years and renewable.
• Maintain Residency Status
  • Reside in Belize for a minimum of six months each year.
  • Renew your residency card before expiration.

Additional Information

Processing times and fees may vary. It is recommended to contact the Immigration and Nationality Department for the most up-to-date information.

Contact Information

Immigration and Nationality Department
Mundo Nuevo, Belmopan City, Belize
Tel: +501-822-2423
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.immigration.gov.bz

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Belize?

"In order to enter and stay in Belize for an extended period of time, visitors can apply for a Belizean visa. To apply for a visa, applicants must fill out a visa application form, attach all necessary documents (such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation and a reason for staying in Belize), and submit it at the nearest Belize Embassy or Consulate. After the application is processed, applicants usually receive a visa that allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Applying for residency in Belize requires a more complicated process. Typically, applicants are required to meet certain financial requirements and have a valid reason for living in Belize. After completing the necessary documentation, applicants must attend an interview with the Department of Immigration to demonstrate their eligibility. Depending on the application outcome, applicants may be eligible to receive a permanent residency status and further benefit from Belize's laws and regulations," commented one member living in Belize.

"Belize has just started the digital nomad program, not a lot of details are available yet though. Basically, many people come to live in Belize who are digital nomads. If your employer is non-Belizean and your funds are transferred into a non-Belizean bank account you will be able to live and work in Belize. You will need to identify your source of income and pay $200 BZD per month for your visitor visa however most people find that this is worth the price of being able to live in paradise," mentioned one expat living in Belize.

"Tourists must get their passport stamped every 30 days in order to remain in the country. This costs $50 BZD at the Immigration office. For residency, a tourist must live in the country for a year minus two weeks before applying," said an expat in Belize.

"QRP is good for some people, especially those who wanted to bring an expensive vehicle and a container full of furniture or shop equipment. The people in charge of QRP really are serious about you having a defined pension, also. Sorry, plenty of rental and investment income is not good enough. But most folks I know have gone the PR (Permanent Residency) route, instead. The application ordeal is about the same, and once you have your PR status, you don't have to deal with annual renewals of QRP," remarked one member living in Belize.

"Most people living on the Placencia peninsula get their visa stamps at the Big Creek Immigration office just outside of Independence/Mango Creek. You can take the Hokey Pokey water taxi from the village, or drive 45 to 60 minutes depending on where you are on the peninsula," said one expat living in Belize.

"Residency requires you to live in the country for 1 year and you are only allowed to leave for 14 days during that time. There is a QRP -Retirement Program which is Temporary Residency and a Regular Temporary Residency. Otherwise you go monthly to immigration and get a stamp," commented one expat who moved to Belize.