Immigration
Entry Requirements
You will not need a visa to enter Belize, but you will need a passport that is valid for at least 90 days after your arrival, and evidence of onward travel. To obtain residency, you should have a passport good for a year or more.
Upon arrival you will be issued a 30-day visitor permit, which can be easily renewed on a monthly basis provided you prove that you have the financial resources to live in Belize without working. After six months, you are required to complete an Alien Registration.
Additional information can be found on this U.S. Department of State webpage.
Temporary Residency
All visitors to Belize, regardless of the purpose of their visit are issued a 30-day visa upon arrival. This is renewable for up to six months at any immigration office in the country.
The specific type of temporary visa needed depends on the purpose of your stay in Belize. Here is a partial listing:
- In Transit Permit. Those just passing through Belize to another country will require an In Transit Permit. These are issued at the border or the airport. You’ll need to have some sort of documentation to prove your intentions, such as an airline or bus ticket to another country. Once granted, you will be permitted to be in Belize for up to seven days.
- Dependent’s Permit. Dependent’s Permits are issued to those dependent upon a permanent resident or citizen of Belize, usually issued to women, children and seniors. The Dependent’s Permit is valid for one year, and the application requires documents from both the supporter and dependent.
- Student’s Permit. Student’s Permits are only issued to students at recognized educational institutions in the country. The permit is only valid for the institution specified and is not transferable.
- Special Permit. Granted to those in special circumstances, such as prohibited immigrants applying for an entry permit, someone seeking special medical treatment, victims of human trafficking crimes or key witnesses testifying in a Belize court of law.
Permanent Residency
After living in Belize for one year, without leaving the country for more than 14 consecutive days during that year, you may apply for Permanent Residency. You will need the following documents when applying for permanent residency:
- Passport
- A police record of the applicant and family members over 16 years of age
- Marriage certificate
- Income tax statement
- Temporary Employment Permit, if you wish to work in Belize
- Birth certificate * A recent local bank statement
- A health certificate and HIV and VDRL tests
- Three recent passport-size photos
- An assured declaration of support (from spouse)
- Document showings that you have access or acquired land in Belize
The Belize Trade and Investment Zone provides further information on Permanent Residency Permits and citizenship.
Work Permits
A Work Permit is required to work in Belize. Skilled foreigners can be hired, but only if qualified Belizeans are not available for the position. The Self-Employed Work Permit is easier to obtain because Belize offers incentives to ventures that have the potential to employ Belizeans and contribute to the economy. Work Permits are good for one year and fees are assessed according to job classification.
There are several documents that are required to work in Belize:
- Three passport-size photos * Copy of passport
- Copy of qualifications
- Police record from place of origin
- Proof of funds, such as a bank statement
- Completed application form
- Payment of processing fee and Stamp Duty
Allow three to four weeks for processing your Work Permit after you have completed all requirements.
Retirement
If you are over the age of 45 and have a monthly pension or annuity of at least US$2,000 generated from outside of Belize, you and your spouse and under age children can take part in Belize’s Qualified Retirement Persons program. The QRP program is an incentive program administered under the authority of the Minister of Tourism and should not be viewed as a path to permanent residence or citizenship.
This program will enable you to import all your personal belongings and vehicles free from all duties. You will also be exempt from taxes and duties on income or receipts from work performed or investments accrued from a source outside of Belize. And, although you are not allowed a Work Permit under this program, you can start or buy a business.
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