Digital Nomad
The rise of remote work and the freelance economy has meant that many people do not require a location specific place to work. Belize recognises this growing market of unthreaded individuals with its Digital Nomad program. It allows for a six-month visa for a person who can show that they derive their income stream from offshore employment. Our long-term rentals are available to allow the work from home or remote workers the ability to make Paradise their office. Contact the Belize Tourism Board for details and how to qualify.
The Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program (QRP)
In recent years, Belize has been one of the hot picks for American and Canadian citizens looking for a new place to live abroad. Among the top reasons Belize is so popular with expats are the easy accessibility, low cost of living, high quality of life, and a predominantly English-speaking population to mingle with.
Retirees and expats moving to Belize enjoy special benefits under Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program (QRP). The goal of the program is to offer and incentivize retirees and expats to Belize by offering several benefits – many of which are related to the Belize real estate market. In addition to the many benefits of living in Belize (including the fantastic climate, diverse culture, great people and, and amazing lifestyle), the QRP program offers clearly defined incentives and benefits to the qualifiers such as:
- A retiree or an expat under QRP program can bring all of their personal effects into Belize 100% duty free.
- A retiree or an expat under QRP program is 100% exempted from paying any tax in Belize on income or investments which accrue from a source outside of Belize.
- Under QRP, the retirees and the expats are allowed to bring in, duty-free, a vehicle less than 3 years old, and/or a light aircraft or boat.
Below are some of the conditions that govern the move to Belize under the QRP:
- Anyone who is age 45+ can apply for the program
- The applications for QRP are processed by the Belize Tourism Board in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security and the Department of Immigration and Nationality
- The applicants must include proof of income to prove to the authorities that they can afford to live and support themselves in Belize without needing to work locally
- Proof of income could include either a bank statement or letter from the applicant’s bank manager certifying that they are in receipt of a pension or annuity income amounting to at least US $2,000 per month deposited in a Belize Bank.
- A general background check on all applicants is done by the Ministry of Securities
Permanent Residency
For the truly committed, those who wish to make Belize their permanent home, the requirements to establish permanent residency are as follows:
- Have been legally residing in Belize for a minimum of 1 year at the time of submitting your application.
- During this year you have not left the country for more than 14 days in total.
- You must prove to the Immigration Office that you have been and you will be able to continue being financially stable.
- You have not been convicted by a competent court in any country of a criminal offence for which you may have been liable to a sentence of imprisonment of twelve months or more and has not received a free pardon in respect of the offence.
Click the links below for more information.
https://immigration.gov.bz/residence/residence-qualify/
https://www.belizetourismboard.org/programs-events/retirement-program/