Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 08:46 am
At Remitly, we’re proud to help expats send money to family and friends back home. Our customers live all over the world, including in Belize.
From conversations with them, we know that the number of expats in Belize has been growing. People choose to move to Belize for several reasons, from the weather to the beautiful local scenery to the low cost of living.
In 2020, Belize was home to more than 62,000 immigrants, and around 8% of them had moved from the United States. If you’re considering moving to Belize, this guide will explain the process and give you a feel for what life will be like in the country. That way, you can make an informed decision about relocating abroad.
A brief overview of Belize
Belize is a country in Central America. To the east of Belize lies the Caribbean Sea, and the country shares its northern border with Mexico. Guatemala is Belize’s other neighbor and is west of the country.
Here are some quick facts about Belize:
- Size: 22,966 total sq. km, making the country slightly smaller than the state of Massachusetts
- Capital: Belmopan
- Major cities: Belize City, San Ignacio, San Pedro Town, Orange Walk
- Population: 419,137 as of 2023
- Foreign-born population: 62,043 as of 2020
- Official language: English
- Demographics: 52.9% Mestizo, 25.9% Creole, 11.3% Maya, 6.1% Garifuna, 3.9% East Indian, 3.6% Mennonite, 1.2% white, 1% Asian, 1.5% other
Many people know Belize for its natural beauty. The country is home to dense rainforests and sandy beaches.
Its unique landscapes provide a home for more than 133,000 species of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. The abundance of species makes Belize one of the 18 most biodiverse countries in the world.
Can a U.S. or Canadian citizen move to Belize?
Canadian and U.S. citizens can move to Belize, provided that they meet certain eligibility requirements. Read on to learn about the types of visas available for those hoping to move internationally.
What are the requirements to move to Belize?
There are a few pathways that those moving to Belize can take advantage of, and each one has its own requirements. Here is a look at each pathway.
Qualified retirement program
The qualified retirement program allows middle-aged and older adults to relocate to Belize. To qualify, you must:
- Be 45 years of age or older.
- Have a retirement income of at least $2,000 per month or $24,000 per year from a source outside the US. Examples of retirement income include a pension, annuity, Social Security from your home country, personal savings, proceeds from a reverse mortgage, or an inheritance. You’ll need to verify your income with a certified financial statement obtainable from an accountant.
- Pass a security clearance check conducted by the Ministry of National Security in Belize.
- Remain in Belize for at least 30 days in a row each year.
- Be a citizen of the U.S., EU, any Commonwealth country, any South American country, Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam and have a valid passport from one of these countries.
- Open a bank account in Belize and make a minimum deposit, the amount of which varies based on your income and other factors.
- Submit a doctor’s report from a physical examination conducted within the last three months and take an HIV test.
- Provide two 2-inch by 2-inch passport photos.
- Pay the required fees.
Individuals who qualify to move to Belize through the program can receive visas for their spouses and any dependents under the age of 18. Through the program, those admitted to the country can open their own businesses in Belize, provided that they employ at least 5 Belizean citizens and gain prior approval from the Belize Tourism Board.
Temporary residence program
The temporary residence program allows those moving to Belize from the U.S. and other countries to remain for up to 1 year. At the end of the year, you can apply for an extension or permanent residence.
To qualify for the temporary residence program, you must:
- Make an investment of at last BZ $500,000, which is roughly $248,000 in US dollars. Investment options include purchasing real estate or partnering with a Belizean company.
- Have a rental or lease agreement to live in Belize or purchase a home.
- Pass a security clearance check conducted by the Ministry of National Security in Belize.
- Write a letter to the Director of Nationality and Passports Department explaining why you wish to move to Belize.
- Submit a doctor’s report from a physical examination conducted within the last three months and take an HIV test.
- Provide two 2-inch by 2-inch passport photos.
- Pay the required fee, which varies depending on your country of origin.
Employment visa
The employment visa is for individuals who have been hired by a company in Belize. To qualify under this program, you must:
- Provide a letter from your employer that states that you have enough money to support yourself.
- Show proof of employment, such as an employment letter or contract.
- Have a valid passport from your home country.
- Share your flight itinerary with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration.
- Provide bank statements for the last 6 months.
- Submit a doctor’s report from a physical examination conducted within the last three months and take an HIV test.
- Provide two 2-inch by 2-inch passport photos.
- Pay the required fee, which varies depending on your country of origin.
How do you get a visa to move to Belize?
To obtain a visa or permit through any of the above programs, you’ll need to make an appointment at a Belizean embassy in your home country or a neighboring country.
The Belizean embassy in the U.S. is in Washington, D.C., and you can contact the office to set up an appointment. Although there is a Belizean consulate in Canada, Canadians interested in living in Belize will need to apply for a visa through the U.S. embassy office as well.
Does Belize offer digital nomad visas?
Belize does offer a digital nomad visa called the Long Stay Permit. However, it is only good for 6 months and can’t be renewed.
To qualify for the permit, you must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the EU, the UK, Canada, or the U.S.
- Be employed outside of the U.S.
- Have a minimum annual income of USD$75,000 if moving on your own or USD$100,000 if you’re applying with a spouse and/or dependents.
- Obtain travel insurance with at least USD$50,000 worth of coverage.
You will also need the following documentation:
- A job letter verifying your employment within 30 days or proof of self-employment such as a business registration and tax return.
- Notarized financial statement.
- Six months of bank account statements.
- Police records from your local police department issued within the last six months.
- Pay a fee of $500 per adult and $200 per child.
To apply for the Long Stay Permit, make an appointment at a Belizean embassy.
Can you live in Belize permanently?
Belize does offer a Permanent Resident Permit. To qualify for one, you must:
- Live in Belize for at least one year before submitting your application.
- Not have been out of Belize for more than 14 days during the year you lived there.
- Show proof of being financially stable, such as bank statements.
- Have a clean criminal record with no history of convictions that resulted in a sentence of imprisonment.
- Hold a valid U.S. passport.
People who entered Belize legally or illegally when under the age of 16 and have lived there for at least 10 years can also qualify for a Permanent Residence Permit.
How much money do you need to move to Belize?
How much money you’ll need to move to Belize depends on a variety of factors, such as which visa or permit program you’re using to enter and live in the country and what your living arrangements may be.
As explained above, some permit and visa programs require you to deposit in a Belizean bank account or invest in the country. You may also need your first and last month’s rent and a security deposit if you plan to live in one of the many long-term rentals for expats in Belize.
What is the cost of living in Belize?
The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the U.S. and Canada, but costs vary from place to place. Living in Belize City is about 45.5% less expensive than living in New York, and consumer prices in the city are around 25.3% lower.
How much will you need to make each month to live in Belize?
How much money you need to make to maintain your lifestyle after moving to Belize depends on where you settle and what your current standard of living is. Here is a breakdown of some of the average monthly costs of living in Belize City in U.S. dollars:
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $328.09.
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,223.42.
- Basic utilities for a 915 sq. foot apartment: $64.06.
- Internet: $96.25.
- Meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.47.
- Three-course meal for two at a fine dining restaurant: $50.00.
- All-day childcare: $100 per child.
How to set up a bank account in Belize
Opening a bank account in Belize will allow you to make purchases and begin to build credit.
Some banks in Belize will allow you to set up an international bank account while still in your home country. Each bank has its own requirements, but generally, you’ll need to:
- Make a minimum deposit.
- Show proof of a valid passport from your home country.
- Provide a second photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
- Show proof of your permanent address, such as a utility bill.
- Provide two letters of reference, one of which must be from an officer at your current bank.
- Write a letter detailing why you wish to open a bank account.
- Show proof of needing a bank account in Belize, such as a residency permit, employment letter, or deed from a property.
Banks that offer international accounts in Belize include:
Visit the bank websites to learn more about specific requirements and procedures for opening a bank account.
What type of government does Belize have?
Belize is a Commonwealth Country, meaning it was once a colony of the UK. As such, its political system is similar to that of the UK.
The monarch of the UK serves as the head of state for Belize. They appoint a governor-general who then appoints the Prime Minister of Belize to serve for five years.
A two-house parliament serves as the legislative branch of the Belizean government. There is a senate with 12 members appointed by the governor-general and a house of representatives elected by the people of Belize. All members of the Belizean parliament serve for five years.
Judges interpret and uphold the constitution of Belize. The governor-general appoints judges for lifetime terms. However, all judges must retire at the age of 75.
Is there a U.S. or Canadian embassy in Belize?
Both the U.S. and Canada maintain good diplomatic relations with Belize. The U.S. embassy is in Belmopan, and Canada has a consulate office in Belize City.
What are the taxes like in Belize?
Anyone who earns income in Belize is subject to a 25% income tax. However, people who make less than $26,000 BZ (around $12,890 USD) per year don’t need to pay.
For most goods and services, you’ll pay a value added tax (VAT) of 12.5%. The amount gets automatically added to the total when you buy something or pay for a service. There are also import duties on some goods, such as automobiles.
Is Belize a good place for North American expats?
Many Belize expats enjoy life in the country.
One of the biggest advantages of moving to Belize from the U.S. or Canada is that the country’s official language is English, so you don’t need to learn a foreign language to communicate with the locals.
Belize also has pleasant weather year-round and beautiful landscapes, and the cost of living is low across the country.
However, North American expats will need to adjust to some major differences. Belize’s education and healthcare systems aren’t as robust as they are in Canada and the U.S.
Let’s examine some pros and cons of living in Belize by looking at quality of life, safety concerns, education, and healthcare.
What is the quality of life in Belize?
People living in Belize expat communities often enjoy a better quality of life than the average Belizean citizen. Around 42% of the population lives in poverty, and in rural areas, many people lack access to nutritious food, clean drinking water, sanitation, housing, and quality education. In cities, the standard of living tends to be higher.
How safe is it to live in Belize?
Crime is a problem in some areas of Belize. In fact, the U.S. State Department advises against U.S. citizens traveling to Belize City due to concerns about crime. However, areas where tourists visit and expats tend to live have a greater police presence and are generally safer.
Regardless of where you live in Belize, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, just as in cities in the U.S. and Canada. Stick to well-lit public places and avoid areas with few people around.
What is the education system like in Belize?
The public education system in Belize faces challenges, with most Belizeans only attending school through age 12 or 13. Efforts are underway to improve the free education system through projects like the Inter-American Development Bank’s Education Quality Program, which trained 1,500 primary school teachers between 2014 and 2020.
North American expats living in Belize often choose to send their children to international schools, which are private schools that offer curricula similar to schools in the U.S. and Canada. Some international schools include:
- Caye Caulker Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker
- QSI International School of Belize in Belmopan
- San Pedro High School in San Pedro
There are also a number of colleges and universities in Belize, including:
- University of Belize in Belmopan
- The University of the West Indies-Open Campus Belize in Belize City
- Central America Health Sciences University in Ladyville
- Galen University in San Ignacio
- St. John’s College in Belize City
What is the healthcare system like in Belize?
Belize has a public healthcare system that offers free or low-cost care to citizens, non-citizens, and tourists.
You must obtain a Belize Health Information System card to get care at a public hospital or clinic. The cards are free and available at public hospitals. You’ll need to show a valid photo ID, like a passport, to obtain one.
One downside to the Belize healthcare system is that there is often a lengthy wait to get appointments at public clinics and to schedule non-emergency procedures at public hospitals. The quality of care also doesn’t typically rival what you’d expect to receive in the U.S. or Canada.
There are a few private hospitals in the major cities of Belize, including Belize Healthcare Partners in Belize City. Expats may wish to obtain international health insurance to help cover the cost of care at private hospitals and clinics.
What is the climate/weather like in Belize?
Belize has a subtropical climate and tends to be dry in late winter through spring and rainy during the summer and fall. In Belize City, temperatures average 84°F (29 °C) in July and 74°F (23 °C) in December.
Hurricanes are a concern in Belize, particularly in coastal areas. The hurricane season lasts from July through November.
Is it easy for Americans and Canadians to find a job in Belize?
Americans and Canadians who want to work in Belize must typically obtain a work permit through the Belize Labour Department.
How easy it will be to find a job depends on your work experience, education level, and where you settle. Nationwide, unemployment in Belize was 9.7% in 2022, so it may be difficult to find a job in some areas, particularly in fields that don’t require a college degree or professional licensing.
Exploring your new home: Things to do in Belize
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of opportunities to explore nature in Belize, and there are many historical sites to visit in the country. Some top attractions include:
-
- Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Hotel Resort
4 things to know about the culture in Belize
When moving to Belize, knowing about the local culture is important. Here are four facts to get you started on your research.
Belize is a melting pot
With five major ethnic groups and its status as a former British colony, Belize is a diverse place. You can see this reflected in Belizean cuisine, which combines elements of British cuisine like tea with staples of Latin American cuisine like tortillas, rice, and beans.
Acknowledging people is expected
When you pass strangers on the street, it’s expected that you’ll acknowledge them in some way. You can say good morning or smile and nod as a greeting.
Sports are big
Belizeans love soccer, and many follow the scores of the Belize Premier Football League. Basketball, boxing, cricket, and tennis are other popular sports in the country.
There are 11 national holidays
In Belize, there are 11 national holidays when schools and many businesses typically close. They include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1, a celebration of the arrival of the new year
- Baron Bliss Day: March 9, a holiday that honors a wealthy German who made large financial contributions to Belize though he never lived there
- Easter: A Christian holiday that takes place from the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox through the following Monday. Easter is the most important holiday in Belize and is a five-day celebration.
- Labor Day: May 1, a day that honors the contributions of working people in Belize
- Commonwealth Day: May 24, a celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations
- St. George’s Caye Day: September 10, a day of honoring a major victory over the Spanish during the 18th century
- Independence Day: September 21, a day that commemorates Belize gaining independence from the UK in 1981
- Columbus Day: October 12, a celebration of the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus
- Garifuna Settlement Day: November 19 honors the arrival of the Garifuna people from Honduras
- Christmas Day: A Christian holiday celebrated on December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26, a day for shopping and spending time with family
Where are the best places to live in Belize?
The best places to live in Belize depend on your age, lifestyle, family situation, and other factors. Read on for some recommendations for young singles, families, and those moving to Belize for retirement.
For retirees
One of the most popular places for retirees in Belize is Orchid Bay, a luxury retirement community located in north Belize in the town of Chunox Village. With many amenities, this resort area allows seniors to live comfortably in a safe environment with easy access to the beach.
San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye is another great place for seniors to call home. At only 35 miles east of Belize City, it provides easy access to private hospitals and opportunities for outdoor recreation like snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
For families
San Ignacio is home to a thriving expat community. Not only is it home to an international school but it’s also located near Mayan ruins and the rainforest, providing opportunities to learn about the history and biodiversity of Belize.
Placencia is another good option. As a tourist area, it’s a safe place for families, but it’s quieter than many other places where visitors vacation in Belize. There are buses that run from Placencia to Belize City for shopping, medical appointments, and other activities.
For young singles
Belmopan is a hot spot for young singles. The city has a bustling nightlife scene, and its status as the capital means there are usually plenty of work opportunities. In addition, the country’s largest university, the University of Belize, is located there.
Singles in Belize on a digital nomad visa or self-employed may also enjoy living in Caye Caulker. This small island is accessible via water taxi from Belize City and offers plenty of outdoor recreation and lively nightlife.
How to find a place to live in Belize
Finding a place to live in Belize on your own can be tricky, as there are no large Belize expat real estate websites.
The simplest way to find properties to purchase or rent is to work with a real estate agent. Both RE/MAX and Keller Williams have offices in Belize and can be good starting points for your Belize expat real estate search.
If you prefer to research where to live on your own, you can find websites for property management companies that have apartments for rent in different areas by conducting an Internet search.
Once you’ve found a place to live and have your bank account set up, download the Remitly app to easily send money to Belize or loved ones back home.