Residence in Belize
A complete guide to residency in Belize for Italian and European citizens. Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America, offers permanent residency after 12 months of continuous residence, a Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program with full tax exemption on foreign income, and a consolidated offshore system. On this page: requirements, documents, procedures, visas, costs, citizenship, and FAQs.
See the infographic on Belize residency (PDF)
How to obtain residency in Belize
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is the only Central American country with English as its official language. Located in the northeastern corner of the Central American isthmus, it borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. The capital is Belmopan, and the most populous city is Belize City, the country's main port. With just over 440,000 inhabitants, Belize is one of the least densely populated countries in the Americas. Its currency is the Belizean dollar (BZD), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1.
Obtaining residency in Belize is an attractive option for those seeking an English-speaking offshore jurisdiction, offering significant tax advantages for non-residents and those operating through international business corporations (IBCs). Belize is not strictly speaking part of Latin America, as the official language is not a Romance language. The country offers several residency options: temporary, permanent, and the QRP program for qualified retirees.
We work with a qualified lawyer and coordinate the entire process, from preparing the documents in Italy to collecting the Residence Card from the Ministry of Immigration, Governance & Labour.
Why Belize is an interesting destination for residence
- Official English language — no language barrier for English speakers.
- Territorial taxation — foreign-source income is not taxed for QRP residents.
- QRP Program for Retirees — Residency with only USD 2,000/month of foreign income, starting at age 40.
- Established offshore jurisdiction — IBCs, foundations, and trusts with high privacy and zero foreign asset taxes.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed — Belize allows dual and even multiple citizenship.
- Duty-Free Importation — QRP participants can import personal effects, vehicles, boats, and light aircraft duty-free.
- Barrier Reef and Nature — The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Transferring residency to Belize: country information
Belize has an area of 22,966 km² and borders the Caribbean Sea with over 386 km of coastline. The territory includes swampy coastal plains in the north, the Maya Mountain Range in the south with Victoria Peak (1,120 m) as the highest point, and over 400 islands (cayes) off the coast. The climate is tropical, with average annual temperatures around 29°C (84°F), a dry season from February to May, and a rainy season from June to November.
Belize's economy is based on agriculture (sugar, bananas, citrus fruits), tourism, oil exploration, and offshore financial services. GDP per capita is relatively modest compared to neighboring countries. Belize is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Central American Integration System). Belize's tax system provides for a 25% income tax for residents, with an annual exemption of up to BZD 29,000 (from 2025). The GST (General Sales Tax) is 12.5%.
The permit and residency system in Belize
There are several immigration options for moving to Belize, managed by the Ministry of Immigration, Governance & Labour. An Italian tourist can enter without a visa and stay for 30 days. Beyond this period, the tourist visa must be renewed monthly at a cost of approximately BZD 200 (USD 100) per renewal. For extended stays and residency, the following options are available: tourist permit (30 days renewable), Long Stay Permit (6 months for EU/US/UK/Canadian citizens), temporary residency (for investors), permanent residency (after one continuous year), and the QRP program for qualified retirees.
All available permits and visas in Belize
| Type | Category | Description | Duration | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor's Permit | Tourism | Visa-free tourist entry for Italians | 30 days (renewable monthly) | Valid passport, exit ticket |
| Long Stay Permit | Extended stay | Permit for EU/USA/UK/Canadian citizens with foreign income | 6 months | Minimum annual income USD 75,000 (single) or USD 100,000 (family) |
| Temporary Employment Permit | Work | Temporary work permit for employees | 1 year (renewable) | Job offer from a Belizean employer |
| Student Permit | Study | Permit for students enrolled in Belizean institutions | Course duration | Enrollment in a recognized institution |
| Dependent Permit | Dependent family members | Permit for spouse and children of permit holder | Equal to the owner | Proof of kinship, financial support |
| Temporary Residence | Investor | For those who invest at least BZD 500,000 in Belize | 1 year (renewable) | Investment ≥ BZD 500,000, criminal record, proof of residence |
| Permanent Residency | Permanent residence | For those who have lived in Belize for 1 continuous year | Indefinite | 1 year on site, max 14 days away, financial stability |
| QRP | Qualified Pensioner | Qualified Retired Persons Program via Belize Tourism Board | Annual (renewal) | Age ≥ 40, foreign income ≥ USD 2,000/month, 30 days/year |
| Citizenship | Naturalization | For registration after 5 years of permanent residence | Permanent | 5 years of permanent residence, good conduct |
Permanent Residency in Belize
Permanent residency in Belize is available to those who have lived in the country continuously for at least one year, without leaving the country for more than 14 days in that 12-month period. During the waiting period, you must renew your tourist visa monthly or have a work permit. The application is submitted to the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services.
Documents required for permanent residence
- Valid passport — with entry stamp dated at least 1 year prior to application
- Medical certificate — preliminary medical examination (Residence Medical Examination Form) completed by a Belizean physician
- HIV, VDRL and TB testing — for the applicant and family members over 12 years of age
- Belize Criminal Record - Valid for 6 months from date of issue
- Proof of financial stability — bank statements, employer letter, business license, or supporting statement
- Photographs — 2 photos, 2×2 inches, white background, recent
- Spouse and children's documentation — marriage certificate, birth certificates, consent letter from non-applicant parent
Permanent Residency Fees by Nationality
| Nationality | Tariff (BZD) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| CARICOM countries | BZD 1,000 | ≈ USD 500 |
| Central America, Mexico, Dominican Republic | BZD 1,500 | ≈ USD 750 |
| Commonwealth countries | BZD 3,000 | ≈ USD 1,500 |
| European countries (including Italy) | BZD 6,000 | ≈ USD 3,000 |
| Other countries | BZD 4,000 | ≈ USD 2,000 |
Temporary Residence in Belize (Investors)
Temporary residency in Belize is available to those investing in the country with a value of at least BZD 500,000 (approximately USD 250,000). The fee for temporary residency is 1/5 of the permanent residency fee, depending on nationality. For European citizens, the fee is BZD 1,200 (USD 600). Required documents include: a valid passport, criminal record from the country of last residence, a letter to the Director of the Nationality and Passports Department, proof of residency in Belize (rental contract or property title), and investment documentation (real estate titles, bank statements, business registration certificate, business license, tax returns).
QRP – Qualified Retiree Program
The Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRP) is the most popular route for expats wishing to relocate to Belize. Administered by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the program is open to individuals aged 40 and over who demonstrate a monthly income of at least USD 2,000 (USD 24,000/year) from foreign sources. The QRP grants an annual Resident Card that allows multiple visa-free entries, but it is not permanent residency and does not allow work in Belize.
QRP Program Requirements
- Minimum age: 40 years (reduced from 45 in 2024)
- Minimum income: USD 2,000/month or USD 24,000/year from foreign sources
- Minimum stay: 30 consecutive days per year in Belize
- Dependents: spouse and children under 18 (up to 23 if enrolled in university)
- Security clearance: security check by the Ministry of National Security
- Bank Deposit: A written commitment to deposit the requested amount in a Belizean financial institution.
- Eligible countries: EU, USA, Commonwealth, South America, Asia-Pacific countries
Tax and customs benefits of the QRP
- Total tax exemption — no taxes on foreign income, capital gains, and inheritance
- Duty-free import — personal effects without value limit, vehicle (not older than 5 years), boat, light aircraft (within the first year)
- Resident Card — allows multiple entries without a visa, to be renewed annually
- Real Estate Purchase — The QRP allows for the purchase of land and property for residential use
- Path to citizenship — after 5 years of continuous residence it is possible to apply for naturalization
QRP Program Costs
| Voice | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | USD 150 |
| Acceptance fee (to the Belize Tourism Board) | USD 1,000 |
| QRP Resident Card (first issue) | USD 200 |
| Annual QRP Card Renewal | USD 25 |
Long Stay Permit
The Long Stay Visitor Permit is a six-month permit for citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada who work remotely or have foreign income. It requires a minimum annual income of $75,000 for individual applicants or $100,000 for families. The fee is $500 per adult and $200 per minor. Applications are submitted online through Immigration Belize's IIS Connect portal.
Belizean citizenship
Belizean citizenship is obtained by registration (naturalization) after a minimum of five years of continuous permanent residence in Belize. During these five years, extended residence outside of Belize is prohibited. Citizenship by marriage is available after one year of permanent residence for the foreign spouse of a Belizean citizen. There is no direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program: the BECIP program was abolished in 2002 by constitutional amendment.
Costs of citizenship
- Citizenship by registration: BZD 300 (≈ USD 150) — payable upon approval
- Citizenship by descent: BZD 40 (≈ USD 20) — payable upon submission
- Certificate replacement: BZD 25 (≈ USD 12.50)
Procedure for obtaining residency in Belize
Tourist entry and stay
Enter Belize on a 30-day tourist visa. Renew monthly (BZD 200/month). Stay for at least 12 consecutive months, with no more than 14 days outside the country.
Document collection
Prepare all necessary documentation: passport, Belizean medical certificate, HIV/VDRL/TB test, Belizean criminal record (valid for 6 months), proof of financial stability, photographs.
Application submission
Submit your permanent residence application at an authorized Department of Immigration and Nationality Services office. The main office is located in Belmopan, with branches in Belize City, Orange Walk, Dangriga, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, San Pedro, and Benque Viejo del Carmen.
Interviews and verification
You will be scheduled for an interview with an immigration officer and the Belize Police Special Branch. The assessment process takes between six months and two years.
Approval and Residence Card
Upon approval, pay the permanent residence fee (BZD 6,000 for Europeans) and deposit a security bond of approximately BZD 1,200 with two Belizean guarantors. You will receive your Permanent Residence Card.
Where to live in Belize
Belize City
Belize City is the country's largest city, with approximately 60,000 inhabitants, and is the main commercial center and transportation hub. It boasts Philip Goldson International Airport, a cruise port, and the best private healthcare facilities in the country. The cost of living is higher than in the rest of Belize.
Ambergris Caye and San Pedro
Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and its most popular tourist destination. San Pedro Town is the main town, with a vibrant expat community, restaurants, resorts, and direct access to the Belize Barrier Reef. It's a favorite destination for QRP retirees for its tropical climate and Caribbean lifestyle.
Cayo District (San Ignacio)
The Cayo district, inland west of the Guatemalan border, offers a more affordable cost of living, a less humid climate, and a growing expat community. San Ignacio is the main center, with local markets, Mayan sites, and rainforests. It's the ideal choice for those who prefer the countryside and a limited budget.
Apply for your residency in Belize
Contact us for a personalized consultation on the best procedure for your case.
✉️ Write to us on WhatsAppIn addition to obtaining your residency in Belize, you'll likely be interested in considering a second tax residency in a territorial tax country like Panama or Paraguay . You may also be interested in an offshore account to complement your Belize residency, or an offshore company in Belize .
