Belize
BLZBelize is a small English-speaking nation on the Caribbean coast of Central America, bordering Mexico and Guatemala. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, making it a standout destination for retirees and remote workers. The flagship Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program grants permanent residency to applicants aged 45 and over who can demonstrate a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 from foreign sources such as pensions, annuities, or investments. QRP holders pay no Belizean tax on foreign income, may import personal and household effects duty-free, and can own property and operate a business within the country. Belize operates a territorial tax system, so locally earned income above BZD 26,000 is subject to income tax while offshore earnings remain untaxed. The country offers barrier reef diving, jungle eco-tourism, and a relaxed lifestyle at a modest cost, though infrastructure and public healthcare remain limited outside Belize City and San Ignacio.
Passport Rank
#99
Visa-Free
62
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Currency
- Belize Dollar (BZD)
- Languages
- English, Spanish, Kriol, Garifuna, Maya
- Population
- 441,471
- Tax System
- Territorial
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical; hot and humid with a dry season from February to May
- English Proficiency Rank
- #1
- Territorial Taxation
- Yes — foreign-sourced income may not be taxed
The Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program grants permanent residency to qualifying retirees aged 45+ with a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 from abroad, exempting all foreign-sourced income and imported personal effects from local tax.
Indices
Cost of Living
48
Safety
39
Healthcare
34
Quality of Life
111
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Territorial
- Territorial Taxation
- Yes — foreign-sourced income may not be taxed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Special Tax Regime
- The Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program grants permanent residency to qualifying retirees aged 45+ with a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 from abroad, exempting all foreign-sourced income and imported personal effects from local tax.
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize City | — | — | — | — | $30 |
| San Pedro | — | — | — | — | $20 |
| Belmopan | — | — | — | — | $25 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Belize City
Rainfall range: 45–235 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Work Permit
- QRP (Qualified Retired Persons)
- Investor
- Family
- Student
- Permanent Residence
- Authority
- Department of Immigration and Nationality Services
- Official Portal
- immigration.gov.bz
- Phone
- +501 822-2423
- immigration@belize.gov.bz
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- No
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $150
- Processing
- ~18 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#80
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Street tours and unofficial guides in Belize City charging upfront then abandoning or providing no service
- ⚠Taxi overcharging tourists; always agree fare before entering as meters are not standard
- ⚠San Pedro timeshare-style resort presentations targeting expats with free gifts as bait
Related Guides
Zero and low-tax residencies: the real list
Countries with zero personal income tax, territorial-only taxation, or special expatriate regimes — and what each one actually requires from you to qualify as a resident.
Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave
Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15