To visit Belize, move to Belize or live in Belize there are four options:

1. Passport/Tourist Card - With a valid passport you can stay in Belize for up to 30 days, and if you wish to stay longer you can simply obtain an extension for up to six months for US$25 per month and after six months for US$50 per month. The extension may be obtained at a government immigration office in Belize City or Belmopan, or a police station in a remote area. Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Community countries, Australia, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Venezuela, and CARICOM member states do not require visas to visit Belize. Please note that your passport must be valid up until the time of your departure.

2. Residency - After staying in Belize for one year you can apply for residency. Your tourist permit must be renewed every 30 days during the application process and you cannot leave the country for more than 14 days during that time. The residency application includes three passport photos, a health certificate from a local doctor/medical institute, a police report from your local police department, a bank statement, birth certificates for minor children (if applicable), marriage certificate (if applicable), and a work permit (if applicable). For more information and specific details of the application, please contact the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan (the Capital), Cayo District of Belize by phone at 011-501-822-2423.

3. Citizenship - Once you have obtained residency, to become a citizen of Belize you must be a legal resident of Belize for at least five years or after one year if married to a Belize citizen.

4. Belize Retirement Incentives Program - In 1999 the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act was passed and in 2000 the Belize Retirement Incentives Program was implemented by the Belize Tourism Board. The program is intended to attract foreign retirees to Belize and it provides incentives such as official residency, quick and efficient approval process, and the import of a retiree's personal household goods and vehicles (car, boat and light aircraft). Retirees under the program are also exempt from paying Belize taxes on income generated from work or investments outside Belize. The main qualification requirements for the program are to be at least 45 years old and show at least US$2,000 per month income from a pension, annuity, U.S. Social Security or investment. For information about the Belize Retirement Incentives Program, please call 011-501-227-2420 or visit the following link - Belize Retirement Program.

Belize Land for Sale Basics

Belize offers North Americans and Europeans a great way to be part of a friendly, stable and exciting country... buying property, and more specifically, buying undeveloped land in Belize.  Belize still has affordable parcels of land... some of it waterfront. Prices are generally much lower than in the United States, Canada and Europe and you can purchase land now and build later as retirement approaches.

Buying Land

Prices of land for sale in Belize vary widely, depending on the size, location and amenities (infrastructure such as roads, water and electric) of the property.

Belize property can be purchased in one person's name, jointly, or in the name of a corporation.  It is common in Belize for individuals to purchase land in the name of a corporation and it is wise to discuss these options with your lawyer and accountant.  Belizean property laws are based on British common law, as are the U.S. and Canadian property laws, and as in the U.S. and Canada, and there are closing costs and fees that apply to a real estate transfer.  It is customary, in Belize, for the buyer to pay the Belize government stamp tax and registration fees.

Belize has become one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the world, not only because of its ideal climate and breathtaking beauty, but because foreigners can buy property, obtain fee simple title and retire to Belize.