Living in Belize: an Expat Guide for 2024

Often overlooked by travellers and investors alike, Belize is regularly called the ‘jewel of the Caribbean basin’ by those in the know, even though it’s technically part of Central America.

Regardless of whether it’s part of the Caribbean or Central America, this English-speaking hidden gem is rightly renowned for its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and friendly locals who welcome expats.

That laid-back, welcoming atmosphere has made Belize an attractive relocation destination for years, but it’s important to understand both the benefits and the challenges of expat life in Belize.

No country is perfect and our mantra at Nomad Capitalist has always been to go where you’re treated best. While Belize has much to offer, it’s not for everyone and other Central American countries like Costa Rica and Panama remain popular choices among expats and retirees.

Setting up here can be complicated, requiring local expertise and knowledge on diverse subjects like immigration laws or the downsides of living there. So, to help you figure out where your best destiny lies, the Nomad Capitalist team has crafted a comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of moving to Belize.

Whether you want to move to Central America or acquire citizenship by investment in the Caribbean or elsewhere, we can help you realise your dream in the same way we’ve helped more than 1,500 clients. All you need to do is reach out to us.

Why Move to Belize?

English as a national language, spectacular nature and welcoming people make Belize appealing to many expats.

First, let’s discuss the advantages of moving to Belize, which attracts a large number of expats who resettle there every year.

English Speaking Country

Moving to another country is always stressful, and language is one of the biggest hurdles. Not knowing the language of the country you intend to relocate to can be a deal breaker when it comes to whether or not you buy a one-way ticket.

Well, in Belize, you’ll feel right at home. Whether you need to go to the bank, buy some food in a grocery store or want to invest in real estate, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier at all.

Belize is an English-speaking country. It’s the official language, so everyone speaks fluently, from real estate agents and bank officials to cashiers.

Friendly People

Thanks to the friendly locals, you’ll feel right at home in Belize. Belize was a British colony in the past, but like other Central American countries, its population is diverse.

Despite multiple ethnicities living in one territory, Belizean people maintain harmony in society with respect towards others, including foreigners.

Slow-Paced Lifestyle

If you’ve been in a rush all your life, then you’ll instantly notice that people in Belize take everything easy. And we don’t perceive it as a bad thing.

It can be exhausting when you’re surrounded by people who are constantly running around in a big city. You instinctively do the same because you don’t want to lag behind. However, at times, slowing down is exactly what you need.

You can still efficiently generate a seven-figure income (or higher) in Belize at your own pace.

Mobility

Belize is a tiny country on the Caribbean Sea, so it’s easy to move around. All street signs are in English, which is great if you want to explore the country by car.

In addition, Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize has direct flights to the US, Australia and Europe. With this mobility, you can travel whenever necessary for business or family purposes.

Belize is also an excellent destination for those who have business in Mexico, as it is located right on the Mexican border.

Weather

Who doesn’t want to retire or relocate to a place where the weather is warm all year round?

Belize is a tropical country with two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to May, which is the best time to enjoy sunny days and when the tourist season is at its peak.

However, when the wet season hits from June to November, you should expect heavy rainfall and occasional hurricanes. Also, the humidity level in Belize reaches over 85%.

Leisure Opportunities

And, of course, we can’t leave out the countless leisure opportunities that Belize offers expats.

Warm weather combined with sweeping views, natural biodiversity, wildlife parks, beautiful beaches and coral reefs turn Belize into a place where every day can be an exciting adventure.

Downsides of Life in Belize

However, despite all the benefits we highlighted, Belize is far from being a Caribbean paradise. These are some of the things you should be aware of when planning to relocate to Belize. 

Quality of Life in Belize

According to the Prosperity Index, Belize is ranked 93rd out of 167 countries, and there are several issues that the Belizean government needs to address.

Investment Climate

Belize is a democratic country with a stable political environment, but its financial system is quite fragile. Bureaucratic inefficiency and poor infrastructure make it more challenging to run a business in Belize.

But there are also good sides. The Belizean government is keen on attracting foreign investors and does not restrict foreign ownership.

Belizean banks are obliged to maintain a 24% liquidity rate, which is higher than in many other countries. Additionally, the currency in Belize is stable because it is pegged to the US dollar.

Belize’s low taxes for foreign investors and the possibility of gathering information and conducting legal matters in English make it appealing to foreign entrepreneurs.

At Nomad Capitalist, we believe that nothing is black and white. And what may work for one high-net-worth individual doesn’t necessarily benefit another.

Before investing overseas, always seek professional advice. If you’re wondering whether investing in Belize would be a smart decision, consider becoming a client, and we’ll advise you according to your situation.

How Safe is Belize for Expats?

Of course, no country in the world is 100% safe. But because of its petty crime, taking extra precautions in Belize is essential.

It is worth noting, however, that despite the violent crime incidents, in general, expats feel comfortable in Belize.

They highlight that even though the south part of Belize City has a bad reputation, they feel very secure on the city’s north side. But as with anywhere else, take caution and put down roots in a safe area.

Medical Care

Belize also lacks high-quality healthcare options. For simple things, you can go to a local hospital. But to treat serious illness or to get dental care, you may need to go to Mexico or Panama.

Belize has both public and private hospitals in major cities like Belize City, but medical care standards are far from those in the US and Europe.

Digital nomads and expats residing in Belize should have international health insurance, including repatriation and air ambulance services.

Cost of Living in Belize

Belize may not be the cheapest place to live in Central America, but it is more affordable than the US. To put it in perspective, let’s compare Belize City and New York City.

In New York City, consumer prices (including rent) are about 150% higher than in Belize City. You would pay around 90% more for food in New York City than in Belize City. Utilities in the Five Boroughs of New York City are also nearly double the cost. 

Living in Belize is also less expensive than living in Costa Rica. Overall, Belize has a lower cost of living than you’re likely used to. You can expect to spend around US$1,500 monthly, including accommodation and food.

Accommodation prices vary depending on your preferences and where you want to stay. You can expect a cost of US$600 for a two-bedroom apartment in Belize City. But if you prefer a more high-end home, you can find options for around US$2,000 per month.

When it comes to food, keep in mind that many imported items have import taxes up to 45%. If you’re craving your favourite pepper sauce from home, you’ll pay an additional 45%. It’s often better to opt for local fresh products.

Best Places to Live in Belize for Expats

Belize is popular among digital nomads and expats. But where do they live?

Below are the most popular spots in Belize for expats:

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the most popular place in Belize where most expats reside. It’s a little island full of colourful houses where the primary means of transport is a golf cart.

Adventurous souls move to Ambergris Caye because it has ample leisure activities – snorkelling, fishing and diving. And the famous Great Blue Hole is just ten minutes away by boat.

Ambergris Caye is quite an expensive destination compared to other places in Belize. But it could be a wonderful place to retire or relocate because you can easily meet other like-minded expats.

Cayo District

If Ambergris Caye is a buzzing place full of foreigners, then Cayo is where you can experience an authentic Belizean lifestyle and meet many locals. It’s calm and close to nature, and other towns are easily accessible.

Unlike Ambergris Caye, the Cayo District has a lower cost of living, and San Ignacio is one of the best spots to live.

Cayo District has high-speed internet and cell phone coverage. So, if you have a location-independent business and need to be available all the time, you know where to move.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is another Caribbean island off the coast of Belize with a large expat community. It’s not cheap but still affordable enough for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Like other islands, it has multiple water and outdoor activities. There are no cars on the island, and you can peacefully move around with your bicycle.

It’s a great destination to escape the hustle and enjoy a tranquil time in your hammock. If you feel it’s a little too quiet, hop on a boat and head to the nearby islands for an eventful day trip or night out. 

Taxes in Belize

We’ve discovered that Belize has multiple advantages and also some drawbacks. But what about taxes?

Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction where you can legally reduce your taxes. It doesn’t have corporate tax or capital gains tax. 

You can easily open a bank account with a liquidity rate of 24%. The national currency is pegged to the US dollar and is stable – all that makes a perfect package.

But don’t be blinded by all that. Before moving your business, investing in real estate or opening an offshore bank account in Belize, you should ask yourself – what is my goal?

In theory, tax havens like Belize are appealing, but in practice, they may not be suitable for your case.

Let’s say your goal is to retire and put some money in a Belizean bank account. Great. Belize has a retirement program, and keeping a bank account is easy.

But if you want to use Belize for offshore banking, we recommend you think twice.

Residency in Belize

There are several ways to obtain residency in Belize, including through investment or the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program (QRP). Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Belize Retired Persons Incentive Program

Belize Retired Persons Incentive Program (QRP) is a program that grants residence visas to people who are 45 or older. You can also include your spouse and family members in the QRP application. 

To qualify for the program, you must prove that you have a pension or that your savings and investments generate US$24,000 annually. In addition, you must also move US$2,000 a month, or US$24,000 per year, into a Belizean bank account.

Once you get the QRP card, you don’t have to stay in the country all year round. However, you should spend at least one month in Belize to maintain your legal status.

The program has several benefits. First, you can still apply if you’re not a retiree. Second, the program prohibits you from working in Belize, but you can still work online or conduct business abroad.

Besides this, you can enjoy some tax benefits in the program’s first year. You can also bring some household goods into Belize without paying the import tax.

After one year, you’ll be able to get permanent residence. And after five more years, permanent residents can apply for a Belizean passport.

Documents needed for QRP

Some of the documents you can expect to provide for residency include the following:

1. Birth certificate
2. Marriage certificate (if you’re married and the spouse is a dependent)
3. Authentic police report
4. Passport
5. Proof of income, which includes the following:

• An official statement from a bank or financial institution certifying that the applicant receives a pension or annuity of a minimum of US$2,000 per month
• A financial statement from a financial institution, bank, credit union or building society in Belize certifying that the applicant’s investment or deposit will generate a minimum of US$2,000) per month or the equivalent of US$24,000 per year

6. Medical examination
7. Passport photos.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list but provides an in-depth overview. 

Temporary Investor’s Residence Program

If you want to buy real estate or land in Belize, you can apply for the Temporary Investor’s Residence Program.

Your investment must be at least US$250,000.

With this program, you can get a temporary residence but without the possibility of a permanent residence or citizenship in the future.

Belize doesn’t have a fixed sector where you should invest.

Documents needed for Temporary Investor’s Residence Program

You will need to provide the Belize Government with the following documents: 

1. Passport
2. Police records issued by the last country of residence
3. Letter explaining the applicant’s reason for requesting temporary residence
4. Evidence of a primary place of residence in Belize:
   • Rental/lease agreement and a utility bill or
   • Property title and property tax statement
5. Details and evidence of investments in Belize valued at not less than US$250,000.

Citizenship

After five years as a permanent resident, you can apply for Belizean citizenship.

A Belizean passport allows you to travel to 100 countries worldwide and grants you the right to live and work in Belize.

Belize allows dual citizenship. So, if you don’t want to revoke your first citizenship, you don’t have to.

Living in Belize: FAQs

Is Living in Belize Worth It?

Expats love Belize for a reason. It’s gorgeous, warm, affordable and open to foreign investors.

At Nomad Capitalist, we believe successful investors and entrepreneurs need a Plan B – a holistic plan that considers every aspect of their business, family and personal lives.

So, if you’re still wondering whether Belize could be your way to go, contact our team. We’re here to ensure you go where you’re treated best.