REEF RUINS, RIVERS, AND RAIN FOREST, PLUS EASY RESIDENCY AND TAX-FREE LIVING
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Can I Retire In Belize? You can absolutely retire in Belize! In fact, Belize is very keen to attract retirees.
The Belizean government is doing everything possible to make the process of moving here quick and easy. And, the reason is simple.
Expats and retirees provide a boost to the local economy and also bring much needed US dollars into the country.
To attract retirees, Belize offers the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP).
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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The Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is an incentive to facilitate those who meet certain requirements, to permanently live, retire, and relax in Belize.
As of 2024, the Belize’s QRP has changed… and it’s all good news. In short, the age limit dropped to 40.
The qualifying revenue streams were expanded to include inheritance, investment income, and personal savings.
Plus, the new legislative amendments also included potential investors in the QRP. Now, retired persons seeking to live in Belize will also be able to invest in and carry on business in the country.
Requirements for QRP Investor applications include a business plan, proof of investment capital (minimum US$500k), and proof of residency.
The application must be done through the Belize Tourism Board. It outlines the following requirements:
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Any person who has been accepted into the QRP is entitled to the following under the Belize Retired Persons Incentives Act, Chapter 62 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011:
Application forms for the Qualified Retirement Program, visit the Belize Tourism Board website.
Completed application forms and the list of supporting documents for applicant and each dependent must be submitted to the Belize Tourism Board office on #64 Regent Street, Belize City.
All payments must be made payable to the Belize Tourism Board in the form cash or cashier’s check in U.S. dollars.
There are two ways of obtaining a work permit.
In a word, no. The Belizean government won’t issue a work permit for any job that could be otherwise done by a Belizean.
As a result, you need to find a job where you are not competing with the existing labor pool. This isn’t easy.
It is easier to go through the Self Employed route. You will need to prove that you are offering something different.
Get creative with the job title. If you have a specialist´s training be sure to highlight it in your application.
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Permanent residency means you can both live and work in Belize indefinitely. It’s not easy to get this golden ticket.
You need to spend a full year in Belize, with a maximum of just 12 days out of the country.
There is also a police interview, background check and a means test to prove your income.
The fee is US$1,000 plus a deposit which can range from US$100 to US$1,200. This is refunded three years after your residency has been given.
Check out the official Permanent Residence Application Guide
One of the big reasons we set our monthly estimate at US$2,000 is the Qualified Retirement Program. It requires a monthly income of at least US$2,000.
In fact, people who live frugally in more rural parts of Belize get by on far less.
Adventurous bloggers living in small villages report monthly budgets of around US$600. Meanwhile, many couples get by on around US$1,200.
At US$2,000 income per month, you meet QRP requirements and can live comfortably. You can use the following budget to cover expenses and save:
| Expense | Monthly Budget in US$ |
|---|---|
| Rent | US$700 |
| Groceries | US$300 |
| Savings | US$200 |
| Utilities | US$200 |
| Entertainment | US$200 |
| Cable & Internet | US$150 |
| Miscellaneous | US$150 |
| Calling & Text | US$50 |
| Public Transportation | US$25 |
| Hired Help | US$25 |
| Total | US$2,000 |
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You should also set money aside for the following fees:
A bachelor can expect to pay US$1,350 upfront for residency as a retiree. A married couple would pay US$2,100.
Some people complete the process on their own. Those who rely on legal services may end up paying up to US$5,000 for all immigration costs.
As for the actual move, you can buy passage aboard a cruise ship for under US$500 if it leaves from Florida or Louisiana ports.
The cost of airfare to Belize depends on where you fly in from. You can catch a flight for under US$500 in California. Expect to pay closer to US$800 from states that are further away, such as New York.
Ideally, when you retire in a foreign country, you downsize significantly. The best situation involves you moving with just a few suitcases.
If you plan to set up a house in Belize with your old belongings, you may decide to ship them. The cost of doing so varies based on a number of factors:
Most companies are tightlipped about their shipping costs until they complete a survey of your home or the items you want to move.
Some estimates we’ve seen show that you can ship enough belongings to fill a 20-foot container for under $5,000.
Note that you currently pay no taxes or duties on one shipment of personal items and one motor vehicle.
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If the initial costs are starting to look a little high, consider the savings on real estate. Meanwhile, there are some Americans who plan to retire in Belize like royalty. So, they end up spending as much or more on housing in Belize than at home.
Then, there are more frugal Americans who choose Belize for cost savings. These retirees can spend up to 75% less than the cost of rent or a mortgage in the U.S.
The tourist areas may seem too expensive to live in for most retirees. However, they may provide the perfect opportunity for owning an investment property.
From beach houses on private islands to villas in the cities, there are plenty of opportunities for becoming a landlord or Airbnb host.
This may help to supplement your income. Still, it’s important to rely on trusted local expertise to guide you when investing in real estate.
You don’t want to end up purchasing property that looks great but It´d be difficult to find tenants for. Working with someone who knows the area well is best.
Airbnb estimates that hosts can earn roughly US$2,056 per month if they offer an entire place that rooms four guests. This is based on the expectation of only 15 nights rented per month at the going rate.
To sum up, making extra money on the side to supplement your pension or Social Security check is a great idea. But, how far it stretches depends on your spending habits.
For the most part, Belize saves you money when purchasing goods and services. Note that one dollar in American money equals $2 in Belizean currency.
Here are some of the expenses you may come across in Belize translated to US. How this compares to your costs in the U.S. may depend on where you live and your quality preferences:
When you become a qualified retiree, you’re required to deposit US$2,000 per month in a Belizean bank account. So, the good news is that banking in Belize is safe.
Belizean banks adhere to strict standards. They get audited once and sometimes even twice per year to ensure compliance.
Even so, if you’ve become accustomed to living on credit in America, you may want to reconsider this in your new home. Interest rates are often high and the loan-to-value ratio is around 50%.
This is one of the reasons people tend to purchase real estate in full when they can instead of relying on a mortgage.
You can absolutely retire in Belize on US$1,500 a month. Bur, this will prevent you from getting a residency or a QRP visa though, as the minimum threshold is US$2,000 per month.
What Will My Standard Of Living Be Like?
Much higher than in the United States. The average salary in Belize is around US$800 per month. This means your money is worth almost double the average wage.
In the United States, the average salary is US$3,714 per month. In many places, your US$1,500 wouldn’t even cover the rent.
When you factor in that rent, bills, and fresh produce are all far lower in Belize, you realize how far your money can go.
On the other hand, you will need to make some changes though. U.S. brand goods need importing and cost a lot more. You can’t live on a budget here without making the change to locally grown, fresh produce.
Well done on saving US$1 million for your retirement. For a long time, this amount was considered the ideal amount to save for comfortable retirement.
While it is still a significant amount, it doesn’t go as far in the States as it once did. Instead of enjoying your million-dollar retirement, people are now focusing on how to get by on a million dollars in retirement.
But it’s not like this everywhere.
For example, moving overseas can allow you a much higher standard of living. In some countries, a million dollars is still a very decent nest egg.
Certainly, the strong dollar helps. So does the low cost of living you can find outside the American borders.
Central America has some the best options for expats wanting to retire on US$1 million.
Yes. A Belizian bank is actually one of the safest places to put your money.
Belizean banks must always have at least 24% liquidity. Most importantly, high liquidity is one of the best ways to inspire investor confidence. So, banks with low liquidity can be vulnerable to going bust.
Money in a Belize bank account can be a great way to protect your wealth too. And, if you ever found yourself losing a legal case, any money in Belize would not be recoverable by the claimant.
However, it is not wise to move all your money to Belize. Diversification is always the best strategy, and having all your money in one place leaves you vulnerable.
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Renting in Belize leaves you with money to invest in other areas. With your spare capital, you can generate income streams that will ensure you don’t run out of money.
Ironically, some of the best investments in Belize involve property. Buying a property and renting it out is a great way to get an income stream going. And with the property market continuing to strengthen you have a chance to make some nice money on your investment too.
Getting a Belizean bank account is a great way to protect your money.
Belizean banks are subject to strict laws to ensure security for customers. Belizean banks are a very safe place to put your money.
A bank in Belize offers a high level of privacy and protection. You still have to pay your taxes of course, but nobody can freeze your assets in Belize.
First, you’ll need to set up a bank account in Belize. Bring all your essential paperwork, such as your passport, visa and other information.
Choose a bank that has a local branch near your new residence but is also a large national or international corporation for added safety.
Set up a transfer between your two banks. This will allow you to keep your Social Security funds in a U.S. bank, which can be safer than a Belize bank account. It’s a great option if you’re unsure whether you’ll stay in Belize or choose to move to a new country for your retirement.
The Social Security Administration also allows you to directly deposit your check into an account in 69 different countries around the world, including Belize. You’ll need to fill out a direct deposit form, which asks for your contact information in Belize and your Belizean bank account.
Once filled out, you’ll receive your payment in the form of Belize dollars. This makes it easier to spend money and make payments in Belize but can cost you more in transfer costs and exchange rates if you decide to move to a new country during your retirement.
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Buying a property in Belize will take up a big piece of your retirement budget. However there are some reasons why it can be a good idea.
The first is that real estate prices in Belize, especially in the popular tourist and expat parts, are rising. An investment in real estate can be a good place to park your money but there are a couple of important things to remember.
One is that, market liquidity is high in popular areas, but in the countryside can be very slow. If you bought a property in the countryside and needed to sell quickly, you could be in trouble.
In the tourist and expat areas, the liquidity is mostly in mid-priced properties. Splashing out on a very expensive property could also leave you stranded if you needed to sell urgently.
The case for renting in Belize is also strong. And, if you want to enjoy a luxury lifestyle, a million-dollar budget will allow you to rent just about anywhere you like.
Firstly, by not buying a property you will also have more cash available for things like trips back to the U.S. and for any emergencies that might occur.
Secondly, renting allows you extra flexibility too. If you decide you want to live somewhere else, renting means you can do this easily.
This is one of the most popular options. Snowbirds love to come here to escape the cold weather.
Belize is warm all year, but the best weather coincides with the worst weather in the northern hemisphere.
You can enjoy the best of both worlds if you choose this option.
Also, It can be a budget-friendly decision. If you buy a property in Belize, you can rent it out for some income while you are not living there.
If you choose to rent, you will enjoy having to pay for less than half the year.
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Panama has a more developed infrastructure than Belize, with better transport links and healthcare.
The downside is the price. The popular expat areas are far more expensive than Belize. And, if you don’t mind learning another language, you can find affordable places to live in the Panama countryside.
Mexico is another option to consider. There is a range of living options, and like Belize, you can simply drive to your new home.
Like Panama, the English-speaking areas come with a higher price tag but if you are willing to learn Spanish you can find some bargains. But, Mexico doesn’t offer the same tax benefits as Belize but you can now buy real estate here which is a plus.
Firstly, before planning your Belizean retirement with Social Security, here’s a quick reminder of the basic qualifications of these benefits. Most importantly, be sure you are eligible for Social Security before starting your new life in Belize.
You must have paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters, or 10 years, before becoming eligible for benefits. The typical age of collection is 65 if you were born before 1937.
If you were born after 1960, the typical age of collection is 67. But, as long as you’re eligible, you can begin collecting anytime between 62 and 70; you’ll simply receive a reduced retirement check if you begin collecting early.
Social Security is available for any U.S. citizen, regardless of the country you’re currently living in. However, as an expat, you may need to fill out a questionnaire to ensure you’re still eligible for benefits.
In short, make sure the Social Security Administration has your valid mailing address in Belize to receive any questionnaires or other important information.
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There are two basic ways you can receive your Social Security check while in Belize. Above all, choose which option best fits your retirement situation:
If you decide to deposit your check in an American bank account and then wire your funds, you need to choose a safe and convenient wiring service.
Thankfully, there are many financial institutions and private companies that make it easy to send and receive money while abroad. So, here are a few common companies to send your U.S. funds to a bank account in another country and currency:
The Qualified Retired Persons Program in Belize is an exciting way to spend your retirement years soaking up the sun and enjoying beautiful beaches and local scenery.
So, when you choose to retire in Belize on Social Security, you can enjoy a number of benefits.
Firstly, you can import many of your household goods and personal items without paying import duties. This includes larger items such as cars, planes, and boats.
Secondly, find out if you can still work in consulting or other industries in Belize.
The Qualified Retired Persons Program in Belize allows you to still engage in gainful employment. Therefore, your employment must be exclusive with non-residents of Belize, so any consulting or online work is a great option for retirees.
Most importantly, as long as you are eligible for Social Security and have at least $2,000 per month in income, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement in the warm, friendly and beautiful towns and beaches of Belize.
The first step is to visit Belize and spend some time there. So, live as a local for a few months and see how you like it. But, just book your ticket and go! Check out Kayak.com for flight tickets right now.
After that, decide if you want to retire to Belize full time, or just for winter. But, if you only want to retire for winter, you might be better off renting a property.
Look into the visa option that is going to work for you. Starting with a QRP visa is often a safe move. In other words, once you have imported your things here, duty free, you can decide on the next visa you want.
Will you drive your belongings here or send them in a shipping container? The roads here can be rough. But, just make sure you have a suitable vehicle if you’re planning to drive.
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Belize is close to the USA. So, you can fly to and from Belize in a matter of hours. Flights here are cheaper than most other overseas expat destinations. As a result, this makes it easy for friends and family to visit. And, you can quickly fly home in case of an emergency.
Belize has a diverse range of living options. As a result, there are miles of pristine Caribbean coastline. Also, you can choose to live in a busy beach town with an expat community.
But if you prefer peace and quiet, you can find lots of secluded spots too. Also, you can live in the cool air of the mountains, surrounded by jungle, or on the grassy plains in an off-the-grid community.
Belize is a great destination for a part-time retirement.
The dry (summer) season here coincides with winter in the States. So, retire in Belize for the coldest months, and return home for the Spring and summer.
Move to Belize and you won’t need to worry about learning a new language.English is spoken throughout Belize. And, if you are keen to learn another language there are three Mayan languages the locals converse in.
Belize is a tax haven. Income earned from overseas is not taxable.
The government is keen to have foreigners bring their money here, and the low tax rate is one of the perks they use to encourage this. In other words, you can bring your pension here tax-free.
Belize is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life. The pace of life here is known as “Belize Time”. Stores open later than the advertised times. Nobody rushes for anything. Some might find this difficult at first. However, living without worry can put years on your life, and help you remember exactly what is important.
A real estate investment in Belize is a great way to diversify your portfolio. So, by owning assets outside the USA you give yourself some extra security in case something goes wrong in the States.
Your money goes further in Belize. You can expect to improve your standard of living by moving to Belize. Food costs, rent, bills, just about all of your expenses will be a lot less in Belize.
Most importantly, broaden your horizons. Moving to another country is good for personal development. However, you will need to learn some new skills and are going to find a lot of new experiences. If you’re someone who is looking for an adventure or some excitement, a move to Belize will offer both.
Belize has an established expat community. You can move to Belize and find a group of likeminded expats there waiting. But, if you prefer to live away from the expat crowds, that’s possible too.
If you live to shop Belize is not for you. On the other hand, there are very few shopping malls and goods tend to be expensive. Driving over the border into Mexico is an option if you want to find some U.S. style shopping malls.
If you are looking for a quiet retirement, Belize may not be for you. Of course, you can find secluded areas but in general, Belizeans like to enjoy life and you celebrate at any opportunity. Parties can last all night, and requests to turn down the music are unlikely to be listened too.
If you require special health care, Belize is not the best country to live in. In short, medical care here is basic. Luckily, you are close enough that you can fly back to the United States should you need to.
Belize is a hot, humid country. If you do not enjoy subtropical weather and everything that goes with it, don’t retire in Belize. It sounds too obvious to even mention but the heat is exceptional. Living with it full-time is very different from a couple of weeks in the sun.
Bugs, snakes, spiders, even crocodiles are all things you need to consider when living in Belize. With a little care, they won’t be a big problem, but they are real-life considerations here.
If you are keen on cultural events such as museums, theatre, opera, then you should know that you can’t find these in Belize. However, there is lots of great live music.
Belize does not have a developed infrastructure system. For example, there are busses who can get you around the country but they are infrequent and don’t appear to follow a timetable. So, if you want to travel freely in Belize you will need your own vehicle.
If you are the sort of person who craves order and certainty in life, Belize could be difficult. It’s not just the people in Belize who run on Belize-time.
Businesses will generally open when they are ready, and even government agencies use this laid-back timetable.
Living in Belize is not a good idea for digital nomads. In other words, the internet is slow and unreliable. Also, Belize also suffers from frequent electricity outages. And, if you have deadlines or need to be online regularly, Belize will drive you insane.
Assuming you are happy to retire here on a tourist visa though, your best option is Cayo. Here are a couple of interesting places to help you start your search.
Cayo is rural living at its best. The Cayo countryside is quiet and peaceful, perfect for enjoying the wonder of nature in Belize.
It’s easy to live like a local here, although there are some expat bars and restaurants to be found too.
A quiet countryside village northwest of San Ignacio.
The community here is mostly Spanish-speaking. Plus, the main village is made up of a few small grocery stores and street food vendors.
Also, the community spirit is very noticeable here. Foreigners are starting to arrive but prices, including real estate, are low.
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Spanish Lookout is the major agricultural center in Belize. You will never find it easier to eat fresh, healthy, local produce.
There is a strong Mennonite presence here. However, they have moved with the times and use modern technologies. In fact, it is one of the most modern places in Belize.
Spanish Lookout feels like Midwest America from years gone by.
Don’t let financing concerns hold you back from your dream of a tropical retirement. As long as you are eligible for the Qualified Retirement Program, you can reach your goal of retiring Belize Social Security.
Learn more about the underlying costs and steps you need to take to retire comfortably in Belize.
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Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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Retiring in Belize is an excellent idea because of it’s laid-back approach to life, great scenery, and lower costs.
Above all, tourist and expat areas of Belize are safe, and crime is similar to most tourism areas in the world.
Social Security is available for any U.S. citizen, regardless of the country you’re currently living in. However, as an expat, you may need to fill out a questionnaire to ensure you’re eligible for benefits.
Ambergris Caye is the most popular place in Belize, and that’s where most expats reside.
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