Immigration
Immigration Act permits plus a statutory QRP programme
The Immigration Act governs entry, work permits and residence. Belize also runs the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Programme, a statutory residence scheme for over-45s with qualifying foreign income, administered by the Belize Tourism Board rather than the immigration department.
Key rules
- Visitors are generally admitted for 30 days and may extend monthly for up to a year on payment of a fee.
- Permanent residence requires one year of continuous residence with no absence exceeding 14 days.
- A work permit is employer-specific and must be obtained before employment begins.
- QRP status under the Retired Persons (Incentives) Act requires USD 2,000 monthly income and gives duty concessions but no right to work locally.
- Citizenship by naturalisation requires five years of residence, or one year for spouses of Belizeans.
Governing law
- Immigration Act (Cap 156)Entry, permits and removal.
- Retired Persons (Incentives) Act (Cap 62)QRP programme.
- Belizean Nationality Act (Cap 161)Naturalisation and registration.
In practice
The 14-day absence rule for permanent residence is applied strictly and is the most common reason applications fail. QRP holders are tax-exempt on foreign income but cannot work in Belize, so it does not suit those needing local employment.